Ag in Conversation

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 inno...

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 challeng...

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.

• Wilding pine infestation and government funding
• Highlights from recent agricultural conferences
• Market outlook for beef and lamb
• T...

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 fo...

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:

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 ...

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 soci...

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/ab...

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 ...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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HOSTS | @‌emilywal...

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...

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.

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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.

• Satellite hyperspectral imaging for nitrogen mapping
• EU-MECOSA trade agreement and its global impact
• Reintroduction of wolves and conservation challenges
• US tariffs and Supreme Court r...

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...

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 ...

106 | In this conversation, Emily and Myfanwy discuss importance of supporting agricultural exports, the emerging camel milk industry in Queensland, and China's beef and dairy policy. They also explore the concept of controlled environment agriculture as a future trend in food production and the role of community and councils in supporting agricultural initiatives. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt message about supportin...