RaboTalk – Growing our future

Discover how virtual fencing is transforming livestock farming in New Zealand.

In this episode of Growing Our Future, Katie Rodwell speaks with Hawkes Bay farmer Marcus Peacock who shares his hands-on experience with Halter’s technology for beef systems. From calmer, better-performing stock to smarter pasture management and real-time decision-making, Marcus explains how digital tools have freed him from routine constraints, boosted productivity, and restored enjoyment to farming.

Packed with practical insights on training, data use, and ROI, this conversation is a must-listen for farmers looking for technology solutions to unlock efficiency.

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In this episode of Growing Our Future, Katie Rodwell speaks with Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter. Craig’s story from a Waikato dairy farm to founder of Halter is one of curiosity and bold thinking.

Growing up immersed in the practical challenges of farming gave Craig an intuitive sense of where technology could make a real difference, and when combined with his engineering experience at Rocket Lab, sparked his mission to bring cutting-edge innovation to agriculture.

Craig shares how Halter’s virtual fencing technology is transforming grazing management, improving labour efficiency, and helping farm...

From satellite imagery and soil sensors to AI-driven insights and virtual fencing, agri-tech is reshaping how farmers manage productivity, sustainability and resilience.

In this episode, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Brendan O’Connell, CEO of AgriTech New Zealand, about what agri-tech really means, how it is being adopted across farming systems, and the opportunities for New Zealand to become a global leader in agricultural innovation.

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Show Notes:

What is AgriTech?

Agri-tech is more than just physical machinery on-f...

This end-of-year RaboTalk Growing our Future episode features Blake Holgate and Katie Rodwell reflecting on a year that has challenged our food and fibre sector to adapt. They share insights from conversations they’ve held with farmers and industry leaders and discuss key themes which have ranged from farmer resilience, the value of open dialogue, the power of working with family and how sustainability conversations have matured.

This episode wraps up the year with optimism for the future as they discuss opportunities ahead, especially with on farm efficiencies and agri tech.

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In this episode of Growing Our Future, Katie Rodwell catches up with Scott Champion CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) to chat about New Zealand’s arable sector. Scott explains that having a wide range of crops is what helps the sector stay strong and flexible, and that arable farmers play a crucial role in the bigger food and fibre picture. Their ability to adapt, try new things, and work alongside livestock farming really sets New Zealand’s approach apart from the rest.

In this episode, Scott introduces the new “New Zealand Grown Grains Mark,” designed...

New Zealand’s horticulture sector continues to grow in value and ambition, contributing billions to the economy and employing tens of thousands nationwide.

In this episode of Growing Our Future, Blake Holgate sits down with Kate Scott, Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand, to explore the sector’s progress, resilience after recent weather events, and the strategic challenges ahead. From the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan to labour shortages and diversification opportunities, this conversation looks at what’s shaping the future of horticulture.

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Clear and compelling communication has never been more important in agriculture. In this episode, host Katie Rodwell talks with Claire Taylor, agricultural communicator, journalist, and Nuffield farming scholar, to discuss how storytelling can help bridge the growing disconnect between farmers, consumers, and policymakers.

They discuss ways farmers can share their stories with confidence, why understanding audiences matters, and what New Zealand can learn from international examples of agri-communication done well.

Tune in to learn how New Zealand farmers can strengthen trust, understanding and pride in the sector by sharing authentic, values-driven stories to ensure the...

Family businesses are at the heart of New Zealand farming, but combining blood ties with business decisions can create unique challenges.

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Philip Pryor, a business advisor, author and former psychologist who specialises in family business dynamics. Philip shares how rural families can navigate succession, manage conflict, and strengthen relationships across generations. He provides insights from his decades of experience working with farming families, offering practical tools to ensure both the farm and the family thrive for generations to come.

Philip believes it takes...

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Maury Leyland Penno, co-founder of Leaft Foods. Maury explains how Leaft Foods extracts the enzyme rubisco from lucerne to produce a highly functional, nutritionally rich plant-based protein—one that also contributes to solving environmental challenges. She shares insights into the science, the market potential, and why diversification matters for the future of New Zealand agriculture.

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Show Notes:

What if New Zealand farmers could help feed the world with a prot...

With 17,000 farm owners set to reach retirement age in the next decade, the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector depends on developing the next generation of farmers.

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Wendy Paul, CEO of Growing Future Farmers to learn how the programme is equipping young people with practical skills, values, and confidence to succeed in agriculture.

Wendy explains how farmers can attract, support, and retain young talent, and why investing in people is not just good for business but also essential for succession pl...

