Scene + Herd: Podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Shut the gate: Deferred Grazing on hill country

We’re joined by Bill Garland who farms at Maungatautari in the Waikato and Dr Katherine Tozer, Senior Scientist at AgResearch, to talk deferred grazing. Around for many decades in different forms, it’s gaining more popularity as a way to transfer feed from spring to autumn/early winter, to regenerate pastures and to cut down on diesel, seed and cropping/regrassing costs.  Could it have a place in your system?

For more details, check out the deferred grazing information on B+LNZ’s Factsheet, DairyNZ’s Deferred Grazing page and AgResearch’s guide book.

This research was supported by AgResearch, DairyNZ, MPI, Ellett Trust, Ballance Agri-nutrients, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Waikato Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and especially the many farmers who contributed their time, paddocks and expertise. 

Better Beef Systems, with Bob Thomson, Ben Trotter and Matt Tayler

Tools, tech and tactics to make every blade count – Industry-renowned beef expert Bob Thomson (AgFirst) and farmers Ben Trotter (Luggate) and Matt Tayler (Garston) share practical tools, proven tactics, and tech insights to boost efficiency and profit in beef systems—including a look ahead at the role of wearables in the future of farming. 

Recorded on the B+LNZ Central Otago Farming for Profit “Grass to Gold” webinar, 16 June 2025

Breakfeed: Trace elements in sheep

Advice from Erin Riley, North Canterbury Vets talking at a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farming for Profit field day. In particular, she notes sheep are less likely to get their required selenium in oral drenches now.

More information in B+LNZ’s Factsheet Trace Element Nutrition of Sheep

Breakfeed: Summer crop management with Caitlin Thistoll, Ballance Agri-nutrients

Caitlin Thistoll from Ballance Agri- nutrients was presenting at Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Central Canterbury Farming for Profit day,  Reflections on Summer Crop Management. She talks about the three factors farmers need to consider before establishing a summer forage crop. 

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Simon Quilty: Influences on global market trends for red meat – Part 1

Captured at Out the Gate 2025 held in Rotorua, Simon Quilty shares an in-depth analysis of the global red meat market and the outlook for New Zealand trade. This is recorded before the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports, announced 3 April 2025. Watch part two for a follow up after the US tariff announcement and Simon answers questions from farmers.

Simon Quilty: Global market update and answering farmer questions – Part 2

As a follow up on Simon Quilty’s presentation at Out the Gate 2025 (see part one), Simon shares his initial reaction to the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports (announced 3 April 2025), and answers farmer questions from his Out the Gate 2025 presentation.

Don’t get unlucky with Liver Fluke

Liver fluke is a major cause of production issues in sheep and cattle in New Zealand. Dr Andrew Dowling,  technical expert animal health and nutrition at PGG Wrightson, shares what he has learnt from his years of being a vet and eight years of studying this parasite for his PhD. Hear more about what it is, where it came from, how to tell if you have a problem with it and how to manage it.

For more information, check out the section on liver fluke in B+LNZ’s Wormwise Hub.

Breakfeed: Geordie Eade and Pete Thomson of the 150 Hogget Group

Achieving 150 percent lambing in hoggets might seem an audacious goal, but Southland farmers Geordie Eade and Pete Thomson believe this will happen in their farming lifetime. The pair, who are members of the Hogget 150 group, spoke at a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farming for Profit day and outlined what the group members have found to be the critical factors for increasing the productivity and profitability of their hogget flocks.

For more information, see Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s guidebook ‘Hogget Performance: Unlocking the potential of hogget lambing’

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

 

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 10: Willy Scurr

In the tenth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to Otago farmer Willy Scurr about how he is managing drench resistance on his farm.

For more information on internal parasite management, checkout B+LNZ’s Wormwise hub

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 9: Jeremy Leigh

In the ninth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to vet, farmer and Wormwise facilitator Jeremy Leigh about parasite management in cattle. 

For more information on internal parasite management, checkout B+LNZ’s Wormwise hub

 

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 8: Garth Riddle

In the eighth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to Garth Riddle, a vet and Wormwise facilitator based in the Bay of Plenty about drench resistance in cattle

For more information on internal parasite management, checkout B+LNZ’s Wormwise hub

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 7: Matt Iremonger

In the seventh of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to Canterbury sheep and beef farmer Matt Iremonger about internal parasite management on Willesden Farms.

