Shows
REXREX Feb 24 - Mel Brown, Brent Irving and Joe HigginsOn today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with London-based NZ chef and restauranteur Mel Brown about hosting a NZ Lamb Day event at her restaurant, The Laundry in Brixton, her famous Sunday roasts and cooking in the wild... He talks with Brent Irving from PGG Wrightson Real Estate about the rural market in Otago, the diversification of land use in the region and his role on the advisory board for Landify, a platform where interested parties can privately explore farming partnership options... And he talks with Joe Higgins, PGG Wrightson South Canterbury Livestock Manager, about recent sales in the...
2026-02-2340 min
Blue Shed DiaryTech Talk: Dealing with Diamondback moths with Pete McKnight, Technical Specialist - AgronomyTech Talk is our brand-new segment where we answer your questions and get technical or seasonal advice from PGG Wrightson's Technical Team and Field Reps. Joining the Conversation is Pete McKnight, PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist for Agronomy based in Otago. He has sage advice on dealing with Diamondback moths in your brassicas. Have a question you want answered? Send us an email at podcast@pggwrightson.co.nz
2026-02-2312 min
Blue Shed DiaryOn the Vine: Growing the perfect Kiwi with Matt Glenn, Kiwifruit Breeding Centre CEOOn the Vine -- our brand-new segment takes a deep-dive into the horticulture sector. Kiwifruit is New Zealand's largest horticultural export -- nearly $4 billion last year. Given its role in our economy, it seems only fitting that we start our inaugural On the Vine segment with a focus on Kiwis. Joining the conversation is Dr Matt Glenn, CEO of the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre in Te Puke.
2026-02-2020 min
Blue Shed DiaryHow do you like them apples? - Tech Talk with THR Gary SpeersIntroducing our brand-new segment: Tech Talk. We answer your questions and give technical or seasonal advice from PGG Wrightson's own Technical Team and Field & Hort Reps. Joining the conversation the first Tech Talk is Gary Speers, PGG Wrightson Technical Horticultural Representative based in Hastings. He gives us an update on the apple growing season.
2026-02-1909 min
Blue Shed DiaryMeet the Interns - Putting PGG Wrightson's Interns in the spotlightEach summer, PGG Wrightson has a selection of university students join us for a 10-week paid internship. We pair them with mentors, provide hands-on experience in field trials, put them in our stores, send them off with our livestock and wool teams, or have them join our Research & Development teams. At the end of the internship – we want them walking away with a better understanding of the primary sector. For the very first time, and because our host, Milton Munro runs the programme, our interns have an additional test – aconversation on the podcast.Meet the futu...
2026-02-1322 min
Blue Shed DiaryThe Perfect Break with Surfing for Farmer's Dom HuxleyThe ocean is not generally the first thing you think of when you think of farming in New Zealand, but one organisation is looking to change that. Surfing for Farmers is all about helping farmers find the perfect break—to get away from the hard work of farm life and have a bit of fun on a surfboard with their fellow farmers, rural families, and industry professionals. Joining the conversation for the inaugural From the Field segment is Dom Huxley, General Manager of Surfing for Farmers.
2026-02-1317 min
verdemediaJosé García - PGG Wrightson Seeds - 09-02-26Entrevista realizada a José García - PGG Wrightson Seeds - 09-02-26
2026-02-0907 min
Blue Shed DiaryRounding Up the facts on Glyphosate with the EPA's Dr Shaun PresowGlyphosate, or 'Round Up' as it commonly known, is one of the world's most widely used herbicides. It’s been approved for use in New Zealand since the 1970's, but in recent years its safety has been called into question here and abroad. Six months ago, the New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the authority charged with looking into the safety and efficacy of our agrichemicals, declined to review the approval of Glyphosate saying there are no grounds ornew evidence for a review. Joining the conversation to discuss this decision and the safety of Glyp...
2026-02-0513 minREXNew strategy for PGG live wool auctions - Rachel ShearerDom talks with Rachel Shearer, GM of Wool at PGG Wrightson, about the establishment of a single, national live wool auction, what it means for auctioneering in Napier and the key reasons behind the move. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
2026-01-2920 min
Blue Shed DiaryStayin' Alive with Safer Farms' Lindy NelsonSummer is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers and growers. Not only do you have a lot of jobs on the farm, but you also may want to squeeze in some time for relaxing, too! So, it is understandable if you're tempted to cut a few corners to get the job done.But accidents have consequences—from lost revenue to lost lives—so prevention is key! Working to improve health and safety in the primary sector is Safer Farms. Joining the conversation now is Safer Farms Chair, Lindy Nelson.
2026-01-2919 minBlue Shed DiaryKiller Cats with Richard Dawkins of Federated FarmersFeral cats are taking a toll on New Zealand farms by killing native wildlife and spreading disease. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that needs a cat's intestines to complete its life cycle and contaminates the soil and water. It can infect people, livestock, even dolphins. With millions of feral cats roaming New Zealand, the threat is everywhere -- and our farmers are feeling the pain. What can we do about it?Joining the conversation is Richard Dawkins. He is the National Meet & Wool Chairman for the Federated Farmers and runs a sheep, beef, and viticulture farm...
2026-01-2314 minBlue Shed DiaryEp. 50: Goodbye 3G - how its demise affects Rural Communities with Craig Young of TUANZ.By the end of March 2026, the nation's 3G network will be gone. Bit by bit, region by region, One NZ, Spark, and 2Degrees are shutting down their networks. While few in the urban centres will even notice, many rural communities will feel the pain. Joining the conversation to discuss 3G's demise and how to prepare for it is CEO of TUANZ (Tech Users Association of NZ) Craig Young.
