Federated Farmers podcast

33:34

Financial adviser Michael Raynes returns to share fresh insights on building and protecting wealth in 2025. We cover savings, investments, debt, succession, and more—plus what today’s economic and global shifts mean for Kiwi farmers. Whether you're starting out or planning your exit, this wide-ranging chat is packed with practical advice. Note: nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered personal financial advice. The recommendations and opinions do not take into account your personal financial situation or your investment goals. It’s general in nature. To obtain personal financial advice, please seek out a registered financial adviser. Links Building wealth to buy a farm, preserving wealth when exiting | EP 08 Warren Buffett’s latest annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders https://sorted.org.nz https://www.forsythbarr.co.nz…

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Protecting your farm: tackling rural crime | EP 31 27:43

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27:43

Is rural crime getting worse? When do most thefts happen? And what can farmers do to make their property a harder target for criminals? Abby France from FMG Insurance joins us to share insights on rural crime trends, practical ways for you to reduce risk, and what to do if you become a victim of rural crime. Whether you manage thousands of hectares or a small lifestyle block, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Links: Rural crime rates on rise, Federated Farmers survey finds…

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Drought decisions: navigating tough times in sharemilking & contract milking | EP 30 39:01

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39:01

Drought conditions are forcing sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm owners to make tough decisions, like drying off early, which can strain relationships and impact the future of the business. Some contract milkers are facing months of low income ahead. So, how do you get through these kinds of adverse events, protect the relationship and business, stay afloat financially, and keep your eyes set on a better season ahead? Hear practical advice from Brendan Attrill, Federated Farmers sharefarm owners chair, and Sam Ebbett, our sharefarmer chair.…

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More than tax: the benefits of a good rural accountant | EP 29 38:43

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38:43

Our guest on this episode is Joe Morgan an accountant in Te Awamutu, Waikato, who does a lot of work with farmers. Joe is a director at GFA but previously had a career in rural banking. He also has a degree in Agri-Commerce majoring in farm management and rural valuation – so he’s a pretty good guy to have in your corner. Over the years, he’s seen it all — avoidable tax headaches, business structures that could have saved farmers a fortune if set up right from the start, and helping farmers set up smart strategies to pay off debt more efficiently. Joe’s passionate about helping farmers understand the value of having the right people around them, what financial pitfalls to watch out for when getting started, and why good accounting advice is worth paying for.…

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Different battles, same pressures: an army veteran’s advice for farmers | EP 28 1:10:09

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1:10:09

A military veteran of 16 years, Tony Groves’ military and security career saw him deployed to Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan, where he honed his leadership skills in high-pressure environments. He now fronts Halo Training, a business that offers leadership and personal development training to help people, including farmers, build resilience. On this episode, Tony shares his thoughts on the similarities between stresses faced by farmers and professional soldiers, and how farmers can apply what he learned in the army. Tony has a passion for helping people overcome the challenges of leadership through his lessons gained from the battlefield, as well as overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and alcoholism. He holds a Masters degree in Counter-terrorism Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership.…

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Signing smart: a step-by-step guide to sharefarming due diligence | EP 27 43:12

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43:12

If you've seen an ad for a contract milking or sharemilking position that could tick the boxes, what comes next? What are the critical steps to take to ensure it’s the right job for you, that it'll pay what you need and keep you moving forward in your career? Richard McIntyre, an experienced sharemilker and Federated Farmers national dairy chair, joins us to methodically walk us through the due diligence process – in other words, what it means to take time before you sign up for a new role.…

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Drench resistance in cattle – new data shows need for urgent action | EP 26 37:44

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37:44

Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise programme manager, joins us to share the concerning results of new research into the state of drench-resistant worms in cattle here in New Zealand. She covers the basics of good worm management, why drench resistance is worsening, how to spot it and deal with it, what it means for dairy and beef farmers, and much more practical advice. Links: Survey findings: A convenience sample of cattle faecal egg count reduction tests in New Zealand 2021-2024 How Pamu's organic unit weaned itself off drench Pamu drench resistance management case studies Summer salads for hill country cattle Owl Farm growing calves on chicory Podcast: Better worm management for healthy heifers…

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Wayne Langford on wins, challenges and the year ahead | Ep 25 22:06

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22:06

After a break over summer, Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford reflects on the big wins for farmers last year, the challenges, and what his major goals are for the year ahead. He talks about plans to make the farmer voice even louder, getting KiwiSaver changes across the line, whether ‘Team Ag’ is playing as a team yet, and much more.…

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Managing risk in sharefarming | Ep 24 20:05

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20:05

What are the biggest risks involved in going contract milking, sharemilking or being a share farm owner? And how do you manage or mitigate those risks? For our final episode of 2024, we’re talking to Taranaki dairy farmer Sam Ebbett, who’s Federated Farmers’ national sharefarmer chair. Useful links Federated Farmers contracts Federated Farmers Podcast: Advice for new contract milkers | EP 06 Federated Farmers Podcast: A guide to sharemilking success | EP 07…

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Where to with wool and red meat? | Ep 23 43:58

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43:58

Gisborne farmer and Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams joins us to discuss what’s going on for Kiwi sheep and beef farmers right now, where he thinks things are going in 2025, and what he reckons might need to change for sheep farmers, in particular, to get back in the black.

