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.
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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.
May 5, 202636 min
Meet the farmer: Shanice Young’s rise from city kid to rural leader | EP 86
Shanice Young didn’t grow up in farming, but she’s right in the mix now. From Wellington city kid to Bay of Plenty dairy farmer, Shanice shares how she found her way into farming and ended up leading her local Young Farmers Club, growing it rapidly from six members to around 30, while also running Surfing For Farmers and supporting her local Rural Support Trust.We talk about her start in farming, what’s kept her in the industry, and what young farmers care about right now. She also reflects on wellbeing, community and the future of farming. This is a great yarn with a top young leader who's fizzing on farming. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.
April 25, 202648 min
When farmers became heroes — the liberation of Le Quesnoy | EP 85
To mark Anzac Weekend 2026, we’re bringing you a special episode that reaches back into one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wartime stories.In November 1918, during the final days of World War I, New Zealand soldiers achieved the extraordinary by liberating the French town of Le Quesnoy without destroying it. Many of those soldiers were farmers, young Kiwis who'd left behind their land, livestock, and livelihoods to serve on the other side of the world.More than a century later, their legacy still lives on not just here in New Zealand, but in Le Quesnoy itself, and the bond remains as strong as ever.In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob Siermans from the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, located in the very town the Kiwis freed. As Project Manager of Operations and Marketing, Jacob shares the story of Le Quesnoy, how it’s remembered today, and why it continues to resonate so deeply with both locals and New Zealanders.Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.
April 20, 202642 min
Meet the farmer: Ian Strahan | EP 84
In this episode, we sit down with Manawatū farmer Ian Strahan, who runs 440 hectares of rolling country at Kiwitea, finishing around 16,000 lambs and up to 1000 cattle each year.Ian, Manawatū–Rangitīkei Federated Farmers president, talks about growing up on the family farm, the influence of his father – legendary All Black Sam Strahan – and how a mix of old-school values and modern thinking has shaped his approach to farming today.We dive into how his system's evolved into a highly efficient operation focused on strong margins, attention to detail and constant improvement. He also takes on the bigger challenges facing farming, including the growing gap between farmers and the public, and why social licence is becoming just as important as productivity.Along the way, Ian shares some great advice for younger farmers, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why simple systems – done well – consistently outperform.Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.
April 13, 202627 min
Five investment moves for your Fonterra windfall | EP 83
When you get an unexpected windfall as a farmer, what should you actually do with it? Is it just another payout to roll back into the farm, or a rare opportunity to reset your financial position?With many Fonterra farmers waking up this week to a significant lump sum in their accounts, we asked Forsyth Barr investment adviser Michael Raynes to unpack the key decisions farmers should be thinking about.Michael walks through five options, ranging from reinvestment and debt reduction to diversification and long-term planning. It’s all about making smart calls now that you won’t regret in five years’ time.A quick note: nothing discussed in this episode is personal financial advice — it’s general in nature. If you’re considering your own situation, we recommend speaking with a registered financial adviser.Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode.
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