2026-01-1518 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 49: Shepherdess - telling stories about women and the land with Kristy McGregor, Editor-in-ChiefFor stories for and about New Zealand women who work the land, look no further than Shepherdess magazine. Each season, the publication delves into the lives of provincial women who play a unique role on their farms and in their communities. Six years ago, Kristy McGregor started the Shepherdess Instagram page to bridge the isolation gap that many in the primary sector feel. Now, 24-editions later, the magazine is celebrating its 5th anniversary and is fully entrenched in the urban and rural landscape. Joining the conversation is its creator, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief Kristy McGregor. She...
2025-12-1624 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 48: Ditching the agchem? Growing with A Lighter Touch with Livia EsterhazyOur horticulture industry reached a new milestone this year - nearly $8.5 BILLION in exports. An impressive feat considering a decade ago the sector had a major problem on its hands. Resistance. The sector's response? Lean in. With consumers wanting sustainably grown food free from as many ag-chem products as possible, and willing to pay a premium, the industry decided collaboration would be a better idea. Working across horticulture, arable and wine, a new programme was created to support growers as they shifted away from agri-chemicals to biologicals and integrated pest management. Together, they...
2025-12-1633 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 47: Farming Free of Fossil Fuels with Electric Cherry's Mike CaseyAn orchard in Otago is doing things a little differently by ditching the diesel vehicles and machinery, installing solar panels, and adding an adopt-a-tree programme. Forest Lodge Orchard near Cromwell is better known by the name, Electric Cherry - a name inspired by their journey to become New Zealand's first certified fossil free cherry orchard. For Mike Casey, his wife Rebecca and partners Euan and Rachel White, this has been an incredible adventure. Together, they have gone from knowing nothing about growing cherries to having over 9,000 trees in the ground and a...
2025-12-1625 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 46: Diversifying your income through Agritourism with Marijke DunselmanMany farmers and growers, looking to diversify their income, are exploring agritourism. From sleeping huts and hunting to walking trails and cheese making, more and more in the primary sector are seeing how they can introduce tourism into their operation. But is getting into agritourism as simple as throwing up a sleeping hut on the back blocks and putting up a website?In a word: No. One woman is helping our primary producers unlock their tourism potential: Marijke Dunselman, leader of the industry body Agritourism New Zealand joins the conversation.
2025-12-1618 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 45: Sorted! Recycling farm plastic scheme gets green light with Minister Penny SimmondsIn April 2025, the government undertook a review into how our farm plastics are recycled, and Environment Minister Penny Simmonds walked us through the proposal to merge the existing voluntary schemes, Agrecovery and Plasback, into a single national system. Now, after industry feedback, the national system has the green light, and the Minister joins the Blue Shed Diary once again to give us all the details.
2025-12-1608 min
Scotty & IzzyFIELD OF DREAMS | Pirongia Rugby Club win PGG Wrightson Turf competitionScotty & Sam are joined by Pirongia Rugby Club president Cameron Coombes to announce the winner of the PGG Wrightson Turf Field of Dreams competition.
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2025-11-2709 minREXREX Nov 18 - Nic Lees from Lincoln University, Phil Duncan from WeatherWatch and Andrew Gibson from PGG Wrightson LivestockOn today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Nic Lees, Director of Lincoln University's Agribusiness and Food Marketing Programme, about the US tariff rollercoaster, what it means for NZ's primary exports and the geopolitical factors at play when it comes to the commodities markets... He talks with Phil Duncan from WeatherWatch about which areas can expect rain, which areas need it and what exactly atmospheric rivers are... And he talks with Andrew Gibson, PGG Wrightson Livestock Manager and auctioneer, about his career in livestock, the current state of the market and his extensive community and charity work. ...
2025-11-1855 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 44: It's Banned! What can you do now that Chlorpyrifos is banned?In July, the EPA aka Environmental Protection Authority announced a ban on the insecticide – chlorpyrifos. It has been the primary weapon against pests like grass grub, nysius, and Argentine Stem weevil but it was also dangerous to everything and everyone around it. So, what can farmers and growers do for pest control now that Chlorpyrifos is banned. For those answers we turn toPGG Wrightson Technical Specialist for Agronomy Joseph Watts.
2025-11-1712 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 43: Investing in Science at PGG WrightsonPGG Wrightson has a long-standing commitment to Research & Development. We run some 70 scientific trials around the country each year. So, when a very unique plot of land – the Geelan Family Trust Research Station in Hastings – becameavailable, we leapt at the opportunity to have our very own dedicated R&D site. Joining the conversation is the man running the new PGG Wrightson Research & Development Station, Extension Advisor Marcus Fitzsimmons.
2025-11-1711 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 42: We want your sheep poo! A conversation with Cara BrosnahanLet's talk about poo. Specifically, sheep poo and why our next guest is asking farmers to send it in the mail. Why?Facial Eczema. To get an understanding of how FE impacts New Zealand, the woman behind this study is principal scientist at Beef & Lamb NZ, Dr Cara Brosnahan.
2025-11-1713 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 41: Bug guts is science. What eDNA is revealing about NZ's insects with Richard & AimeeIt’s not often we talk about bug guts or meet people interested in getting squashed flies and bug splatters through the mail, but Richard and Aimme want to know all about it. University of Auckland Geneticists, Dr Aimee van der Reis and Dr Richard O’Rorke, are using the dead bugs left on your license plate to unlock clues about insect biodiversity inAotearoa New Zealand. This citizen scientist project relies on Kiwis driving about the motu and the dead bugs they collect on their licence plates.
