Ag in Conversation
Emily and Myfanwy, two friends and agri-optimists from Otago, NZ, sit down weekly to digest the hottest topics in the world of ag. Aiming to bring a deeper level of discussion and understanding to the issues and opportunities faced by agriculture and rural communities both in NZ and around the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Killer Sheep to the Future of Food
EP 146 | From Killer Sheep to the Future of Food
From New Zealand's election results to growing unrest across Europe, it's been another big week for agriculture and the world around it.
This week on Ag in Conversation, Myfanwy and Emily unpack the preliminary results of New Zealand's general election, what they could mean for the country's political future, and the implications for farmers and rural communities.
We then head to Europe for a closer look at the unrest unfolding across the continent. What's driving the protests? How do rising costs...
A Week of Inventions: Rubisco Smoothies, UV Seeds and Hydrogen Engines
145 | This week we share a run of farming and food innovation stories. Topics include an AgriZero update on methane vaccines, two Kiwi companies on Time's best inventions list, a student-built device that keeps birds out of tractors, the end of Rotterdam's floating dairy farm, and JCB's hydrogen engines.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE and get your ticket to the Ladies Long Lunch at Riverstone in Oamaru, HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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Election Watch: Farming, Markets & What Comes Next
EP 144 | Election Watch: Farming, Markets & What Comes Next
With the election looming, we're checking back in on what the major parties are offering New Zealand agriculture — and, importantly, what's changed since our last Election Watch.
We look at the latest policy announcements affecting farmers, from water infrastructure, consenting and fertiliser security to fuel costs, investment incentives, climate policy and environmental regulation.
But first, we're heading offshore for three stories with some fascinating implications for New Zealand agriculture.
🥩 A halal certification issue has disrupted NZ meat exports to the U...
So… What’s All the Farmlands Drama About?
EP 142 | So… What’s All the Farmlands Drama About?
This week on Ag in Conversation, we're digging into one of the biggest talking points in NZ farming right now: Farmlands, AgriZeroNZ and the backlash that's followed.
What has Farmlands actually agreed to? Why are some shareholders so unhappy about it? What's behind the investment, where does the money go, and what could it actually mean for the average Kiwi farmer? We strip away some of the noise and look at the facts, the concerns and the bigger picture — without telling you which side you should...
High protein, whole food diets and methane vaccines
Food prices, protein trends, and the methane vaccine debate
This episode covers three big farming and food topics that are all showing up in the same week: UK subsidy reform, the rise in high-protein consumer demand, and the controversy around methane-reduction technology for cattle. Myfi and Emily connect the dots between policy, public health trends, and the realities of producing food in a unique pasture-based system.We discuss why UK farmers are facing a major funding reset, why shoppers are leaning hard into protein and whole foods, and why a new cattle methane vaccine is drawing both...
Diesel, Fertiliser, and Farming Economics — What’s Driving Costs Right Now?
141 | Emily and Myfanwy cover a packed farm news update, from record red meat export returns and PAMU’s profit surge to the political noise around freshwater rules. The main deep dive looks at why diesel and fertiliser costs are climbing together, how Middle East supply disruptions are rippling through global markets, and what farmers can do to reduce input pressure.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE and get your ticket to the Ladies Long Lunch at Riverstone in Oamaru, HE...
El Nino, not all sunshine and warm winds
EP 140 | El Nino, not all sunshine and warm winds
🌧️ Weather. 🥛 Milk price. 🌲 Carbon farming. 🗳️ An election looming.
There’s plenty to talk about in NZ agriculture this week.
We start down south, where farmers in Southland and on the West Coast are battling relentless wet conditions — and take a moment to acknowledge the very real pressure that puts on people, stock and farming systems.
Then we look ahead at El Niño. What could a strong event mean for pasture growth, feed costs and farm profitability — and does a $9.50 milk price...
Why New Zealand Farmers Want Less Red Tape and More Science
139 | The episode covers wilding pines, the new mandatory farm plastics recycling scheme, drone spraying rule changes, and what the major farming organisations are asking of politicians ahead of the election. They close with a practical resource for rural governance and trustee vacancies across New Zealand.
https://www.rrgnz.org.nz/job-board
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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So… What Did We Miss?
EP 138 | 🎙️ So… What Did We Miss?
We’re back! After a few weeks buried in calving, we’ve finally emerged to discover that global agriculture certainly didn’t take a break while we did.
This week, we’re catching up on some of the biggest ag stories from around the world.
🌾 Europe has been cooked by heat and drought — while farmers face the ugly combination of falling output prices and rising input costs.
🌽 A monster Argentinian corn crop is helping redraw global grain trade as war in Ukraine, European drought and Br...
