Blue Shed Diary

Accidents happen, especially on farm. But that doesn't mean we need to accept the status quo. One group, Safer Farms, is working with farmers, growers, industry organisations, like PGG Wrightson, government, and safety experts to de-risk the industry…because EVERYONE deserves to get home safely after a day on the tools. Who do farmers listen to? Farmers. So, Safer Farms selected three Regional Champions earlier this year to share their safety experiences with their peers in the industry. Joining the conversation is Roger Barton, a Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer, Nuffield scholar, and former provincial President for Federated Farmers. Since slips and trips are one of the leading causes of injury on farms. One safety measure you can take today is making sure your footwear is up to the job. PGG Wrightson and Safer Farms have teamed up this October to give you $50 off on eligible boots worth $149 or more. To get your discount code visit, saferfarms.org.nz/slips-trips. Then visit PGG Wrightson online or go in-store to upgrade your kit.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary podcast. This year, PGG Wrightson had a big birthday, 175 years. 175 years of helping Kiwi farmers and growers adapt and change. It's a legacy we want to continue for another 175 years. To celebrate, we have offered two scholarships to agriculturaland horticultural uni-students in their final year who had the best answer for this question:“Looking ahead to the next 25 years, what do you believe will be the biggest challenge or opportunity facing New Zealand’s agricultural and horticultural industries, and how would you build on the legacy of those who came before us to addressit.”Xinyu Wu had a unique and refreshing answer. She is a Plant Science student, minoring in Molecular cell Biology at Massey University. She joins the conversation now.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary's Tech Talk--where we get advice from PGG Wrightson's Technical to help you on farm. Today's Tech Talk is about Clover. The small plant doing some very heavy lifting in our pasture systems. Clover can improve feed quality, support animal performance, and most importantly-through Nitrogen fixation-supply valuable Nitrogen to the wider pasture. Getting it is established and keeping it productive isn't always straightforward. Joining the conversation to answer those questions and more is Dr. Jay Howes, PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist - Soil Science.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! Many farmers and growers listening to the podcast know this year's 'Godzilla' El Niño conditions are set to impact those living from the land. Predictions show strong winds and dry conditions to large portions of the country, particularly the eastern parts. Those in the south will likely face more storms and flooding. But one farmer is taking these predictions into his decision-making process. This Hawke's Bay arable and livestock farmer grows a mix of vegetables, cereals, and pasture seed. However, this season, he's put a plan into motion that allows him to respond to what El Niño delivers. Joining the conversation from the field is Huge Ritchie of Drumpeel Farms.

PGG Wrightson celebrated a big birthday this year - 175! 175 years of helping Kiwi farmers and growers adapt and change. This is a legacy we want to continue for another 175 years. So, to celebrate this legacy, PGG Wrightson offered two scholarships to agricultural and horticultural university students in their final year who had the best answer to this question:"Looking ahead to the next 25 years, what do you believe will be the biggest challenge or opportunity facing New Zealand's agriculture and horticultural industries, and how would you build on the legacy of those who came before us to address it"Hamish Shaw had a great answer. He is at Lincoln University studying Agricultural Science with a major in Animal Science, he joins the conversation with a vision for Bobby Calves.

New Zealanders are known innovators - particularly in the regions. Hamilton Farmer Bill Gallagher brought electric fences to the world and Southlander David Strang invented instant coffee. Both are staples on Kiwi farms throughout Aotearoa. We have never been shy from trying new things, but our primary industries are now being reshaped by AgriTech. Is this transformation a force for good? Are we ready for it?Joining the conversation is Sarah Bell, senior researcher at the Helen Clark Foundation - an independent, non-partisan public policy think tank. Sarah's new discussion paper, 'Growing Innovation: The next wave of AgriTech for rural New Zealand,' says our policy settings need to be ready in order for the industry to thrive. To read this discussion paper, visit: Helen Clark Foundation

It's September, the grass is greening, the birds are tweeting, and the flowers are blooming which is why it's the perfect month for Bee Awareness. Bees play a HUGE part in our environment, economy, and food supply chain. These fuzzy fliers contribute some $5 billion (Yes, that's billion with a BEE) to our economy. Plus, growers and farmers need bees, and other pollinators, to thrive. But some practices (like applying herbicides and pesticides) can do harm. Helping our growers and farmers to not be buzzkills this spring, we talk to Chris Lambert, PGG Wrightson Technical Specialist. He joins the conversation for Blue Shed Diary podcast's Tech Talk, to give advice on bee-ing safe.