2025-11-1720 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 40: Targeting the Methane Targets with James RenwickNearly half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture – methane and nitrous oxide. On a strictly per capita basis, we have the highest methane emissions in the world. In 2019, as part of the zero-carbon act, targets were set to reduce these biogenic methane emissions by 24 to 27 percent by the year 2050, but now the Government has announced a reduction in those targets to 14 to 24 percent. Many from the primary industry welcomed this change, while others say these new lower targets will make it harder for New Zealand to meet its climate change obligations andp...
2025-10-2829 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 39: Targeting the Methane Targets with David Frame.A landmark climate deal was struck in 2019 – the bipartisan legislation ‘Climate Change Response Act’ or Zero Carbon Act – which sets a legal framework for New Zealand to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Biogenic methane was the exception – with its targets set for a 24 to 47 percent reduction. In October, the Government announced they are reducing those methane targets to 14 to 24 percent. Federated Farmers and others in the primary industry welcomed the policy, while others say this will not only make it harder for New Zealand to meet its climate change obligations but also threatens the primary se...
2025-10-2821 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 38: Our Sustainable Journey with Michael AndersonPGG Wrightson recently published our Sustainability Report and Climate Statement in which we lay out the activities of PGG Wrightson over the last year to become more sustainable and reduce our climate impact. At the helm of this report and PGG Wrightson’s Sustainability Programme is ourSustainability Manager, Michael Anderson. He joins the conversation now.
2025-10-2818 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 37: Defining Agronomy with Elaine Gould of Fruitfed SuppliesAgronomists play a huge role in the success of crops for farmers and growers. But what you may not know is there is no qualification requirement for agronomists. None. Meanwhile, overseas anyone calling themselves an agronomist must hold a recognised qualification. PGG Wrightson decided to do something about this and worked with Primary ITO to launch the very first, NZQA-approved programme and qualification. The first tranche of eight students is currently enrolled. Joining the conversation is Fruitfed Supplies Technical Team Specialist for Subtropicals – Elaine Gould.
2025-10-2814 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 36: Happy Birthday, PGW with CEO Stephen GuerinPGG Wrightson’s history extends all the way back to the 1840's when Nathaniel Levin established Levin & Co in Wellington. Since then, the company we now know has had many names and we would be surprised if there is a single farmer orgrower in New Zealand’s history who has not interacted with some form of PGG Wrightson. Big changes and consolidations in the 1990s set the stage for the PGG Wrightson of today. In 2005, Pyne Gould Guinness merged with Wrightson Ltd to become PGW. This October, we are celebrating our 20th birthday and 20 years of s...
2025-10-2812 min
The CountryThe Country 16/10/25: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie MackayThe General Manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of a buoyant rural market and offers his industry opinion on the Alliance deal as head of PGG’s livestock division.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-10-1604 minREXREX Sep 26 - Blair Stewart from NZ Hops and Hugh McDonald from PGG Wrightson SeedsOn today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with NZ Hops Ltd CEO Blair Stewart about the 2025 harvest, the ongoing success of the Nectaron and Superdelic varieties and the global hop market... And he talks with Hugh McDonald, CEO of PGG Wrightson Seeds, about the current state of the seed market, the Gene Technology Bill and the business of sports turf. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
2025-09-2649 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 35: Is there room for AI and agriculture with Kylie Horomia of AgriTech New ZealandThe future is now. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, even on our farms and orchards. There is a lot of potential and excitement around incorporating AI practices into the Primary Sector, but also pitfalls. To walk us through the future of the technology, and its role with the Primary Sector we turn to AgriTech New Zealand. Joining the conversation is Agritech's Growth and Transformation Manager Kylie Horomia.
2025-09-2419 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 34: Supporting Rural Communities with Jonathan Bell of Rural Support TrustIt is September and that means the Cash for Communities programme is open. PGG Wrightson, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, and selected agchem suppliers donate $1 for every tonne of qualifying fertiliser or 10 litres of agchem products between September and November to charity. PGG Wrightson customers nominate their preferred charities, and since the start of the programme in 2011, we have given away hundreds of thousands of dollars to rural charities and groups. This year, with your help, we are on track to hit an important milestone: $1 million! These donations make a huge difference to our communities and...
2025-09-2410 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 33: Making wine with New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year Ruby McManawayIn August, New Zealand crowned the Young Winemaker of the Year. PGG Wrightson's Fruitfed Supplies is a proud sponsor, and winners of the Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker earn a trip to Burgundy, France and whole lot more. The winner this year made four previous attempts at the crown before finding success in 2025. Joining the conversation is Ruby McManaway, who by day is a Production Winemaker for Yealands Estate Winery in Blenheim.
2025-09-2415 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 32: Vine and Wine with New Zealand Winegrower's CEO Philip GreganPeople around the world love to drink our wine. An impressive statistic from New Zealand winegrowers shows just how much: 81 glasses of New Zealand wine were purchased every second last year. Wine is a billion-dollar industry for Aotearoa and is a huge part of our Primary Sector. Advocating for this industry in New Zealand Winegrowers - the national organisation for our country's grape and wine sector. Joining the conversation has been at its helm since its inception 2002, New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan.