AWDT Reflections: Our takeaways and memories
Ep 137 | Join us in this episode, Myfi and Emily reflect on their experiences with the Agri-Women's Development Trust Escalator Program, discussing its impact on leadership, confidence, and community. They share personal stories, lessons learned, and the importance of supporting women in agriculture and governance.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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The ripple effects of conversations on rural mental health
136 | Emily and Myfi catch up with first repeat guest Deanne Parks for a wide-ranging conversation about rural women’s mental health, her Inside Out workshops, and how life has changed over the past two years. Deanne also shares a deeply personal update about her son’s severe spinal injury, and the tools, support, and mindset that helped her family through it.
In this episode, we hear how advocacy, community, and simple mental fitness tools can make a real difference when life gets overwhelming. Deanne also explains why women need more space to talk honestly, ask for help...
Foxtrot Home: taking wool from sheep to a cozy sleep
135 | Emily sat down with Kate Cullwick, one half of Foxtrot Home, about how a side hustle between sisters became a thriving homewares business rooted in rural New Zealand. Kate shares the early decisions that shaped the brand, from choosing an online model and visual products for Instagram to prioritising natural fibres, sustainability, and giving back. We also dig into the process of how Kate and her husband have brought wool from their family farm into the business and manufacture beautiful blankets entirely in New Zealand.
She also talks about balancing farming, family life, and business ownership.<...
How women-led networks are reshaping rural leadership in New Zealand with Keri Johnston
00X | show notes
Kerry Johnson on AWDT, quiet leadership, and the future of rural women in agriculture
This episode looks at Keri Johnston's journey from farming near Geraldine to governance, engineering, and co-chairing AWDT. It is a practical and thoughtful conversation about leadership, imposter syndrome, women’s development in rural communities, and how environmental stewardship and productive farming can work together.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
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How Rural Communities Stay Strong When Everything Is Changing : Kathryn Wright
EP 133 | How Rural Communities Stay Strong When Everything Is Changing : Kathryn Wright
The advice people give rural communities about mental health is often built for the wrong world.
Kathryn reveals why New Zealand’s rural struggles are different, why young men are not always facing the stressors you expect, and why land-use change can feel less like economics and more like grief.
If you live rural, work with rural people, or love someone who does, this conversation will change how you think about help-seeking, connection, and what really holds a community tog...
Leading Change in Agriculture: Lindy Nelson on Women, Safety, and Practical Progress
132 | In this episode, we’re joined by Lindy Nelson, a sheep and beef farmer, former emergency nurse, governance leader, and the driving force behind major change in New Zealand agriculture. Lindy shares the story behind founding the Agri Women’s Development Trust, why she believed women needed stronger pathways into leadership and decision-making, and how that work has influenced rural communities across the country.We also dive into her role in Safer Farms and the Farm Without Harm movement, where the focus is on practical, real-world solutions to reduce harm on farms. From quad bike safety and rollover protection to b...
Alignment over Intensity: Navigating High Costs, Smart Data, and New Policies
131 | Get a comprehensive look at the latest trends and innovations shaping modern farming, from autonomous machinery to farm data management. Whether you're a farmer, industry professional, or just curious about the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights.
Main Topics:
The impact of autonomous farm machinery and robotic technologyInnovations in farm data collection and utilisation for sustainabilityShifts toward aligned, sustainable farming systems over intensityIn this episode:
Discussion of Clarkson's Farm new ag tech, including autonomous tractors and seed plantersInsights into New Zealand's approach to wildlife management and pest...Birds, Burps & Wolves
Ep | 130 Birds, Burps & Wolves
This week on Ag in Conversation, we're unpacking New Zealand's first bird flu cases and what they mean for farmers and consumers, diving into Europe's changing stance on methane emissions, exploring fascinating new research on wolves and livestock, and looking at what the NZ–Switzerland trade talks could mean for agriculture.
Plenty of insight, a few laughs, and all the rural news you need to know.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
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The only constant is change - methane, desert farming and capital
EP129 | The only constant is change - methane, desert farming and capital
This week we cover a wide-ranging mix of farming, policy, and industry updates, with a strong focus on what’s changing across agriculture in New Zealand and beyond.
We wrap up with a chat about the REDA internship through Zentra - have a look!! https://www.zenterawool.com/careers/2027-zentera-reda-internship
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HE...
The Pig, The Pitch & The Power of Wool
EP | 128 The Pig, The Pitch & The Power of Wool
Christchurch has been missing the All Blacks live games for years, but Christchurch’s new stadium is changing not only that but also changing the game — not just for sport, but for engineering, climate-smart design, and turf innovation.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the stadium’s remarkable indoor grass system, exploring how perfect playing surfaces are grown under a roof with natural light, carefully controlled moisture, oxygen, and temperature, and a hybrid pitch designed to perform at the highest level.