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Jodie Goudswaard, DairyNZ's DairyBase Manager and recent Kellogg Rural Leadership scholar.

Jodie’s research explored the values, mindsets, and practices of top-performing dairy farmers who are proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. She shares what she learned from speaking directly with farmers, the role of community and data in decision-making, and why values-driven leadership may be the key to the sector’s future.

Tune in to learn that profitability and sustainability are not opposing forces in dairy farming.

Li...

In this episode, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Laura Morrison, a sheep and beef farmer from Rangitikei and a passionate agri-sector leader. Earlier in the year Laura joined a cohort of food and fibre representatives on a leadership trip to Singapore, designed to challenge traditional thinking and foster new approaches to collaboration and innovation.

She shares her reflections on the trip, what Singapore’s unified vision taught her, and why stronger connections across New Zealand’s value chain are key to a more resilient future.

Tune in to hear Laura talk about how New Zealand’s agri...

With reports of some countries and companies stepping back from climate commitments, what’s really happening in global sustainability—and how does it affect New Zealand’s farmers and growers?

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Marjan van Riel, Rabobank’s Global Lead of Climate and Sustainability, to unpack global sustainability trends, regulatory shifts, and value chain expectations. From decarbonisation and climate risk to consumer behaviour and technological innovation, this conversation highlights where the world is heading—and how New Zealand’s agri-sector is well positioned to respond.

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With major change and challenge on the horizon, how do we bring young people into the fold and ensure their voices are shaping the future of our food and fibre sector? In this episode, Katie Rodwell speaks with Aimee Blake, co-founder of Girls Who Grow and co-chair of Future Farmers NZ. Aimee shares how a growing network of over 150 young people from across the value chain are coming together to build a resilient, prosperous future for New Zealand agriculture.

They discuss how Future Farmers was formed, the importance of constructive cross-sector conversation, and how the group’s St...

As sustainability continues to shape the future of New Zealand agriculture, how does this compare across the ditch in Australia? In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Anna Drake, Sustainability Analyst at RaboResearch in Australia, to understand the drivers, challenges, and opportunities influencing Australian farmers' approach to sustainability.

While Australia faces fewer regulatory pressures than New Zealand, similar market forces, climate concerns, and innovation needs are still in play. Anna shares insights into how Australian agriculture is responding to sustainability demands, what’s currently happening on farm, and where the sect...

On-farm efficiency is often hailed as the win-win strategy for delivering both profitability and environmental performance. But where are those gains going to come from next—and how do genetics and herd improvement fit in? In this episode of Growing Our Future, Blake is joined by David Chin, CEO of Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), to explore how far New Zealand dairy farmers have come in improving herd efficiency and what new opportunities lie ahead.

From traditional breeding to cutting-edge genomic selection and methane-reducing genetics, this conversation covers the science, strategy, and future potential of herd improvement in Ne...

When change is needed on-farm, how do we better understand what kind of change we're dealing with—and what it takes to support it effectively? In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate talks to Geoff Kaine, Landcare Research Senior Researcher in economics, about farmer behaviour, decision-making, and the types of change they encounter. They explore why some shifts are easier, how support varies, and why understanding each farmer’s situation is key to effective industry and policy action.

Geoff introduces a framework categorizing farm system changes as simple, complex, tactical, or strategic. Simple changes are...

Most farmers and growers have some form of relationship with a bank, but the nature of that relationship can vary significantly. From a simple transactional connection to a deeper partnership, how can farmers maximize the value of their banking relationship? In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with Bruce Weir, Rabobank's General Manager for Country Banking, to discuss what a strong bank-client relationship looks like, key considerations when assessing financial partnerships, and how farmers can position themselves for long-term success.

The key to a successful banking relationship is proactivity, transparency, and long-term planning...

 In this episode of Growing Our Future, Blake sits down with Robert Siveter, Senior Manager, Sustainability Risk at Rabobank, to discuss the evolving climate risks facing New Zealand farmers. They explore how climate change impacts farming systems, the role of technology in mitigating risks, and the broader economic and market changes farmers need to consider. The conversation also highlights the opportunities that come with these changes and how farmers can position themselves to capitalise on them.

Tune in to hear more about how farmers can navigate these challenges and position themselves for success in an evolving climate l...