2025-09-2421 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 31: What does it take? Celebrating our Young Grower of the Year Phoebe SchererEach year, young fruit and vegetable growers from around the country compete for the title of Young Grower of the Year. The competitors are drawn from the winners of the seven regional competitions. This September, after a series of tough challenges, Phoebe Scherer was crowned the 2025 winner. Working full-time at Apata as Technical Lab Manager, and winning the Bay of Plenty regional competition, she won the national title. Joining the conversation is Phoebe Scherer.
2025-09-2412 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 30: Growing the Future with Kate Scott, Horticulture NZ CEOHorticulture is a major part of our primary sector. With over 4,000 growers and industry value of over $7.5B, the fruits and vegetables we grow in New Zealand are enjoyed here and around the world. But like the rest of the primary industry, growers face challenges bringing their product tomarket. Joining the conversation is Kate Scott, Horticulture New Zealand CEO who is helping our growers negotiate these challenges.
2025-09-2420 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 29: Fighting farm pests with Joseph WattsWhat happens when one of the tools farmers and growers use to fight pests and disease are removed from the toolbox? Recently, EPA announced they are banning the insecticide Chlorpyrifos because its harm outweighs its benefits. It's used to combat grass grubs, among other pests, but what options do farmers and growers have now?Joining the conversation to answer that question is PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist for Agronomy Joseph Watts.
2025-08-1812 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 28: EPA's Assessment Protocols with EPA's Dr Shaun PresowTo celebrate Biosecurity Awareness Month, Blue Shed Diary is talking to the people charged with keeping New Zealand safe from pests and disease. Agrichemicals are one of the tools in the tool chest, but what happens when one of those tools is gone? What goes into that decision? And how do we get new tools in our toolboxes?Joining the conversation is Dr Shaun Presow of the Environmental Protection Authority. He is the Manager of Reassessments and Acting Manager of Hazardous Substances Applications.
2025-08-1818 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 27: At the Biosecurity coalface with MPI's Stuart AndersonAugust is Biosecurity Awareness month, and who better to speak to the Ministry at the coal face of protecting New Zealand from incursions of pests and disease - Ministry for Primary Industries. Joining the conversation is Stuart Anderson, Deputy Director-General Biosecurity New Zealand at MPI.
2025-08-1813 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 26: Business responsibility for Biosecurity with Debbie TealeTo celebrate Biosecurity Awareness Month in August, we talk to the organisation tasked to help businesses take a proactive approach to biosecurity. Joining the conversation is Debbie Teale, Executive Director of the Biosecurity Business Pledge. Plus, visit bbpledge.nz for important free tools to help you play your part in protecting New Zealand.
2025-08-1816 minREXREX August 7th - Rachel Shearer from PGG Wrightson Wool, Wendy Palmer from Growing Future Farmers and Jess Ensor from Redcliffs StationOn today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Rachel Shearer, GM of Wool at PGG Wrightson, about the recent surge in mid-micron prices, the role of PGGW with the integrity of wool growing and harvesting and the outlook for the wool production season... He talks with Growing Future Farmers CEO Wendy Paul about the sharp rise in applications for the two-year farm training course, what's driving its success and the need for more farmer trainers... And he talks with Jess Ensor from Redcliffs Station on the Rakaia River about their on-farm accommodation site, Braided Point, why they decided to...
2025-08-0746 minBlue Shed DiaryBONUS: Trade tariff troubles with Felicity Roxburgh of NZIBFLast week, President Trump announced the export tariff on New Zealand goods into America will rise from 10 to 15%. The Government's not happy, neither are exporters but what can be done?Blue Shed Diary has a special conversation with Felicity Roxburgh - the new Executive Director of New Zealand International Business Forum - the organisation representing New Zealand's export, manufacturing, and services sectors.
2025-08-0411 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 25: Caring for Calves with Jo HarrisCalves are now on-farm and calf rearers are putting in the hard yards to raise strong, healthy calves. Nutritional advice is often first and foremost, but there are other factors at play that should not be ignored. Joining the conversation is PGG Wrightson Technical Expert for Animal Production Jo Harris with tech tips to support strong growth.
2025-07-3109 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 24: Dux de Luxe with Ben ChambersJoining the conversation:PGG Wrightson's Technical Field Representative Ben Chambers was PGW's Academy Dux in 2024. What role does the Academy play in training New Zealand's future agriculture leaders?
2025-07-3017 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 23: Tale of two economies with Cameron BagrieThe Primary Industry is one of New Zealand's best performing sector in our current economy. What is behind the success of our farmers and growers? How can they protect themselves in the wake of global instability?Joining the conversation: Chief Economist Cameron Bagrie of Bagrie Economics walks us through New Zealand's two economies.
2025-07-3014 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 22: Future of Farming with Melissa Clark ReynoldsJoining the conversation: What is the future of farming? What are the current trends, or future trends that may impact the success of tomorrow's farmers and growers? Blue Shed Diary talks to Foresight Practitioner and Entrepreneur Melissa Clark Reynolds.
2025-07-3027 min
Turf Talk by Lawn Solutions AustraliaE65 - Holly Abell/PGG Wrightson Turf NZSend a textIn this episode, Joe is joined by Holly Abell from PGG Wrightson working out of New Zealand – Holly is a passionate newcomer to the turf industry with a diverse background across golf courses, sports fields, and turf research. Holly shares her journey through the turf industry, from hands-on roles to the challenges and opportunities of managing turf in different climates. They also chat about the similarities between the Aussie and Kiwi turf scenes, what’s driving the next generation of turf professionals, and Holly’s hopes for the future of the industry. It’s a great...
