Catchment Convos

Smarter Wintering: Practical Strategies for Healthier Stock, Soil & Teams | Ep 18

Struggling to balance animal welfare, soil health, and practical wintering on your farm? This episode breaks down what’s actually working on the ground—and how small changes can make a big difference. In this episode, I sit down with Southland farmers Simon Topham and Andrew Miller to talk through their wintering systems, the decisions behind them, and how they’re using data, planning, and experience to improve outcomes for their land, stock, and teams. Key Takeways * How to match stock, feed, and paddock conditions to reduce risk and improve performance * Why forward planning—right from autumn—can make winter grazing more efficient and less stressful * Practical tweaks from real farms that improve soil health, animal welfare, and team wellbeing   Simon Topham and Andrew Miller are experienced Southland farmers who are actively refining their wintering systems through on-farm trials, catchment group projects, and a strong focus on continuous improvement. Press play now and start planning smarter wintering strategies for your farm this season.   #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #wintergrazing #sustainablefarming #farmsystems   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/]   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw]   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz [office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz]

Inspiring Women in Rural Leadership | Ep 17

Balancing farm, family, and community commitments can be challenging, especially when taking on leadership roles. This episode explores practical ways women can lead in rural Southland while staying grounded in their communities. In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Sarah Thorne talks with Clare Officer and Rachael Millar about what leadership really looks like in rural Southland — from the paddock to the boardroom. We share honest stories about backing yourself, building support networks, navigating change, and stepping up in ways that work for you. Key Takeaways * Why having a strong support network is essential — and how to build one around you * How to push through imposter syndrome and get comfortable being uncomfortable * Practical advice for women in agriculture and environmental science who want to grow, lead, and give back Clare Officer is a dairy and beef farmer in Central Southland, Thriving Southland Board Member and a dedicated community leader, while Rachael Millar is Chief Advisor at Environment Southland and a long-time advocate for collaborative catchment work. If you’ve ever thought about putting your hand up but hesitated, this is your nudge — rural communities thrive when people step forward, so press play and be inspired to take your next step.   #catchmentgroups #southlandfarming #ThrivingSouthland #womeninagriculture #ruralleadership Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw]  Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz [office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz]

Starting the animal pest conversation | Ep 16

Animal pests can undo years of hard work if they’re not tackled properly — and once you think you’ve done enough, you’re probably only halfway there. In this episode, host Sarah Thorne kicks off the animal pest control conversation with Dipton sheep farmer Peter McDonald, who shares what it really took to protect 56 hectares of native bush on his Southland farm. From deer fencing and helicopter control to funding, neighbour coordination, and long-term thinking, this is a practical, honest look at what works when it comes to looking after land and water. Key Takeways *  Why understanding what you already have on your land is the first step before spending time or money * What coordinated pest control with neighbours actually looks like in practice — and why it matters * Why long-term commitment, not quick wins, makes the biggest difference for land, waterways, and future generations   If animal pests are creeping into your catchment or farm, this episode will help you think differently — press play and hear what’s possible when you go further than you thought you needed to.   #Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #SouthlandNZ #animalpestcontrol #landandwater #biodiversity   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/]   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw]   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz [office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz]

Behind the scenes of Thriving Southland | Ep 15

When you hear people talk about Thriving Southland, do you ever wonder how it all actually works behind the scenes? In this episode, I’m breaking it down with Richard Kyte and Tessa Miller so you can understand the real engine room supporting Southland’s catchment groups. We’re talking about what Thriving Southland does, why our ground-up model works, and how everyday farmers and locals are creating practical change that actually sticks. You’ll hear what’s happening across Southland, what’s working, and what’s shaping the next five years. Key Takeaways * How ground-up decision-making has helped 37 catchment groups deliver more than 150 projects. * Why science, community trust, and simple processes are at the heart of real progress on the land. * The challenges and wins farmers are navigating — and what’s giving them confidence for the future.   I’m joined by Richard Kyte, our Project Lead, and Tessa Miller, one of our Catchment Coordinators, who both bring years of experience supporting Southland communities. If you want a clearer picture of how catchment groups actually get things done — and what this means for your own patch — this is the episode to press play on.   #Southlandfarming #catchmentgroups #ThrivingSouthland,#communityprojects #ruralsustainability #SouthlandNZ   Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/]   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw]   Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz [office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz]

Grassroots action in Waikawa | Ep 14

Generational change doesn’t happen overnight — but in Waikawa, farmers and locals have been steadily putting in the hard yards for over a decade to restore their river and land. In this episode, Rachael sits down with Waikawa Catchment Group representatives Alison Thomas and Craig Short to hear how the group has grown from small beginnings in 2009 into a powerhouse of community-driven projects. From tackling erosion with science-led mapping, to installing sediment traps, fencing off gullies, and planting nearly 9,000 native plants, this catchment is showing what’s possible when people work together. Key Takeaways * How seven farmer-led projects are helping to slow the flow, reduce sediment, and improve water quality. * The role of science, funding, and local knowledge in creating long-term environmental change. * Why community planting days, volunteer support, and shared vision make all the difference in catchment success. Guests Alison Thomas and Craig Short share their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and why they believe every farmer in the catchment can play a part. Don’t miss this inspiring look at grassroots action in Waikawa — hit play now and take away ideas that could spark change in your own patch of paradise. #SouthlandNZ #catchmentgroups #communityprojects #riverrestoration #sedimentcontrol #nativeplants Connect with Waikawa Catchment Group and view the ICMP and Slow the Flow / Erosion Mitigation Project Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/waikawa/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/waikawa/] Connect with us at Thriving Southland Website: https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ [https://www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingSouthland/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERVHLoTWa0c4IL4BC4b_Kw] Email: office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz [office@thrivingsouthland.co.nz]