Blue Shed Diary's Tech Talk has us answering your burning technical questions with PGG Wrightson's Technical Team. August Tech Talk Topic is Calf Rearing. Many farms already have calves on the ground; others have calves on the way. Nutrition is essential to giving calves a good start, so to make sure you're feeding and nutrition game is on point, we turn to PGG Wrightson's Expert for Animal Production Christian Muller. If you have a question for our tech team, send us an email at: [email protected]

In 2020, recognising agrichemical resistance was on the rise and needing to find better solutions for growers and consumers, industry and government collaborated on the creation of ‘A Lighter Touch’ programme. It’s mission? A seven-year, $27 million programme to reduce horticulture, arable, and wine growers' reliance on agrichemicals and to transition to biologicals and integrated pest management systems or agroecological pest management. Now, as the programme is scheduled to wrap next year, A Lighter Touch has launched a new toolkit for growers to keep the mahi going, and to keep what works working.Joining the conversation is A Lighter Touch Programme Director Livia Esterhazy.  For more information on the 'Keep What Works, Working' programme, visit here.To learn more about adopting crop protections strategies with 'A Lighter Touch', visit here.

Cash for Communities helps farmers and growers give back to the people and places keeping rural New Zealand strong through eligible fertiliser and agrichemical purchases they make in spring. Since 2011, more than a million dollars has gone to local schools, sports clubs, community organisations, Westpac Helicopters, Hato Hone St John, and the Cancer Society of New Zealand. 1 in 3 New Zealanders will be diagnosed and the Cancer Society helps patients and whānau navigate their journey by offering information, practical and emotional support, transportation, and accommodation. Their mission is huge, but donations are their only source of funding. So, contributions from Cash for Communities or Daffodil Day (28 August 2026) means everything. Joining the conversation is Nicola Coom, Cancer Society New Zealand CEO. For more information about Daffodil Day, visit: www.daffodilday.org.nz For more information about Cash for Communities, visit:www.cashforcommunities.co.nz

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary, a podcast about and for our farmers and growers. In August, the pod took a roadie to Hastings to check out PGG Wrightson's 'new-ish' Research & Development site. Eleven months ago, PGW took over the lease at the Geelan Family Trust Research station to run a large portion of some 70 scientific trials we conduct each year. Host, and Technical Team Manager, Milton Munro and Marcus Fitzsimmons, Extension Advisor, take a video-tour of the grounds to give you a behind the scenes look at what is being done and how it benefits customers.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary - a podcast about and for growers, farmers, and rural communities. Blue Shed Diary loves a road trip, and for our latest roadie we visited PGG Wrightson's Research & Development Site in Hastings and interviewed our newest Technical Advisor, Laura Morgan. Laura started her career as an intern but has since moved up the ladder into a full-time gig at the R&D Station where she works with the Tech Team on the 50-odd trials currently in operation. She joins Milton Munro, our host and Technical Teams Manager (a.k.a. her boss) for a conversation.

The Rural Support Trust helps our Farmers, Growers, and Rural Communities thrive in good times and bad. Through well-being initiatives to community connection to advice and support through financial pressure or adverse events, RST is there. The people of the Rural Support Trust are farmers and growers, too. They know the life, and the challenges, too. PGG Wrightson are big fans of the Rural Support Trust and their mahi, so at Fieldays, host Milton Munro sat down with Michelle Ruddell, Te Tai Tokerau Trustee and Chair of the National Council.