2025-07-1025 minThe CountryThe Country: June Wool Report with PGG Wrightson's Rachel ShearerThe Country's Jamie Mackay talks to PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool, Rachel Shearer, about the state of the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-06-2704 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 21: Building relationships with iwi with Dave McMillin at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Feildays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: PGG Wrighton Regional Manager for the Upper North Island, Iwi Relationship Team Manager, and PGW Fieldays Organiser Dave McMillin. We chat about what goes into preparing for an event like Fieldays and the importance of building relationships with iwi in the primary sector.
2025-06-1708 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 20: Māori agriculture with Dr Charlotte Severne at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the Conversation: Kāitiaki Māori | Māori Trustee and PGG Wrightson Board Member Dr Charlotte Severne.
2025-06-1607 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 19: ACT Party's rural vision with Andrew Hoggard at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Associate Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and ACT Party List MP Andrew Hoggard. We chat about Nature Credits, ACVM product registration, wool, and a whole lot more.
2025-06-1616 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 18: Farming the Game -- solving Agricultural solutions with Minecraft. Talking to Craffft's Alex Radley at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: Future Farmers NZ Member and Craffft CEO & Founder Alex Radley. Craffft educates student through play. Using a customised Minecraft world, children and educators can play, explore, and problem-solve Agricultural solutions. We chat about educational gaming and innovation in the agricultural space.
2025-06-1609 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 17: Putting drones to work with Skycount's James Steele at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: PGG Wrightson Business Development Coordinator and SkyCount Project Leader James Steele. We chat to James about SkyCount - PGG Wrightson's drone system used to conduct livestock audits, and the role technology plays in the primary sector.
2025-06-1613 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 16: The Future of Fieldays with their new CEO Richard LindroosThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Richard Lindroos. It is Richard's very first Fieldays in the top job - we chat to him about his background and get an update on how Fieldays is going!
2025-06-1608 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 15: What goes in to making Fieldays work? A conversation with PGW's Ben InnesThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: PGG Wrightson Marketing & Events Coordinator Ben Innes. We get the inside scoop to PGG Wrightson's Big Blue Shed @ Fieldays with one of the planners and organisers.
2025-06-1405 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 14: National's Rural Vision with Minister Todd McClay at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: Minister for Agriculture, Trade, & Forestry and National MP for Rotorua Todd McClay. We talk to the minister about the latest news emerging from his portfolios and what this means for our farmers and growers. Plus, we get some insight into what investments are being made into the rural sector and New Zealand's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
2025-06-1414 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 13: In the Field with TFR Sophie Holst at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the Conversation: PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative in Helensville Sophie Holst. We chat about working in the field, being passionate about what you do, and the additional funding for A&P Shows throughout New Zealand.
2025-06-1407 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 12: Sam the Trapman - author, Catchment Coordinator, & Future Farmer with Sam Gibson at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the Conversation: Catchment Coordinator, Future Farmer Member, and Author of 'Sam the Trap Man: Cracking yarns and tall tales from the bush' Sam Gibson. We chat about helping farmers implement biodiversity projects through catchment programs. Follow his adventures on social media: @sam_the_trap_man or at @nzoutdoormagazine Find his book, "Sam the trap man" at your local bookseller.
2025-06-1311 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 11: A path for farm ownership with Seb Chapman at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: Seedlings Investments Founder and Future Farmers Board Member Seb Chapman. We talk about Seedlings Investments that helps give the next generation of farmers a pathway to farm ownership. seedling-investments.comfuturefarmers.org.nz
2025-06-1213 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 10: How Green is our Primary Sector with MP Steve Abel (Green) at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversation about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry.Joining the Conversation: Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand List MP and Agriculture, Animal Welfare, and Food Safety Spokesperson Steve Abel. We talk to Steve about his bill to close the animal welfare import loophole, forestry and wilding pine, and the introduction of using NZ wool in Government buildings.
2025-06-1212 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 9: Labour's farming vision with MP Jo Luxton (Labour) at FeildaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the Conversation: Labour List MP and Agriculture Spokesperson Jo Luxton. We talk about Labour's vision for the Primary Sector and bridging the divide between Parliament and rural communities.
2025-06-1208 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 8: From Waikeria Prison to Farm Manager with Ahuwhenua 2024 winner Ben PuruaThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry.Joining the conversation: Dairy Farmer, 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, and KiwiBank Young New Zealander of the Year Finalist Ben Purua. We talk his incredible journey to farming and his advocacy work. For more information about Ben, visit his social media: @farmupnz or his website: kamutopamu.co.nz
2025-06-1208 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 7: New Zealand First's view with Minister Mark Patterson at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: Minister for Rural Communities, Associate Minister for Agriculture and member of New Zealand First Mark Patterson. We talk about all things farming, including news the Government is putting its thumb on the scales to support New Zealand's wool producers.
2025-06-1217 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 6: The future is wool with PGG Wrightson GM of Wool Rachel Shearer at FieldaysThe Blue Shed Diary is at Feildays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: PGG Wrightson GM of Wool Rachel Shearer on the future of wool, improving results for our wool producers, and a joint venture with PGG Wrightson and Norsewear.
2025-06-1113 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 5: Talking to the Big Boss with PGG Wrightson CEO Stephen Guerin at Fieldays.The Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays in Mystery Creek having conversations about the people and the land with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Joining the conversation: PGG Wrightson CEO Stephen Guerin on what makes him passionate about the business and insight into the future of farming.