For more information on internal parasite management, checkout B+LNZ’s Wormwise hub

Growing Future Farmers Series E3: The Students’ Perspectives

To conclude this three-part series delving into Growing Future Farmers, we spotlight the experiences of those who have directly benefited from the programme. Join us as we talk to current students Tom Flashoff and Monique Wrathall, and recent graduate Alex West.

To listen to the first and second episode in this series, click below:

• Growing Future Farmers Series: where it all began
• Growing Future Farmers Series: students support

Want to learn more? Head over to growingfuturefarmers.co.nz

Future proofing your career

Ben Allomes discusses key steps towards successful leadership and a sustainable career.

His key messages in this podcast and his Nuffield scholarship report are relatable and inspiring.

Growing Future Farmers Series Episode 2: Students' Support

Behind every successful student is a dedicated team. In this second episode of our three-part series, we delve deeper into the Growing Future Farmers programme, interviewing farmers Simon Lee and Richard Webby, along with North Island Student Success Advisor Laura Gavin, to learn about their roles in shaping the future of sheep and beef farming.

To listen to the first and third episodes in this series, click below:

• Growing Future Farmers Series: where it all began
• Growing Future Farmers Series: student perspective

Want to learn more? Head over to growingfuturefarmers.co.nz

Comparing international approaches towards agricultural emissions

Macaulay Jones and Madeline Hall talk about Beef + Lamb New Zealand commissioned research comparing international approaches to reducing agricultural emissions. The report found that every country is looking to reduce agricultural emissions but in very different ways. Hear about some of the high-level findings and key implications from this work. For more information, you can read the Summary report and the Full report on B+LNZ’s website.

Growing Future Farmers Series Episode 1: Where it all began

In this three part series, we'll delve into the heart of Growing Future Farmers. We'll explore the "why" behind the programme, what students can expect, and the impact it has on the industry.

First up, in episode one we chat with Tam Jex-Blake, one of the founders who launched the programme back in 2020. We'll also hear from CEO Wendy Paul about the programme's strategic direction and her passion for its future.

To listen to the second and third episodes in this series, click below:

• Growing Future Farmers Series: student support
• Growing Future Farmers Series: student perspective

Want to learn more? Head over to growingfuturefarmers.co.nz

Understanding the Global Sheep Forum’s Next Generation Programme

Listen to this podcast to understand what the Global Sheep Forum’s Next Generation Programme is, why Beef + Lamb New Zealand participated, and what our two young farmers got out of taking part. Hosted by Nicholas Jolly, Senior Trade Policy Advisor (Environment), this episode interviews Hamish Best and Olivia Ellis who were the two young farmers selected to represent New Zealand at the Global Sheep Forum’s Next generation Programme in Australia in August this year.

Farmlands on celebrating the sector through B+LNZ Awards

Farmlands CEO Tanya Houghton shares Farmlands’ commitment to the B+LNZ Awards and how Farmlands is innovating and supporting farmers.

Hosted by B+LNZ’s GM of Communications & Insights, Rowena Hume, the episode highlights the vital role New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector plays for Farmlands.

Farm Succession: the Bowie Family’s story

Bruce and Jackie Bowie of Mt Marchant had a farm succession challenge to navigate, and they weren’t sure if they could make it work. With help from people they trusted, they came up with a successful plan for themselves and their children Daniel, Natalie and Tom. Hear the family’s story in this podcast, and you can read more about it in the factsheet pathways to farm business ownership.

Farming for Good: Leading farmers share their perspectives

Mark Guscott of Glen Eden Farms Ltd (Martinborough), Allen and Jo Johnstone of Wallace Johnstone Ltd (Te Kuiti), and Jason Miller of Roslyn Downs (Southland) took part in a panel discussion at the Red Meat Sector Conference on 23 July 2024.

Facilitated by Rowena Duncum from NZME, the four shared their personal perspectives on sustainability, intergenerational planning, and customer expectations in the evolving farming landscape.

This panel discussion was sponsored by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. For more detail, check out the article on our website.

Breakfeed: Farm Transition through an Equity Partnership

Follow the (fictional) Richards Family who want to retain the farm in the family. However the next generation do not want to run the farm, so they look at different options such as leasing before settling on an equity partnership.