Two years ago, when Cait Majeski (decidedly not a farmer) returned to the family farm to help her father after surgery, she often found herself crying in the field trying to figure out what to do next. With an office background, she was used to having tools to help manage the workload, but she couldn't find anything like it for farming. So, she built it herself. Introducing Pacala - a spatial management system -- or software platform for use on-farm. No wifi, no problem. At your fingertips you have blueprints, paddock maps, logbooks -- all on one screen. So, everyone on the team is connected to the same source of truth. Cait debuted Pacala at the Innovation Hub at Fieldays, and joins the conversation. To try Pacala yourself, visit: Pacala Demo

Each year, Young Winemakers (30 years or younger) from around Aotearoa compete for top prize in the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year Competition. Part of the prize, besides bragging rights, is a regional winemaking tour with PGG Wrightson Fruitfed Supplies. The three National Finalists for 2025 got a tour of the Wairarapa wine region and Blue Shed Diary came along on the ride. Together they visited several local vineyards, got to know about more about the craft from the head winemakers, and tried many a delightful drop along the way. It was a jam-packed few days, so we fit in our interview where we could, literally, by recording from the car on the way toanother winery visit. So, we apologies in advance for a bit of road noise and the recorded voice giving directions. Despite this, we were able to explore what winemaking means for these young creators, how exploring the craft through another maker's work inspires them, and what makes a good and interesting drop.Joining the conversation are the 2025 National Finalists:Thalia Osborne, North Island Young Winemaker from Hawke's Bay, Dingying Jiang, Central Otago Young Winemaker, and National Winner of the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year competition, Ruby McManaway, whois from Marlborough.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary - podcast for Farmers and Growers. This year we hit the road and headed to Fieldays at Mystery Creek to talk to the movers and shakers of the industry. One group, sharing a tent with PGG Wrightson, is LANDSAR or Land Search and Rescue. They are the volunteer rescue organisation you hope to never need but are so grateful they exist when you do. They help kiwis and visitors in need in diverse environments - urban, suburban, rural, wilderness - hither and yon. They have thousands of volunteers available 24/7/ 365 to answer the call of people in trouble. One of those volunteers, Alan Gregory, sat down with Blue Shed Diary to talk about his experiences. He joins the conversation now.

Blue Shed Diary hit the road for Mystery Creek in June to talk to the movers and shakers of Fieldays. Innovators are among many of the movers and shakers at Fieldays and in the Primary Industries. They are at the forefront of many changes in the sector. Halter is a New Zealand agriculture tech company who has developed solar-powered cattle collars and farm management software to assist farmers with virtual fencing, animal monitoring, and pasture management. Joining the conversation is Halter's Regional Sale Manager for the Upper South Island, Kate Clausen.

Blue Shed Diary - PGG Wrightson's podcast for Farmers and Growers - hit the road for Mystery Creek to interview the movers and shakers of Fieldays. Taking Fieldays, rural New Zealand, fashionistas, and soon the world by storm are the team of Honest Wolf. Sophie and Sam Hurley of Papanui Estate started Honest Wolf, using the wool from their farm, to find a fashionable and cool product using Wool. For our very first video interview, Blue Shed Diary host Milton Munro sat down with Sophie to talk about Honest Wolf, the value of wool, and the reinvigoration of New Zealand's greatest natural fibre. She joins the conversation now.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary - a podcast for Farmers and Growers. In July's Tech Talk, we turn to Christian Muller, PGG Wrightson's Technical Expert for Animal Production to talk about Dairy Cows. It's calf rearing season, and dairy cows are particularly vulnerable right now to metabolic diseases and disorders during the transition period around calving. So, how do you help cows transition from pregnancy with minimal stress and body-fat loss post calving? Christian joins to the conversation with the answers.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary, a podcast for Farmers and Growers. In Agriculture, there are things we can control but one ofthe biggest influences on-farm is something we can’t control – the weather.  A few days ago, Earth Sciences New Zealand (formally NIWA) confirmed we are in officially in an El Niño period. Predictions are calling this a 'supercharged' El Niño and say this could be one of the strongest on record. This weather pattern will definitely impact all of us, but especially those who make a living from the land. To get a better understanding of what this may mean for us,we are joined by Chris Brandolino, Principal Scientist of Forecasting and Media for Earth Sciences New Zealand. He joins the conversation now.