2025-06-1112 minREXREX June 9th - John Priebee from PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Agribusiness leader Claire Nicholson and Josh Parlane from Snazzy FruitOn today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with PGG Wrightson Real Estate agent John Priebee about being a horse-riding double for actor Robert Morgan in an upcoming Netflix series filmed near Wedderburn, his involvement in rodeo, his previous role as a rural policeman and being a foster parent... He talks with agribusiness leader Claire Nicholson about her progress from veterinarian to governance and board roles, including Pāmu, Farmlands and PKW, her role with the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and developing new antimicrobials for the animal health sector... And he talks with Snazzy Fruit Managing Director J...
2025-06-0945 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 4d: Spotlight on LandSAR's new Searchlight 2025 campaign with CEO Carl McOnieJoining the conversation this month: For nearly a century, Land Search and Rescue volunteers have been everywhere for everyone. They are shining a light on this incredible work in their Searchlight 2025 campaign with support from PGG Wrightson and others. LandSAR CEO Carl McOnie joins us to discuss their vital mission and how we can help! For more information:Rural Diary: Rural Diary | PGG WrightsonLandSAR Spotlight Campaign: Searchlight Campaign | Support Land Search and Rescue
2025-05-2006 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 4c: Rise in Dairy Conversions with PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative Brent DalleyJoining the conversation this month: Is there a new dairy conversion boom on the horizon? Renewed interest, particularly in Canterbury, in Dairying is on the rise - but what do farmers need to know before making the jump? We speak to PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative Brent Dalley. For more information:Rural Diary: Rural Diary | PGG Wrightson
2025-05-2007 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 4b: Crops vs Worms. Summer Forage Crops prove to be a new tool against worm challenge and drench resistance with PGG Wrightson Technical Expert - Animal Production Jason LeslieJoining the conversation this month: Controlling worm challenge and drench resistance on sheep and cattle farms have a new, proven, tool thanks to a joint trial from PGG Wrightson and PGG Wrightson Seeds. Jason Leslie, PGG Wrightson Technical Expert for Animal Production joins to chat through the data. For more information:Rural Diary: Rural Diary | PGG WrightsonSummer Forage CropsBusiness.Scoop » Summer Forage Crops Prove Inhospitable For Internal Worm Larval Development
2025-05-2017 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 4a: The Budget - what's in it for me? with Chris Nixon, NZIER Principal EconomistJoining the conversation this month: The Government is releasing the 2025 budget on May 22nd and early indications show it will be a picture of fiscal restraint rather than a lolly scramble. We get some insight into what this may mean for farmers and growers with NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon. For more information:Rural Diary: Rural Diary | PGG Wrightson
2025-05-2011 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 4: Summer Forage Crops, Budget 2025, Dairy Conversions & More! (May 2025)Joining the conversation this month: The Government is releasing the 2025 budget on May 22nd and early indications show it will be a picture of fiscal restraint rather than a lolly scramble. We get some insight into what this may mean for farmers and growers with NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon. Controlling worm challenge and drench resistance on sheep and cattle farms have a new, proven, tool thanks to a joint trial from PGG Wrightson and PGG Wrightson Seeds. Jason Leslie, PGG Wrightson Technical Expert for Animal Production joins to chat through the data. Is...
2025-05-2045 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 3c: Soil solutions for autumn with PGG Wrightson's Jay HowesComing to you from the big blue sheds dotting New Zealand’s landscape is PGG Wrightson’s podcast – the “Blue Shed Diary.”It is autumn, and time to get your soil sorted for the coming season. Joining the conversation is Jay Howes, PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist for soil to give us top tips for getting your land ready and offer autumn fertiliser advice. Rural Diary | PGG Wrightson
2025-04-2305 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 3b: AgPlastic Reform with Minister Penny Simmonds and AgRecovery's Tony WilsonComing to you from the big blue sheds dotting New Zealand’s landscape is PGG Wrightson’s podcast – the “Blue Shed Diary.”Plastic waste, and how to get rid of it, is a huge issue for farmers and growers. Plastic is used everywhere – from bale wrap to containers. Plastic is now found everywhere on Earth. It is the soil, our water, even the air. Studies show we consume around a credit card of plastic each week. Preventing more plastic from entering our environment is important but getting rid of it responsibly can be a pain. Recently, organisations AgRecovery a...
2025-04-2321 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 3a: Tariff turmoil for NZ Farmers & Growers with Minister Todd McClayComing to you from the big blue sheds dotting New Zealand’s landscape is PGG Wrightson’s podcast – the “Blue Shed Diary.”Todd McClay is the Minister charged with three of the biggest portfolios impacting the primary sector – Agriculture, Forestry, and Trade. Minister McClay joins Blue Shed Diary for a conversation about the state of the sector. We start with tariff turmoil, as instability in the global markets continues to roil, how is the ag sector coping and how are we reacting? Rural Diary | PGG Wrightson
2025-04-2317 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 3: Todd McClay on Tariffs & Agriculture, Plastic AgWaste, and Autumn FertilserComing to you from the big blue sheds dotting New Zealand’s landscape is PGG Wrightson’s podcast – the “Blue Shed Diary.”In Episode Three’s conversation: With tariffs still the topic on everyone’s list, we speak to Trade Minister Todd McClay about where things stand. Plus, we check in on his other portfolios – forestry and agriculture – to get an idea of where things are and where they are going. Plastic waste is a huge issue for all farmers and growers. It is used for everything but getting rid of it is not as simple as b...