Check out B+LNZ’s resources on equity partnerships.

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Check out our other resources on farm succession here

 

Breakfeed: Family Challenges during Farm Succession

Follow the (fictional) Richards family as they deal with family challenges during farm succession conversations, working through all the mine fields that could tear a family apart. In this podcast, they discuss communication, family meetings, engaging everyone and setting goals.

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Check out our other resources on farm succession here

Insight into Agribusiness in Schools

Agribusiness in Schools in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, NZQA and the primary industries have collaborated to design an agribusiness programme that will prepare the best and brightest students for careers in the primary sector. Beef + Lamb New Zealand have been a proud partner of the programme since its conception in 2014. Hear from founding members John Jackson and Hon Nathan Guy on how the programme began, where the programme is today with Agribusiness Project Curriculum Director. Kerry Allen and hear first hand from current and past students on the impact the programme is having on careers within the food and fibre sector.

Find out more at  https://www.agribusiness.school.nz/ 

Fine-tuning finishing performance in beef cattle: outcomes from Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics’ Beef Progeny Test

The Beef Progeny Test was a 5-year project run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Genetics, comparing bulls under commercial farming conditions. B+LNZ Genetics has been analysing the dataset collected from those farms to identify valuable insights for stud breeders and commercial farmers. In this podcast, Jason Archer, Livestock Genetics Specialist at B+LNZ Genetics, delves into some of the insights on measuring and predicting finishing performance in beef cattle.

Discussion explores the important role of 'subcutaneous fat', which is measured through rib fat depth, and 'intramuscular fat' also known as marbling, as well as the relationship between these traits. Jason also discusses different tools used to improve carcass traits – such as estimated breeding values (EBVs) and ultrasound scanning – and how effective they are at predicting marbling and rib fat depth within a carcass.

Useful links:

• Read more (and see the graphs referred to in this podcast) on the B+LNZ Genetics Beef Progeny Test Results page: https://www.blnzgenetics.com/beef-progeny-test-results
• Watch a video of Jason discussing these traits at a recent Beef Progeny Test field day: https://youtu.be/B9yhj1k6o9s?si=SI9pCx9cSusjG9_A&t=4703
• B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef website:  www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef 

 

Shepherdess: more than a magazine

Shepherdess is a more than a women’s magazine. It captures everyday life and extraordinary stories and is documenting the things that matter to communities across provincial Aotearoa. From the women, for the land. We are joined by Kristy McGregor, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief, who dives into all of the corners of the venture that started back in 2019.

This podcast was recorded in February 2024.

Farmers benefit from hosting an Open Farms Day: Daniel Eb

Farmers can reap many benefits by participating in New Zealand’s national Open Farm Day, set for Sunday, 10 March 2024. We talk with Open Farms founder Daniel Eb about the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from farmer hosts and why a significant number of hosts return each year to be part of the initiative.

Daniel dives into the many benefits for farmers – direct and indirect – and how it is much more manageable than farmers might anticipate.

B+LNZ encourages you to consider hosting an event. Research shows that firsthand experiences are unmatched when it comes to creating better understanding with urban folk.

If you’re considering hosting an Open Farms Day, visit the official website here.

Animal Sourced Foods in Healthy and Sustainable Diets: Dr. Ty Beal, Research Advisor for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Recorded on a Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar. Dr. Ty Beal is a well-recognised expert on global food systems, and the impact of dietary patterns on human health and the environment. Through an evidence-based approach, Dr. Beal presents a balanced view for the role of animal sourced foods (with a focus on red meat) in sustainable global diets.

View the presentation with Dr. Beal’s slides on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTb288eHv6c

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 6: Carlos Segura

In the sixth Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcast, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Carlos Segura about how and why he is reducing drench inputs in his farm system. Carlos manages sheep and beef on Manunui Station, in Taumarunui and was part of a B+LNZ Research funded study, carried out by Massey University, to understand how and why farmers are already farming with less drench.

The future is here: Michael McQueen, Award winning speaker, trend forecaster and author

The Covid pandemic has been a catalyst for change, dramatically transforming consumer behavior, markets and workplaces across the globe. Michael McQueen provides a deep insight into these tectonic shifts, and how red meat sector leaders need to position themselves for success in this emerging new normal.