Blue Shed Diary went to Fieldays 2026 to have conversations with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. A relatively new mover and shaker is Heather Sorensen. She was appointed the new President of Rural Women New Zealand in April, though she has been a faithful member since 1979. Milton Munro spoke with Heather about her new role and the evolution of the organisation.

Blue Shed Diary went on the road to Mystery Creek in June for Fieldays. We interviewed the movers and shakers of the primary industry. One of the biggest advocates in the sector for Rural Communities, whānau, and women is Rural Women New Zealand. For over 100 years they have been offering support and lending their voice on the issues important to women and their communities. Joining the conversation is the CEO of Rural Women New Zealand Sandra Kirby.

Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays! We're talking to the movers, shakers, and innovators of the agricultural sector!Joining the conversation at Fieldays is Caitlyn AI. It's an artificial intelligence platform aimed at providing accurate information to its users and is targeted to address the needs of the agricultural sector. Among its customers: Beef & Lamb and FAR. Milton sits down with Julie Ryan, Caitlyn AI CEO, and Josh Smith, Co-Founder and Caitlyn AI Chief Growth Officer at Mystery Creek.

Blue Shed Diary is at Fieldays— interviewing the movers and shakers attending the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere. One of the most iconic moments on the agricultural calendar, besides Fieldays, is the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest. NZ Young Farmers is the organisation behind this event. For nearly 100 years, they have been supporting and developing young farmers while giving them a place of connection. Joining the conversation is the new CEO for New Zealand Young Farmers Cheyne Gillooly and Chair Kate Denholm.

Blue Shed Diary @ Fieldays! We hit the road, hitchhiking our way to Mystery Creek to have conversations with the movers and shakers of the primary industry. One of the biggest movers and shakers is Lindy Nelson, Chair of Safer Farms and Farm without Harm Ambassador. She's on a mission to ensure every Farmer, Grower, and Worker gets home safely after a day on the tools. She's behind Safer Farms' Regional Champions and encourages all of us to learn how to fail safely. She joined the conversation with Milton Munro at Fieldays.