...
How New Zealand’s Indigenous Values Lead the World in Rights of Nature
EP | 127 How New Zealand’s Indigenous Values Lead the World in Rights of Nature
This week on the podcast, we’re covering everything from sleep-deprived parenting and freezing winter mornings to big industry headlines and a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into why nature might need legal rights of its own.
We kick things off with the latest from the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, celebrating the people making a real difference across the sector — from rising stars and rural broadcasters to standout journalists and industry leaders. Then we unpack the Federated Farmers AGM and th...
Is Farming Still the Backbone of New Zealand’s Economy?
126 | Emily and Myfi explore current geopolitical trade issues, innovative sports nutrition strategies, potential conservation land forms in New Zealand, is the primary sector still the backbone of the NZ economy?
If your a women in farming - please take a look at this survey - https://lincoln.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ki2yj3KW6pfLgy
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emi...
Trigger warning for fans of Babe!
Ep | 125 Trigger warning for fans of Babe!
Join us as we delve into the latest updates from Field Days, explore animal welfare issues in meat production, and discuss rural community initiatives. This episode offers insights into agricultural innovations, animal welfare debates, and rural support efforts, all vital for understanding the current landscape of rural New Zealand.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
Shifting Habits, Rising Stars, and the El Niño Reality Check
24 | We dive deep into the massive shifts transforming Aotearoa’s primary industries—from the cutting-edge science rewriting the rules of Kiwi wine production to a historic win for global farming advocacy on television.
In This Episode:
The Main Discussion | The Wine Industry’s Evolution: We break down why global drinking habits are forcing winemakers to adapt. From the "climate-alcohol paradox" to innovative vineyard canopy manipulation that naturally lowers alcohol without losing premium flavor, we explore how NZ can maintain its competitive global edge through radical sustainability and new trade deals.The Injury Farmers Ignore...Rugby chat with a side order of budget!
EP 123 | Rugby chat with a side order of budget!
This week on Ag in Conversation, we kick things off with a chat about rugby, the Crusaders, and the excitement surrounding Christchurch's new stadium before turning our attention to the issues shaping rural New Zealand. We unpack what the 2026 Budget means for farmers, explore the latest dairy payout forecasts, and discuss why many arable growers are facing a particularly challenging season. We also head to the United States to examine an innovative new initiative designed to improve access to protein for vulnerable communities and what it could...
There’s not enough meat in the world
122 | This episode covers New Zealand's wilding pine control funding, insights from recent agricultural conferences, and the impact of global trends on beef and lamb markets. It offers valuable perspectives on environmental management, market dynamics, and technological innovations in agriculture.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
Council amalgamation whats happening??
EP 121 | This episode covers recent news in New Zealand, including a taste test of supermarket butter, the glyphosate legal challenge, the winding down of the Agri-Women's Development Trust, and an in-depth discussion on local government amalgamation and efficiency. The hosts share insights on science-based decisions, community impact, and the future of local governance.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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Back in Action: Food, Farming Tech, and Travel Insights from Around the World
120 | Join us as we reconnect, diving into the latest innovations in sustainable farming, cutting-edge agricultural tech, and reflections on global travel experiences. We share insights into how New Zealand’s farming industry is advancing with new environmental measurement tools, explore the impact of recent free trade agreements, and compare food and shopping experiences from the US, UK, and beyond.
Main topics include:
The launch of Prism Earth, a satellite-based biodiversity measurement tool for farms, and its implications for New Zealand's environmental claimsAI-powered grazing management tools like Amr Farming’s Chatbot and their potential impact on farm...OUR MOST PLAYED EPISODE - Deanne Parkes
119 & 032 | This week we kick of our Rural Women's Mental Health Series, we’re shining a spotlight on an important and often overlooked topic - rural women’s mental health. We delve into the unique challenges rural women face and explore how mental wellness plays a crucial role in their everyday lives.
From the struggles of moving to the country and adjusting to life away from familiar surroundings, to balancing careers, raising children, and starting businesses in rural settings - these experiences are often accompanied by feelings of isolation, guilt, and the pressure of constantly serving others.
Replay series - Coaching the next big thing in Ag?
118 & 77 | Coaching the next big thing in Ag?
Myfi and Emily discuss their recent experiences, including a community event and the weather's impact on farming. They delve into significant developments in agri-tech, highlighting a New Zealand startup achieving unicorn status. The discussion also covers the acquisition of Nexon Group by PGG Wrightson and the importance of local solutions for farmers. They explore the role of social media in dispelling dairy myths through expert voices and emphasize the shift from traditional expert advice to a coaching approach in agriculture, fostering empowerment and long-term thinking among farmers.