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What a second Trump presidency could mean for Kiwi farmers | EP 22 35:20

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35:20

How could Donald Trump’s second term in the White House affect Kiwi farmers? What should we expect to see with international trade and market access? To get some insights, we catch up with Todd Muller, former leader of the National Party and now co-host of a podcast that helps explain American politics to a Kiwi audience.…

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The science of pest management | EP 21 43:37

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43:37

Feral animals are costing Kiwi farmers a fortune, so how are we going to control them? Landcare Research scientist Bruce Warburton and Federated Farmers pest spokesperson Richard McIntryre join us to quantify the impact pests have on farming and biodiversity, discuss the science behind pest management, outline best practice control methods, and more.…

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Ben Purua – a redemption story | EP 20 29:22

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29:22

Ben Purua is an award-winning dairy farm manager, but 15 years ago his life was heading in a very different direction. Hear Ben’s story of how he found farming while in prison, how he managed to turn his life around, and the pivotal role farming’s played in his transformation. Links www.facebook.com/FarmUpNZ www.farmersweekly.co.nz/people/saved-by-farming-ben-puruas-story…

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Planting tips from Adam Thompson | EP 19 30:40

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30:40

If you’re thinking of planting trees on your farm, or you’ve done so recently, don’t miss this expert advice from Adam Thompson, owner of Restore Native nursery in the Waikato. Adam loves helping farmers not only plant more trees on their land, but in the right way, so you’re not wasting your time and money. Adam walks us through the process from preparation to maintenance, with a focus on ‘right tree, right place’. He covers the ideal-sized tree to buy, when to plant, whether fertiliser is necessary, how to release, and much more. He also discusses common mistakes farmers make, and common challenges. www.restorenative.co.nz…

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Jason Herrick’s mental health story | EP 18 26:17

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26:17

It was a wet, muddy day in Southland in December 2018 that local dairy farmer Jason Herrick decided to take his life. Months of heavy rain, the pressure of excessive regulation, negative sentiment towards farming, and an inability to share his feelings had left him at breaking point. To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand, we’re very fortunate to be joined by a now happy and well Jason, who’s president of Southland Federated Farmers. Hear how Jason climbed out of that hole six years ago, what changes he's made to his 'Southern Man' mentality, and what his message is to other farmers going through the same battles. Useful links https://www.rural-support.org.nz/ https://1737.org.nz/ https://farmstrong.co.nz/…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Electrifying our farms to save money, make money and reduce emissions | EP 17 36:39

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36:39

Our guest today is Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, who’s here to talk about the huge opportunities out there for farmers to save money and reduce emissions by electrifying their farm. Mike's seen these opportunities first-hand. In 2019 he established the world’s first electric cherry orchard – saving him tens of thousands of dollars a year on energy costs and creating a new revenue stream. He’s now on a mission to show that what he’s done on his property is possible for other farmers too.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Todd McClay on cutting red tape, interest rates, KiwiSaver, and trade opportunities | EP 16 26:09

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26:09

With farm confidence at rock-bottom, what’s the Government been doing to get things back on track? Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay joins us to discuss his first nine months in the job, cutting red tape, the banking inquiry, KiwiSaver for young farmers, new trade opportunities, and how he thinks we’ll double exports over the next 10 years.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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When are emissions tools coming? | EP 15 25:13

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25:13

Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, joins us to discuss tools and technologies being developed to help farmers reduce their methane emissions. Find out what's in the pipeline, what reductions they could help farmers achieve and, importantly, when farmers might get their hands on these new tools, which range from a methane-inhibiting bolus to low-emissions pasture. Useful links: https://www.agrizero.nz/…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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How do we fix ag policy? | EP 14 46:44

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46:44

We all know something's broken in the way agricultural policy has been made in New Zealand, but what's the solution? How do we get farming regulations that actually work? Kerry Worsnop is a Gisborne sheep and beef farmer who's been on a mission to find answers through her Nuffield Scholarship. In this episode, Kerry explains what's wrong with the current policy-making process, what her recommendations are to fix it, and why she's moved from cynic to optimist.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Farm estate and succession planning | EP 13 35:59

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35:59

What is a trust, why might a farmer want to set one up, and what are some common mistakes to avoid? David Boyce from Perpetual Guardian joins us in this episode to give a thorough overview of trusts, including what the recent trustee tax rate rise might mean for the average farm trust. He also explains wills and enduring power of attorney.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Rural banking inquiry update | EP 12 23:07

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23:07

Where are things at with an independent inquiry into rural banking since the Government gave the go-ahead last month? Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers banking spokesperson, explains how things are progressing, why Feds is cautiously optimistic, what we want to see covered by the inquiry, why the banks should see it as an opportunity and not a threat, and how Feds' banking petition may have been the most successful in history.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Bird flu – what do I need to know? | EP 11 31:32