In this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell chats with David Williams, head of on-farm excellence at Synlait, about a pioneering soil health project in New Zealand. The project, a collaboration between Synlait, Danone, AgResearch, and MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund, aims to assess the impact of regenerative agriculture on soil health, farm resilience, and environmental outcomes

David shares insights on the project's goals, methods, and early results, emphasising the importance of practical, farmer-centric solutions for sustainability and climate adaptation. He is optimistic about the potential for New Zealand agriculture to le...

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with KPMG’s Director Private Enterprise, Nick Swallow, about his Cambridge University Master’s research into New Zealand farmers' perceptions of low-carbon farming. They discuss the global forces driving emissions reductions, the challenges farmers face, and how to align sustainability goals with on-farm priorities like productivity, resilience, and intergenerational success.

Nick shares insights into global market trends and the opportunities for farmers to adapt and lead in sustainable agriculture.

Learn how connecting emissions reduction efforts to tangible benefits can empower New Zealand farmer...

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, Blake Holgate speaks with Neal Wallace, a respected agricultural journalist, about his recent travels through Europe, Asia, the US, UK and Middle East, exploring how global food companies are approaching sustainability and product sourcing. Neal’s trip was funded by Rabobank, Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Beef+Lamb NZ and the Meat Industry Association to understand exactly what these “markets” are demanding from their farmer suppliers.

Neal shares what he learned from Nestlé, Mars, and major retailers driving the conversation around food production and environmental responsibility and provides his perspecti...

In this episode, Blake Holgate is joined by Rabobank’s very own ‘Senior Animal Protein’s Analyst’ Jen Corkran, to discuss the global market forces shaping New Zealand's sheep sector. They explore the external pressures driving sustainability efforts, the need for farmers to adapt to evolving requirements, and the opportunities to leverage New Zealand’s unique production systems for future market success.

Jen suggests stagnation is not an option in the farming industry, especially in sheep farming. By embracing change and reframing sustainability as an opportunity rather than a burden, farmers can ensure the long-term viability of their busi...

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate speaks with John Burke, who, alongside his brother Rick, has spent over 20 years improving the environmental health of their farm. Their hard work was recognised earlier this year when they were awarded the inaugural Cawthorn National Freshwater Champions Award.

John Burke's story is a powerful example of how long-term commitment and strategic planning can lead to both environmental and economic benefits on the farm. His insights offer valuable guidance for any farmer looking to enhance nature values on their property.

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate looks into Fonterra's 2030 emissions intensity target. He is joined by Malcolm Ellis, a fourth-generation farm owner and Fonterra's strategic advisor, to specifically look at the opportunities for available to farmers for improving on-farm emissions efficiency.

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate talks with Nicholas Jolly, Senior Trade Policy Advisor for the Environment at Beef and Lamb New Zealand, to unravel how sustainability standards are reshaping international trade.

From navigating regulatory landscapes to advocating for sustainable farming practices, this episode offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand farmers amidst evolving global trade policies.

Join us as we delve into the future of trade agreements and the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the future of agriculture.

In this episode of RaboTalk’s Growing Our Future, host Katie Rodwell speaks with Michael ‘Woody’ Woodward, a forward-thinking farmer from Otorohanga. Woody shares his hands-on experience and insights from participating in a collaborative project between Synlait, Danone, AgResearch and MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund, which aims to access the impact of regenerative agri on soil health, farm resilience and environmental outcomes.

He talks about the practical approaches to sustainable farming, the challenges and triumphs of innovative soil management, and what New Zealand farming will look like in the future. Woody’s insights offer valuable l...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell chats with David Williams, head of on-farm excellence at Synlait, about a pioneering soil health project in New Zealand. The project, a collaboration between Synlait, Danone, AgResearch, and MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund, aims to assess the impact of regenerative agriculture on soil health, farm resilience, and environmental outcomes

David shares insights on the project's goals, methods, and early results, emphasising the importance of practical, farmer-centric solutions for sustainability and climate adaptation. David is optimistic about the potential for New Zealand agriculture to le...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Paul Ensor from Glenaan Station up the Rakaia Gorge in the South Island. The Ensors are fourth generation farmers and are merino wool advocates, passionate about biodiversity and sustainable farm practices. Paul talks to us about his high-country merino sheep and cattle operation, and discusses the focus on sustainability and regenerative practices, as well as his involvement in a new business venture, Hemprino.