Recorded at the Red Meat Sector Conference August 2023.

Trade in a time of turbulence – Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As New Zealand continues to emerge and engage post-Covid trade it is increasingly clear that many of the old trade and market certainties no longer hold, and new risks and opportunities are emerging on the world stage. Join MFAT Deputy Secretary Vangelis Vitalis as he shares his insights into how New Zealand can steer a leading trade strategy in increasingly turbulent waters.

Vangelis was New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and before that the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He was also a member of the negotiating teams for the New Zealand-China FTA and the P4 Agreement.

Recorded at the Red Meat Sector Conference August 2023.

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 5: Ginny Dodunski

In the fifth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's 'Parasite Chronicles' podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Ginny Dodunski, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Wormwise Programme Manager about parasites and drench resistance but also the importance of feeding your animals well for animal health in general.

Breeding success: Inside the Informing New Zealand Beef commercial herds initiative

Commercial farms play a key role in Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme because they contribute to the accuracy of breeding values of stud bulls. The INZB programme aims to onboard at least 10 farmers each year as part of the Next Generation Commercial Herds initiative. Those selected adopt a recording schedule and can also carry out genotyping of their cow herd and calves and sires. The farmers can benchmark their herd against others involved in the programme, and it also allows for more accurate heifer selection.

In this episode, Richard Scholefield and Patrick Crawshaw, who are involved in the programme, share their first-hand experiences and the benefits they’ve witnessed through participation.

For more information about the INZB programme visit the B+LNZ Genetics website: https://www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef

Farm Without Harm: reducing harm and fostering a culture of care within our farming communities

Safer Farms chair Lindy Nelson joins us to discuss the Farm Without Harm strategy, the "Half Arsed Stops Here” campaign and how farmers can get involved in this innovative programme.

For more information, check out the Safer Farms website https://www.saferfarms.co.nz/ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Farm Safety Management System resources https://beeflambnz.com/search?query=Farm+Safety

Sow, Grow, Thrive: Navigating Tough Times- Financial strategies for the agri-sector

Experienced Bankers Dan Billing and Matt Hood join us to share their insights for effective financial communication and relationships.

Recorded on the fifth Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Sow, Grow, Thrive’ webinar, 2 October 2023

Sow, Grow, Thrive: Farming Through the Seasons- Mastering cycles with financial insights

Rob Macnab of Total Ag is well known to farmers, and a popular former guest on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s podcast. In this episode, he discusses blending on-farm excellence with financial planning for lasting prosperity.

Recorded on the fourth Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Sow, Grow, Thrive’ webinar, 2 October 2023

Sow, Grow, Thrive: Looking Forward- Why we are in a recession and how to picture the future

Luke Kemeys (Chartered Accountant) joined us to discuss what’s happening in the economy right now and how we got here. We explored 3 key questions to ask yourself, who you need to stick close to and what you need to be asking them. Learn from genuine conversations Luke is currently having with clients in all industries.    

Recorded on the third Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Sow, Grow, Thrive’ webinar, 25 September 2023

Sow, Grow, Thrive: Budgets and Beyond- Discovering opportunities through cash flow monitoring

Recorded on the second Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Sow, Grow, Thrive’ webinar, 18 September 2023

Frazer Weir is highly regarded by his farming clients and is an experienced financial consultant and chartered accountant. Frazer shared how to utilize your accountant, boost your financial literacy and get a better understanding of your debt, assets and equity. He also talked about where to trim the fat without affecting your production. 

Sow, Grow, Thrive: Paddock Stories- Bouncing back from tough times

Cashflow, debt, interest, schedule prices and adverse events. In this Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar we talk to farmers Matt Tayler, Patrick Crawshaw and Justine Kidd about the strategies they have implemented through their own unique and shared challenges to get through and get ahead in tough times.  Facilitated by Becks Smith (The Whole Story) our farmer panel share openly and honestly about navigating their way through, triggers and planning in their businesses, building a trusted team, looking after their people and looking to the future.

Rural Support Trust are here to support farmers through all kinds of situations, if you, a neighbour or friend need some extra support we encourage you to reach out- 0800787254

Breakfeed: We want your sheep poo!