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Replay series with Philippa Cameron
117 and 028 | We are joined by Philippa Cameron from Whats for Smoko (her amazing instagram page), she is also a multiple, best selling author and amazing wife and mother hailing from Otematata. Pip joins us for a chat about the myth or truth of the rural urban divide, we debunk it based on some research completed in 2023 by Massey University as part of the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge - https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/the-urbanrural-divide-debunked-aotearoa-new-zealand-values-our-farming-sector/
This week in the news we go into what's happening in Ireland with Straw (Country Wide Podcast...
Replay series - Sustainability - the missing puzzle piece
116 & 020 | Are we in NZ sure we have the sustainability of our workforce covered? Can we honestly say that we use best practice in staff relationships and with Sharemilkers/Managers and Owners? Do we have the framework to support our farmers to be great in this area? And how do we measure our success or lack there of? Does this have the potential to be the underbelly of NZ Ag that is just waiting to be exposed? Will this cost us our Social Licence to operate? and be the next dirty dairy exposure?
Tune in to the...
Replay series: Steph Borowski
115 & 017 | We are joined by the one and only Steph Borowski, maybe the funniest farmers wife on the internet. We traverse all things from homeschooling wild and free farm kids, regen ag, the wellness properties of red meat, to the good, bad and ugly of a modern day rural community. There isn't much that isn't talked about this week. So light the fire (it's that time of year), grab a cuppa and a bikkie (you've earnt a wee treat) and join us for a good ol' yarn.
We highly recommend you check out Motherland Australia's podcast, Mother's...
Its so good its back again Farm Succession with Ashley Burdon
114 / 080 | It's so good its back again!!!
This we week dove into the complexities of farm succession planning, highlighting the importance of communication, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by families in transitioning their farms. Ashley discussed the need for a structured approach to succession, the emotional aspects involved, and the opportunities available for those without a family farm. The discussion emphasised the significance of starting early and aligning values among family members to ensure a smooth transition.
You can find Ashley here - https://www.mdp.co.nz/about-us/meet-the-team/ashley-burdon/ or connect...
Supermarkets on notice, Canada cutting our lunch and deer poo.
EP 113 | Supermarkets on notice, Canada cutting our lunch and deer poo.
In this episode, hosts Myfi and Emily share personal updates, industry news, and insights into their upcoming travel plans. They discuss topics ranging from New Zealand's dairy policies and supermarket regulations to their own experiences balancing work and family life.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
Wanaka Show
EP 112 | Wanaka Show
This week Emily and Myfanwy dive into the hottest topics in Ag this week, they jump from new on Bobby calf program to the latest news on fuel supply. They deep dive into the Wanaka show and all the highlights from it, someone cute loved the horses and the meat best!!!
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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Protein Boom
EP 111 | Protein Boom
This week Emily and Myfanwy dive into the hottest topics in Ag this week, they cover imported Butter, reduced sheep numbers in the UK, wellness trends in China a boon for Deer industry and the deep dive this week is into the animal protein boom we are seeing globally, finding out whats behind this trend and what this means for NZ AG.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
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Are we loosing our kiwi number 8 inovative edge?
110 | This episode covers the recent US and Israel military strike on Iran, its regional implications, and the potential impacts on New Zealand's agriculture and economy. Additionally, it highlights exciting updates in KiwiSaver for rural New Zealand and discusses the recent reforms in New Zealand's public science system.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
HOSTS | @emilywalker @myfanwyalexander
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Keeping the wolf from the door
Ep 109 | Keeping the wolf from the door
This episode explores innovative agricultural technologies, international trade agreements, and environmental conservation challenges, providing insights into the future of farming and global trade dynamics.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
Sign up to our newsletter HERE
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Value over volume
108 | Value over volume is something NZ ag has bene chasing for years, even decades maybe. Have we finally cracked it or are we just the lucky receipts of global market forces. This week Em and Myfanwy jump into the latest update from Alliance, our red meat export volumes for 2025, the pace (or lack thereof) of chemical products certification for us in NZ. We dive deep into discussing NZAB's blog post on the 7 things to get excited about in AG in 2026 - its a pretty good coverage of items that impact every business and are outside the day to day. <...
The Great Potato Hist
EP |107 The Great Potato Hist
In this episode, Emily and Myfanwy discuss a variety of topics ranging from concert experiences to innovative agricultural practices. They explore the use of vibrations for pest control, the importance of plant variety rights in the global market, the impact of Brexit on UK farm exports, and the complex issue of agricultural theft. The conversation emphasizes the need for better education and community support.
Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.
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