Federated Farmers Podcast

Hosted by Federated Farmers of NZ

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith, Federated Farmers' communications manager, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Te Akau on Waikato's west coast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 13, 202640 min

Meet the farmer: Sandra Faulkner | EP 96

Sandra Faulkner has spent decades giving back to rural New Zealand. Now, she's stepping into one of the biggest leadership roles in farming as Federated Farmers' new vice president.In this episode, Sandra talks about how growing up in an extremely isolated part of the East Coast shaped her passion for disaster preparedness and resilient rural communities. She reflects on her time working in the UK and Australia's Northern Territory before returning home to New Zealand to take over Wairakaia Station with her husband, Rob.Sandra also shares what motivates her, the mentors who've shaped her leadership, and what she hopes Federated Farmers can achieve for Kiwi farmers over the next few years. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

July 6, 202648 min

Meet the farmer: Colin Hurst | EP 95

Who is Colin Hurst, the new president of Federated Farmers? How did he go from being the quiet kid at the back of the room to leading the country's largest farming advocacy organisation?Colin joins the Federated Farmers Podcast to share his journey into farming and advocacy, what gets him fired up, the leadership style he wants to bring to the role, and his vision and priorities for the next three years.Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

June 29, 202639 min

Sam Whitelock on leadership, pressure and life after rugby | EP 94

After growing up on a Manawatū dairy farm, Sam Whitelock became one of the most decorated All Blacks of all time, including winning two Rugby World Cups and a bunch of Super Rugby titles. Now retired, he's back farming with his wife Hannah and their three children.In this episode, Sam reflects on life after rugby, his return to farming, and the leadership lessons he's learned from some of the world's best teams and players. We discuss performing under pressure, building strong team culture, his decade as a Farmstrong ambassador, and what farmers can learn from elite sport.Thanks to Farmstrong for teaming up with us to create this podcast. Useful linksFarmstrongGot a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

June 22, 202653 min

Vangelis Vitalis: Inside NZ’s trade strategy | EP 93

Vangelis Vitalis is New Zealand's top trade negotiator. He's our man in the room securing better access for our exports, defending our interests overseas, and managing relationships with some of the world's biggest economies.In this episode, Vangelis explains how New Zealand navigates an increasingly complex and unpredictable global trading environment. How does a small exporting nation compete for access to international markets? What happens behind closed doors during trade negotiations? And what does it all mean for farmers?Find out from Vangelis.Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

June 15, 202651 min

Farming the conservation estate — a fight for common sense | EP 92

Many farmers say DOC’s grazing system has become so restrictive that it’s putting the very landscapes it aims to protect at risk. In this episode, West Coast farmer Simon Cameron and North Otago farmer James Hurst discuss the growing red tape around conservation grazing, the consequences of removing farmers from the land, and why they believe a common-sense reset is urgently needed. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

June 9, 202633 min

Wayne Langford: Five priorities for the next government | EP 91

What do farmers need from the next government? Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins us to walk through the organisation's newly released election platform, a five-point plan to double farm productivity, cut costs, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen rural New Zealand. Wayne explains the thinking behind each proposal, the challenges farmers are facing on the ground, and why Feds believes these changes would benefit the wider economy as well as the rural sector.LinksMedia release: 'Federated Farmers launches election priorities'Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

June 1, 202652 min

How to avoid getting burned by solar | EP 90

How do you separate solar facts from sales hype? Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa joins us to discuss not only the significant opportunities solar energy presents for farmers, but also how to make sure you're getting the right system.With more farmers exploring solar to reduce power costs, improve on-farm resilience and gain greater control over rising electricity prices, Mike explains why careful research is essential before signing a contract. He shares the warning signs of a poor deal, the sales pitches that should raise questions, and the common mistakes farmers make when choosing a solar system or finance package.Mike also walks us through what a good solar proposal should include, how to compare offers, and the key questions to ask before making a decision. Useful linksRewiring Aotearoa's Electric Farms ReportGot a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

May 25, 202643 min

Kerry Harmer’s fight for consent while winning awards | EP 89

Kerry Harmer and her husband Paul have recently won top environmental awards for their high-country stewardship work, while simultaneously fighting a $150,000 (so far) battle for consent to keep farming.In this episode, the new Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president talks about the brutal irony of being recognised for environmental leadership while being told they’re not doing enough. She shares the reality of the Harmers’ costly consent battle, the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and why she believes New Zealand’s consenting system is failing good farmers.Kerry also reflects on her career in farming, life at Castle Ridge Station, high-country resilience, and the leadership she wants to bring to Federated Farmers.Link:Farmers Weekly article about the Harmers Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

May 18, 20261 hr 0 min

Neat Meat’s Simon Eriksen doesn’t mince his words | EP 88

Neat Meat founder Simon Eriksen reflects on 25 years of building one of New Zealand’s best-known premium meat businesses, from running deliveries out of a 1986 Subaru Legacy to supplying supermarkets, restaurants and My Food Bag.Simon shares how Neat Meat challenged the traditional meat supply chain, why he launched the SpeckleBeef programme, and what he’s learned from decades of backing himself in business through highs and lows.We also discuss the future of red meat, pressure on rural communities, the spread of carbon forestry, whether Kiwis are being priced out of quality beef and lamb, and what Simon believes needs to change to keep farming viable for the next generation.Useful linkswww.neatmeat.comGot a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.

May 11, 202628 min

Five tips for new contract milkers | EP 87

Manawatū contract milker Riley O’Neill shares his top tips for people going contract milking for the first time in the coming season, or for existing contract milkers moving farms. Riley also discusses his own progression through the dairy sector, and his recent experience of moving to a new farm and new part of New Zealand. This is good, solid advice that's relevant to most dairy farmers, but particularly new contract milkers. Riley's social media channel:www.instagram.com/theeudderfarmers Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.