2025-04-2344 min
The CountryWide PodcastEpisode 63 - Equity partnerships: How experts help navigate successIn this episode of the Country-Wide Autumn Special Report: Pathways to Farm Ownership, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with Sarah Barr from Rural Coach and Brent Irving from PGG Wrightson. Sarah Barr discusses how aligning values, building trust, and planning for the unexpected can create strong, long-lasting farming partnerships. Brent, drawing on his rural banking and real estate background, shares insights on how equity partnerships and lease-to-buy models are helping young farmers onto the ownership ladder. He emphasises the importance of collaboration, long-term thinking, and management skills over upfront capital, encouraging aspiring farm owners to seek help early.
2025-04-1727 min
Early Bird Rural News with Richard BaddileyEarly Bird I Friday April 11th 2025Farmers get certainty with new DairyNZ levy structure, new report highlights forestry conversion concerns, and wool prices slip in latest South Island auction. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Farmers get certainty with new DairyNZ levy structure DairyNZ will increase its levy rate to 4.5 cents per kilogram of milksolids from June next year, the first adjustment in 16 years. The organisation plans to maintain thi...
2025-04-1006 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 2: Trade & Tariffs, Right to Repair Legislation, Regulating the Regulators, and Proprietary SeedsAmerica’s new President introduces tariffs against Canada, China, and Mexico. What impact will this have on New Zealand, and in particular rural New Zealand? Will wefeel the pain? Or is there opportunity for Aotearoa? We speak with New Zealand’s former Trade Negotiator and Diplomat, Charles Finny of Saunders Unsworth. We investigate the difference between proprietary seeds and common varieties. When you have a choice, we ask PGG Wrightson’s Peter McKnight why proprietary seeds are worth the investment? New proposed legislation from the Green Party will make it easier for New Zealanders to repair...
2025-03-2648 min
Sport Nation AfternoonsTurf Days | Joe Johnson - PGG WrightsonAfternoons with Staffy - Live from Turf Days. Staffy chats with Joe Johnson from PGG Wrightson about Turf Days and what the event is all about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-03-1908 min
Scene + Herd: Podcasts from Beef + Lamb New ZealandDon’t get unlucky with Liver FlukeLiver 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.
2025-03-1341 minBlue Shed DiaryEp 1: Introducing The Blue Shed DiaryPGG Wrightson is proud to present its brand-new podcast, 'The Blue Shed Diary'. We tackle the issues important to New Zealand's farmers and growers: new innovations, best practices, improving productivity, sustainability, animal health, and more! The Blue Shed Diary is less of a podcast, and more like a conversation about the people and the land. We would love for you to join the conversation, by e-mailing us at: podcast@pggwrightson.co.nz Our topics for our inaugural episode: Biosecurity - How do we best respond to threats with Elaine Gould, PGG Wrightson Fruitfed Supplies...
2025-02-2547 min
The CountryWide PodcastEpisode 53 - A national and international look at the sheep industry and where it’s headingWith the start of the new year, more signs are appearing for the direction the sheep industry is going. The majority of these signs are positive and are pointing towards an exciting year for the industry. In this episode, hear from the South Island Livestock Manager for PGG Wrightson, Shane Gerken about how prices have looked over the summer break and what they’re shifting towards. We also hear from a young up and coming sheep breeder, Jasper Hewlett-Coffey about what he plans to do as part of a new generation of sheep breeders. Hank Vogler, a sheep farmer ba...
2025-01-2351 min
The Rumen Room Podcasts56. Ruminants aren’t the only herbivores that eat forage crops!This latest “bite sized” short podcast takes a look at summer crop establishment in New Zealand, including a detailed look at the tiny (unwanted) herbivores that eat forage crops. Charlotte Westwood chats with PGG Wrightson Seeds agronomy guru Greg Zeuren to hear about the successful establishment of spring planted summer forage crops in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand.
In a down to earth, practical manner, Greg scene sets around deciding between direct drill or cultivation as approaches to crop establishment, discusses spray out and the importance of rolling crop areas post-planting, before movi...
2024-11-0621 min
The CountryWide PodcastEpisode 44 - Making farm system transformation possibleChanging a farm system is no small feat, and Banks Peninsula farmer George Masefield, and his wife Emma, have spent the past eight years making significant changes to the family’s farming operation. In almost a decade they’ve been able to transform the business, enabling them to finish all of their lambs on their dryland hill country and buy in trading stock. In this episode hear from George Masefield, and PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative Robert Trott, who has been part of the farm transformation. We also catch up with AgResearch about their latest project: a brand...
2024-10-2455 min
DAIRY CountryEpisode 38 - Is now the time to buy farmland?Springtime is said to be the best time of year to put your farm on the property market, and those across the real estate sector are feeling optimistic about the way the market is heading with rising milk payouts, and more interest from investors back into the dairy sector. After a tough couple of years, it looks like confidence and capital are building – so could it be a good time to look at buying land? Guests include: Bruce Weir, General Manager of Country Banking, Rabobank Conrad Wilkshire, General Manager - Rural, Property Brokers Craig Bates, Otago/Sou...
2024-10-031h 04
The CountryWide PodcastEpisode 22 - Exciting times ahead for the deer industryThose in New Zealand’s deer industry have an exciting future ahead of them, as they come out the other side of the pandemic era. Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) held its conference earlier this month, and say there is a lot to look forward to, including disseminating into more overseas markets and moving into the retail space. We hear from a key specialist in the industry, Ron Schroeder, ahead of his retirement, about his hope for the future of deer, and how we got here. And we speak to DINZ executive chef, Graham Brown, who shares his lo...