Katie and Paul discuss embracing sustainability with an open mind. Paul emphasises the value of curiosity and exploration of new...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing Our Future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Todd Charteris, CEO of Rabobank New Zealand. Blake and Todd discuss the two sets of climate and sustainability related reports that Rabobank has recently published. The first is a climate-related financial disclosures statement, that all large financial intuitions in New Zealand are now required to submit. Todd discusses the significance of this report, emphasising the need to align banking practices with the transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient future. He explains the four main sections of the disclosure, including governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics/targets...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Dr Anneline Padayachee. Dr Anneline is a highly sought after thought leader with a reputation of mixing food and nutrition science with human physiology, consumer behaviour, and anthropology. This episode focuses on how alternative proteins are complementary to animal proteins and how farmers are one of the most important parts of the human health food chain.

Katie and Dr Anneline discuss how to effectively communicate the benefits of meat, dairy and fish in a world increasingly focused on alternative proteins. Dr Anneline helps...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Alex Worker. Alex has an international background in agriculture, food technology innovations and business ventures. Alex and Katie discuss how disruptive climate technology and food technology could reshape the industry and the opportunities and challenges New Zealand faces as it navigates a changing global food landscape.

New Zealand's agricultural sector has traditionally thrived on exports. Alex paints a picture of a potential future where this model evolves. Instead of solely focusing on exporting produce, New Zealand could develop, and license intellectual property related...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Rabobank’s Dutch based global Dairy analyst Richard Scheper. Richard and Blake discuss how global dairy companies are addressing climate change. They dive into emission reduction targets, the challenges and opportunities for farmers, and what the future holds for sustainable dairy practices.

At the end of 2023 Fonterra announced a target of a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions. This has potentially significant implications for NZ dairy farmers – which poses the question – what climate related actions are other global dairy companies undertaking – and how will this ult...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Damian and Jane Roper. From early in their career, the Ropers have had a passion for the environment they live and work in, and since moving from share-milking to farm ownership, the couple have been slowly transforming their dairy farm into a thriving ecosystem. This episode focuses on their connection to nature, the challenges this system brings, and driving positive change from within the farm gate.

Katie and the Ropers discuss how shifting the focus of their farming practices has led to a s...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Tre' Cates. Tre' is a managing director of nRhythm, and an expert in regenerative practises in agriculture and business. This episode focuses on creating healthy workplaces, and creating business models to optimise productivity and efficiency.

Katie and Tre' discuss how he got into this niche line of work, and how Regenerative Design Principals are changing the corporate world. Tre' outlines how management is a living system, and should be treated as such; how businesses across all sectors can learn from farming systems; and...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Andy Caughey. Andy is the CEO of Wool Impact, an advocacy group for the uses and benefits of wool. This episode focuses on the strong wool industry, and the work they are doing to promote 'the best natural fibre in the world.

Katie and Andy discuss how Wool Impact came to be, and where they are trying to steer the industry for the future. Andy outlines the hurdles kiwi farmers are facing in getting their wool out the farm gate for a fair...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Adam and Laura Cullen. Adam and Laura own and operate a 220-ha dairy farm in Kaipara, focusing on maintaining profitability while farming regeneratively and responsibly. This episode focuses on using soil health to create financial value, looking for wins outside of the numbers, and how they're changing the game from within their farm gate.

Katie, Adam, and Laura discuss leaving the land in a better state for their children, their goal of a carbon-neutral farm, and managing the setbacks that come with farming...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Katie Rodwell is joined by Wayne McNee. Wayne is the Chief Executive of AgriZero NZ, a partnership between government and private agribusinesses aiming to reduce on farm emissions in a profitable, productive manner. This episode focuses on AgriZero's purpose in this space, and what they are hoping to deliver to the rural sector.

Katie and Wayne discuss the road which lead him AgriZero, the ambitions they have for this partnership, and tools they hope to deliver to farmers. Wayne outlines the investments they are making into exciting new...

On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, Blake Holgate and Katie Rodwell reflect on the highlights and learnings from 2023.

2023 was a year of uncertainty in the rural sector, and this was a common theme running through many of our episodes. Through this uncertainty, some of our guests have provided great insights into looking to the long term, and the value of having a strategy. The growing role of sustainability on farm has been reiterated by all our guests, but topics such as data, markets, risk, and the future were also a focus last year.

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On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, host Blake Holgate is joined by Richard Lorraway. Richard is the Chief Risk Officer at Rabobank, and has almost 30 years' experience in the banking sector. This episode focuses on risk in banking, and the growing role sustainability is playing in this space.

Blake and Richard discuss the how the bank is approaching climate risk, what it is, and how it is likely to impact clients into the future. Richard outlines Rabobank's internal client evaluation tools, how sustainability ties into this evaluation; and the importance of starting transition-focused discussions. Richard...