Blue Shed Diary -- your favourite podcast for Farmers and Growers is recording from your favourite annual event -- National Fieldays. We packed up our microphones and headed to Mystery Creek to talk to the movers and shakers of the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere. Joining the conversation to take a peek behind the operational curtain is National Fieldays CEO Richard Lindroos.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary — the ultimate podcast forFarmers, Growers, and the Rural Community. We've hit the road and are at Mystery Creek to interview the movers and shakers of Fieldays. ⁠Future Farmers⁠ is passionate about fostering a healthy,sustainable, and profitable food and fibre sector. They are working on the next evolution of farming to create a more resilient and thriving industry. He joins the conversation from PGG Wrightson's tent at Fieldays. Daniel Kenna of Kaitikati helps to run his family Kiwifruit Orchard, KWKIWI. He's putting his passion of sustainability and innovation to good use in the Bay of Plenty. He is Co-Chair of Future Farmers.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary — the ultimate podcast forFarmers, Growers, and the Rural Community. We've hit the road and are at Mystery Creek to interview the movers and shakers of Fieldays. ⁠Future Farmers⁠ is passionate about fostering a healthy,sustainable, and profitable food and fibre sector. They are working on the next evolution of farming to create a more resilient and thriving industry. The issue of succession is a big one for farmers and growers and putting the plans into place for the next generation takes time. One farmer who is just about to take over the family Wairarapa farm is James Robbie. He is a 5th generation sheep & beef farmer, a volunteer rural Fire Fighter, and Future Farmers Board Member. He joined the conversation from the PGG Wrightson tent at Fieldays.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary — the ultimate podcast for Farmers, Growers, and the Rural Community. We've hit the road and are at Mystery Creek to interview the movers and shakers of Fieldays. Future Farmers is passionate about fostering a healthy, sustainable, and profitable food and fibre sector. They are working on the next evolution of farming to create a more resilient and thriving industry. Joining the conversation is Aimee Blake. She is 6th generation farmer, Co-Founder of Girls Who Grow and has just stepped down as Co-Chair of Future Farmers to start her next adventure in the family business.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast forFarmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and see politicians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year! In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is Daniel Eb, Deputy Leader of The Opportunity Party. He is running as a candidate in the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast for Farmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and see politicians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year! In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is ACT MP Andrew Hoggard. Andrew is the Minister for Biosecurity & Food Safety and Associate Minister for Agriculture and the Environment.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast for Farmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and see politicians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year! In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is New Zealand First's MP Mark Patterson. He is Minister for Rural Communities, Associate Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast forFarmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and seepoliticians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year!In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is Green Party MP Steve Abel. He sits on the Primary Production Select Committee and holds the Agriculture, Minerals & Resources, Crown Māori Relations, Animal Welfare, and Food Safety portfolios for the Green Party.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast forFarmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and seepoliticians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year! In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is National MP for Rotorua Todd McClay. He is the Minister for Agriculture, Trade, and Forestry and joins Milton on the show.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary! We are your go-to podcast for Farmers, Growers, and the Rural Sector. We have hit the road and headed to Mystery Creek for Fieldays to talk to the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. It's not every day you can walk down the street and see politicians from all sides of the aisle, but at Fieldays you can - especially this year! In November, New Zealand heads to the polls and the parties are asking for your vote. So, what's their pitch to the provinces?Joining the conversation is Jo Luxton, Labour MP and Spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity and Customs.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary, the go-to podcast for Farmersand Growers from PGG Wrightson. We recorded from the PGG Wrightson tent at Fieldays to have conversations with the movers and shakers of the primary industry. Wool is having a moment -- prices are up and wool growersare reaping the rewards. What is behind the renaissance? Joining the conversation is Rachel Shearer, PGG Wrightson GM of Wool.

Bringing you the sights and sounds of Fieldays 2026 -- Blue Shed Diary travelled to Mystery Creek to have conversations with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industry. Most Farmers and Growers are on a first name basis with their banks; these institutions are essential to helping our Primary Industry thrive. In a year where farmer confidence continues to soar, what does this mean for our leading agricultural lenders?Joining the conversation at Fieldays is Dan Huggins, BNZ Managing Director & CEO.

Blue Shed Diary at Fieldays! The podcast left the studio for the PGW tent at Mystery Creek to have conversations with all of the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries. For many farmers, the infrastructure supporting their rural communities is not up to the task. From roads to water, many in the provinces feel investment is primarily funnelled to the big cities. Fighting to change that is Charlie Reynolds, Federated Farmers Provincial President for Gisborne and Wairoa. He joined the conversation on Wednesday from Fieldays.

Welcome to Blue Shed Diary, PGG Wrightson's podcast forFarmers and Growers. We were at Mystery Creek to have conversations with the movers and shakers of the primary sector. The highest honour in Māori Agriculture is the AhuwhenuaTrophy. Established 93 years ago by Sir Apirana Ngata and Lord Bledisloe, the competition tests the skills and proficiency of Māori farmers. PGG Wrightson was chuffed to the have the actual trophy inour tent at Fieldays (at least for a short time) - and with it, the Chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, Nukuhia Hadfield. She joined the conversation from our tent at Fieldays to discuss the history of the event, the winners of this year's cup, and the importance of supporting Māori Agriculture.

Blue Shed Diary, your go-to podcast for Farmers and Growers, is at Fieldays having conversations with the movers and shakers of the Primary Industries.For our inaugural Fieldays special episodes, we talk to PGG Wrightson CEO Stephen Guerin about the mood of the sector, PGG Wrightson's role in supporting Farmers and Growers thrive, and what we should expect in the next few months and years.