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31:32

With a highly contagious strain of bird flu now in Antarctica, the risk of it entering NZ has increased. What could its arrival mean for our agriculture sector, and what can farmers do to beef up on-farm biosecurity? Find out from Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ chief veterinary officer. Note: some statistics mentioned in this podcast have become out of date since recording.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Virtual fencing and precision farming | EP 10 28:33

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28:33

Our guest for this episode is Sarah Adams, Gallagher’s GM of Global Strategy & New Ventures, who explains how virtual fencing works, what benefits it offers, what problems it can solve, and some common misconceptions. Sarah also covers other emerging technologies, and how tech is helping to bring greater precision to farming, particularly to those in remote areas.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Live animal exports | EP 09 23:48

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23:48

What’s happening with live cattle exports? If allowed again in NZ, what measures would be in place to ensure animals are safe and comfortable on their journey and at their destination? Hear from Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers national board member, and Brian Pearson, general manager at livestock export business BeefGen.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Building wealth to buy a farm, preserving wealth when exiting | EP 08 30:16

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30:16

If you’re working towards farm ownership, what are some ways to build equity for a deposit outside of traditional strategies like going sharemilking or putting money in the bank? And how can farmers at the other end of their careers safeguard their wealth when transitioning out of farm ownership? Hear some expert advice from Michael Raynes, a financial adviser at Federated Farmers partner Forsyth Barr. Note: nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered personal financial advice. The recommendations and opinions do not take into account your personal financial situation or your investment goals. It’s general in nature. To obtain personal financial advice, please seek out a registered financial adviser. Note: nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered personal financial advice. The recommendations and opinions do not take into account your personal financial situation or your investment goals. It’s general in nature. To obtain personal financial advice, please seek out a registered financial adviser. Useful links: https://sorted.org.nz https://www.forsythbarr.co.nz…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Milking it: a guide to sharemilking success | EP 07 39:48

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39:48

Get solid advice on how to succeed in sharemilking from Federated Farmers national dairy chair Richard McIntyre and experienced Waikato dairy farmer Tony Wilding. They cover the benefits and challenges of sharemilking, what a strong due diligence process looks like, the financials, building a good relationship between farm owner and sharemilker, timing your entry and exit, and more. Useful links: Federated Farmers contracts and agreements Setting up in sharemilking and contract milking - DairyNZ…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Advice for new contract milkers | EP 06 30:09

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30:09

Want some practical advice on how to hit the ground running as a contract milker? Our guests Danielle Hovmand, Federated Farmers Waikato dairy vice chair, and Sam Ebbett, our Taranaki dairy chair and national sharefarmer chair, share what they learned as contract milkers, including how to do your homework, manage the money, not burn yourself out, and deal with challenges in the partnership.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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How to get a cheaper interest rate | EP 05 31:45

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31:45

What steps can farmers take right now, and over the next few years, to get a lower interest rate from the banks? ASB’s Rural GM Aidan Gent joins us to explain how farmers can strengthen their position with the banks, including showing up with a clear budget and strategy, knowing your business’s strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrating how you behave in a downturn. Useful links: Federated Farmers Podcast Ep 3: Rural banking inquiry: 'Let's get it underway' https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/banking-inquiry-lets-get-it-underway/…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Is farm confidence on the up? | EP 04 20:42

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20:42

Farm confidence has bounced back from last year’s record lows, but is this the start of a genuine lift in confidence or a 'dead cat bounce'? Auckland farmer Tim Dangen and Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford join us to discuss our latest Farm Confidence Survey results. They talk about what's driving the shift in mood, what's concerning farmers, and how to see the positive in what's been a tough few years. Useful links: https://fedfarm.org.nz/FarmConfidence Rural confidence rises from rock bottom (farmersweekly.co.nz)…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Rural banking inquiry: 'Let's get it underway' | EP 03 21:26

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21:26

Why are farmers feeling under pressure from the banks, who's to blame, and what needs to happen to fix the issue? In this episode, our guests are Federated Farmers national board member Richard McIntyre and New Zealand Agri Brokers director Scott Wishart. They’ll discuss why we need a banking inquiry, but also what farmers can do now to negotiate lower interest rates.…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Cyclone Gabrielle: one year on | EP 02 32:29

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32:29

To mark the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, Gisborne farmer Sam Hain and Federated Farmers national board member Sandra Faulkner join us to recount their experiences of the event, how the rebuild has unfolded in the past 12 months, and what still needs to happen with the recovery. Useful links: www.commencetherefence.co.nz www.farmyarmy.co.nz www.farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion/one-year-on-rising-stronger-from-the-cyclone www.farmersweekly.co.nz/people/farmers-navigate-road-to-recovery…

Federated Farmers Podcast

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Wayne Langford: 'Farming groups need to play as a team' | EP 01 23:42

acum 1 year23:42