2024-05-231h 00
Cut the Crop!Winter grazing: avoiding the pitfallsThis time of the year livestock are arriving on arable farms so it’s important that farmers have a feed plan prepared. In this episode of Cut the Crop, PGG Wrightson Seeds national technical manager Wayne Nichol tells Alison Stewart that most animal health issues occur when stock transition from pasture to specialty feed crops.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-04-2716 min
The CountryWide PodcastEpisode 18 - How are we missing out on premiums for the world’s best beef?The wellness industry is valued at $1.8 trillion so why aren’t we positioning New Zealand red meat’s positive health attributes? From selecting the right sire through to how we market our beef, hear from three experts from livestock genetics sales ahead of bull sale season, our new host of BEEF Country and an AgResearch scientist who have thoughts on where we need to focus our efforts. Guests include: Cameron Craigie, senior scientist, AgResearch Jo Scott, genetics specialist and host of BEEF Country Cam Heggie, livestock genetics specialist, PGG Wrightson Hosts: Rebecca Greav...
2024-04-2552 minThe Rumen Room Podcasts43. Hot and bothered summer pastures – less dry matter and poorer nutritive value for your grazing ruminants
With the New Zealand summer in full flight during early 2024, it’s timely to review how hot temperatures potentially alter the dry matter yields and nutritive value of our temperate pasture species.
Exploring first how hot temperatures impact dry matter yields (kilograms of dry matter grown per hectare per day), the podcast looks at effects of hot weather on New Zealand’s most common pasture species combination, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens). Other species discussed include continental (summer active) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata, otherwise known as orchard grass) and red clover (Trifolium pratense...
2024-01-1953 min
Roots + RuminantsSteven Bennett on brassica breeding, New Zealand agriculture, and a brassica-only graze it, harvest it, rent itMeet Roots + Ruminants third international guest, Steven Bennett. Steven is the International Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson, a New Zealand-based seed company. Hosts Jared and Justin got together with him at the Western Seed Trade Association meeting to talk all things brassicas.
2023-11-0922 minThe Rumen Room Podcasts38. Feed for your stock - Spring planting decisions; “What’s In the Bag” – with agronomist Brian YoungWith spring planting coming up fast for us here in New Zealand, our latest episode focuses on decisions around choosing the right pasture and forage crop seeds.
Host Charlotte Westwood chats with guest podcaster, Southland agronomist Brian Young about all things seeds. Brian’s background includes farming (sheep and beef, and dairy), shearing, working as a rural retail rep and, for the last 9 years, working with PGG Wrightson Seeds, advising farmers how to grow the very best pastures and forage crops.
What’s involved in choosing the right type of seed? Just what is in that...
2023-09-2219 min
Head ShepherdMaximising IMF in your Livestock with Charlotte WestwoodToday we discuss the bigger part of how you make money on the farm - how well you feed the animals. Nutrition of your livestock is one thing that you can get right, or wrong, on a daily basis; genetics is a longer burn. With nutrition, you can see the results almost immediately. To discuss this, our guest this week is Charlotte Westwood.Charlotte got her vet degree from Massey University and spent the first years of her career in the Waikato working mainly with dairy cattle. After a back injury, Charlotte headed off to Australia to...
2023-06-1144 min
Gamekeeper PodcastEP:118 | Advanced Food Plots - The Science Behind Biologic and its Origins in New ZealandThis week, we take a deep dive into where and how brassicas (including radishes) and certain clovers have been developed. Long time New Zealand seedsman, Stephen Bennett, of the 100 plus year old seed company, PGG Wrightson Nutrition, explains the whole story. The science PGG Wrightson has put behind these plants is nothing short of impressive, and there are many questions answered. Not a hard sell, just an honest and well versed guy explaining how and why certain cultivars perform better. If you are into food plots, you don’t want to miss this one. Listen, Learn and Enjoy his acc...
2022-11-081h 29The Rumen Room Podcasts13. Summer crop planning – The journey from seed to feedSpring is just around the corner and before we know it, it’ll be Christmas. It’s never too early to be planning for your summer forage crop requirements to keep your sheep, cattle and/or deer happy, well fed and content through the summer months.
In this episode, Dr Charlotte Westwood is joined by Paul Greenbank, agronomist and farm systems guru with PGG Wrightson Seeds based on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Paul steps us through the planning process for getting a spring planted crop into the ground - ready for your...
2022-08-221h 00The Rumen Room Podcasts10. Transition feeding of dairy cows through calving – Keeping cows well, the practicalities!Keeping our cows happy, healthy and well through the transition period. What are some practical tips and tricks to help make calving a whole lot less stressful for our cows (and us)?
In this episode, New Zealand veterinarian and nutritionist Dr Charlotte Westwood is joined by guest podcaster and fellow veterinarian and nutritionist Dr Laura Pattie. Born and bred on a North Island dairy farm, Laura spent 10 years in a predominantly dairy veterinary role before moving into a ruminant nutrition role with PGG Wrightson Ltd.
Laura brings to this podcast a very hands on, down t...
2022-07-1750 min
RecapMercury Energy results “reflect significant business change”; PGG Wrightson revenue up for the half year; Covid cost Coles $150 million over six months.Mercury’s (MCY) profit more than triples to $427 million, driven by the sale of its 20% ownership in Tilt Renewables. Coles (COL) costs are up, but its supermarkets and liquor businesses saw higher margins. PGG Wrightson’s (PGW) net profit jumps 32 per cent to $22.5 million.
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2022-02-2211 min