Beef + Lamb New Zealand are calling on farmers to take part in groundbreaking Facial Eczema (FE) research by collecting sheep poo. In this episode, Cara Brosnahan, Principal Adviser Animal Health Research, and Suzi Keeling Sector Science Strategy Manager at B+LNZ, talk to Sarah Perriam-Lampp about this three-year research study. The study aims to improve our understanding of FE occurrence in different parts of New Zealand and inform effective disease management strategies for farmers in the future.

https://beeflambnz.com/FEstudy 

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

2023 Red Meat Sector Conference Panel discussion: Emerging standards & consumer expectations

New Zealand’s sophisticated red meat business model is built on the ability to shift volume between export markets to maximise value. In this panel discussion from the 2023 Red Meat Sector Conference, moderated by Fran O’Sullivan, hear from Fred Hellaby (Wilson Hellaby Ltd), Gerard Hickey (First Light Foods), Vangelis Vitalis (MFAT) and Willie Wiese (Alliance Group) on the emerging standards and consumer expectations that our industry will need to meet to stay at the top of the red meat export game.

Insights and future opportunities for the red meat sector, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Nick Beeby

Nick Beeby is B+LNZ’s General Manager - Market Development. He joined a recent B+LNZ Central South Island Farming for Profit webinar to provide an update on market intelligence, the NZ Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) and the sector’s Taste Pure Nature branding initiative.

For more detail, you can watch the video of the webinar here

 

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 4: Dave McKenzie

In the fourth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Dave McKenzie about how and why he is reducing drench inputs in his farm system. Dave farms sheep and beef on Montrose Estate, North Canterbury and was part of a B+LNZ Research funded study, carried out by Massey University, to understand how and why farmers are already farming with less drench. To learn more about the study click here.

Research Bites - June 2023

Updates on the latest research being undertaken to enhance sheep and beef farm productivity from Dr Lydia Cranston (Massey University), Dr David Stevens (AgResearch) and Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University)

Recording of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Central Otago Farming for Profit Winter Webinar series, June 2023

 

Fertiliser: Getting Bang for your Buck, with Dr Robert McBride and Dr Ants Roberts

Tips and tricks for making your fertiliser spend go further, and how to increase nutrient use efficiency using new spreading technologies, from Dr Robert McBride (AgKnowledge) and Dr Ants Roberts (Ravensdown).

Recording of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Central Otago Farming for Profit Winter Webinar series, June 2023

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 3: Insights from farmers reducing drench use

(This podcast was first published on 3 July 2023 and has since been slightly edited to include the panel discussion).

Recorded on a December 2022 webinar, Suzi Keeling, Sector Science Strategy Manager at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), talks with Massey University Researchers Anne Ridler and Karen Hytten about a B+LNZ Research funded project that looked into the reasons why and how NZ farmers are reducing drench input in their farming systems. Ginny Dodunski, B+LNZ Wormwise Programme Manager also joined the webinar for a Q+A session facilitated by Suzi.

For more information on good management practice, check out the B+LNZ Wormwise website: https://wormwise.co.nz/

What cattle traits are most important to New Zealand farmers?

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Informing New Zealand Beef programme recently released the findings of a survey into what cattle traits were important to New Zealand’s beef farmers. Dr Jason Archer, B+LNZ Genetics’ Livestock Specialist and Sam Harburg, consultant at AbacusBio, discuss which traits were identified as highest priority by farmers and how the survey findings will inform the development of a genetic evaluation system for the industry.

For more information, see www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 2: Andrew Law

In the second of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to sheep and beef farmer Andrew Law about managing parasites on his farm in northern Southland.

For more information on good management practice, check out the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Wormwise website: https://wormwise.co.nz/

How Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme will supercharge farmers’ genetic gains

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has a strong focus on education and extension design - specifically around the transfer of knowledge to commercial farmers and making cutting-edge tools and resources available to the beef industry. Anna Boyd (Beef Genetics Operations Specialist at B+LNZ Genetics) shares what they’re doing in that space and why it’s important.

 For more information, see www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef

The Parasite Chronicles Episode 1: Tom Brown

In the first of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks to Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Tom Brown about how he is managing internal parasites with reduced drench on his farm.

For more information on good management practice, check out the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Wormwise website: https://wormwise.co.nz/