Federated Farmers Podcast

Kerry Harmer’s fight for consent while winning awards | EP 89

Kerry Harmer and her husband Paul have recently won top environmental awards for their high-country stewardship work, while simultaneously fighting a $150,000 (so far) battle for consent to keep farming. In this episode, the new Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president talks about the brutal irony of being recognised for environmental leadership while being told they’re not doing enough.  She shares the reality of the Harmers’ costly consent battle, the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and why she believes New Zealand’s consenting system is failing good farmers. Kerry also reflects on her career in farming, life at Castle Ridge Station, high-country resilience, and the leadership she wants to bring to Federated Farmers. Link: Farmers Weekly article about the Harmers [https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/high-country-farmers-costly-consent-fight-no-laughing-matter/]  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Neat Meat’s Simon Eriksen doesn’t mince his words | EP 88

Neat Meat founder Simon Eriksen reflects on 25 years of building one of New Zealand’s best-known premium meat businesses, from running deliveries out of a 1986 Subaru Legacy to supplying supermarkets, restaurants and My Food Bag. Simon shares how Neat Meat challenged the traditional meat supply chain, why he launched the SpeckleBeef programme, and what he’s learned from decades of backing himself in business through highs and lows. We also discuss the future of red meat, pressure on rural communities, the spread of carbon forestry, whether Kiwis are being priced out of quality beef and lamb, and what Simon believes needs to change to keep farming viable for the next generation. Useful links www.neatmeat.com Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Five tips for new contract milkers | EP 87

Manawatū contract milker Riley O’Neill shares his top tips for people going contract milking for the first time in the coming season, or for existing contract milkers moving farms.  Riley also discusses his own progression through the dairy sector, and his recent experience of moving to a new farm and new part of New Zealand.  This is good, solid advice that's relevant to most dairy farmers, but particularly new contract milkers.  Riley's social media channel: www.instagram.com/theeudderfarmers  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Meet the farmer: Shanice Young’s rise from city kid to rural leader | EP 86

Shanice Young didn’t grow up in farming, but she’s right in the mix now. From Wellington city kid to Bay of Plenty dairy farmer, Shanice shares how she found her way into farming and ended up leading her local Young Farmers Club, growing it rapidly from six members to around 30, while also running Surfing For Farmers and supporting her local Rural Support Trust. We talk about her start in farming, what’s kept her in the industry, and what young farmers care about right now. She also reflects on wellbeing, community and the future of farming. This is a great yarn with a top young leader who's fizzing on farming.  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

When farmers became heroes — the liberation of Le Quesnoy | EP 85

To mark Anzac Weekend 2026, we’re bringing you a special episode that reaches back into one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wartime stories. In November 1918, during the final days of World War I, New Zealand soldiers achieved the extraordinary by liberating the French town of Le Quesnoy without destroying it. Many of those soldiers were farmers, young Kiwis who'd left behind their land, livestock, and livelihoods to serve on the other side of the world. More than a century later, their legacy still lives on not just here in New Zealand, but in Le Quesnoy itself, and the bond remains as strong as ever. In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob Siermans from the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, located in the very town the Kiwis freed. As Project Manager of Operations and Marketing, Jacob shares the story of Le Quesnoy, how it’s remembered today, and why it continues to resonate so deeply with both locals and New Zealanders. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]