The Environmental Protection Authority, or EPA, wants your input. They propose restricting the use of the insecticide bifenthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid. Bifenthrin is a common insecticide that has been around for years. It's used to control pests in agriculture and your home. However, studies show it is harmful to aquatic life and bees, therefore the EPA is taking another look at how this insecticide is used in New Zealand. Joining the conversation is the Acting Hazardous Substances Application Manager for the EPA, Dr Shaun Presow. To learn more about the proposal, and have your say on Bifenthrin, visit: Proposed restrictions for the synthetic pyrethroid bifenthrin | EPA

The new Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Penny Simmonds, wants to give additional funding to New Zealand's burgeoning advanced technology sector. However, recent reporting shows the likely source of this new funding will be the existing funding already allocated to agriculture, the environment, and human health. What does a potential loss of funding mean for future farming innovation? Is this a bad idea for one of New Zealand's highest-performing sectors? And can private funding fill the void?Joining the conversation is Brendan O'Connell, CEO of AgriTech New Zealand

This May, New Zealand Young Winemaker National Finalists for 2025 won a field trip to the Wairarapa region for a behind-the-scenes look at how the region's top winemakers make their finest drops. They visited incredible vineyards in Greytown, Masterton, and Martinborough to meet and learn from winemakers who have their own approach to creating wines that celebrate the land on which it is grown. One of the tour guides was Fruitfed's very own Mark Cairns. As a former winemaker himself, he was the perfect shepherd. What advice does he have to the young people entering the industry, he tells us in this month's Fruitfed Tech Talk.

The continuing conflict in Iran is putting greater pressureon the Ag sector in New Zealand. From petrol prices to supply chain squeezes, the uncertainty is making life harder for our farmers and growers. The Middle East is one of the world’s main exporters of Urea, which is used in Nitrogen fertiliser production, and New Zealand imports some 500-thousand tonnes of it annually.With no end to the conflict insight, what impact is it currently having on our supply chain, and how are we preparing for this to continue for months, or even years. Joining the conversation is Paul Joules. Paul is an Agriculture Analyst for Rabobank and specialises in farm and commodities inputs.

Keeping your ewes fed and healthy comes down to a balanced diet and maintaining Body Condition Score in late winter. Any loss in body condition impacts lamb survival, so getting the balance between protein and carbs right makes all the difference. PGG Wrightson Technical Expert for Animal Production, Dr Andrew Dowling, joins the conversation with advice on your winter-feeding system to maximise profits and productivity.

Staples in our frozen veggie aisles - Watties and McCain - have announced they're closing up shop in New Zealand. Watties is closing factories in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin and their frozen packing lines in Hastings. McCain's is also exiting Hastings by the end of this year. Hundreds of jobs are set to be lost, but the repercussions of these closures will be felt far wider. What do these closures mean for the growers supplies these companies and their rural communities? Will this be a fundamental change for the sector? Will Kiwis be able to find homegrown veggies on their shelves at the supermarket? Joining the conversation is Matt Thorn, Business Manager for Process Vegetables and Antony Heywood, former Vegetables NZ Chief Executive.

The repercussions of military action in Iran continues to be felt globally. From the cost-of-living pressures, to rising petrol and diesel prices and stock shortages, everyone is feeling the pinch. But for rural communities, the impacts are more than just stress on the wallet. Joining the conversation is farmer and Rural Women New Zealand member, Emma Burke, who has tips on watching the wallet and keeping connected.

Blue Shed Diary host, Milton Munro, and his colleague Shane McDowall, have seen the future of farming. Back from their whirlwind tour of the USA—including a visit to Microsoft in Seattle, Washington and the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco, California—Milton and Shane have peered into the crystal ball and gotten insight into what innovations and technology are on the horizon for New Zealand's farmers and growers. Joining the conversation is Agritrade National Manager, Shane McDowall.

With the last of the fruit leaving the vine in Kerikeri, what should growers be doing next to ready their kiwifruit orchards for winter? Post-harvest advice from Technical Horticulture Representative Louise Shepherd.

While the Ag Sector has been on an upswing, one primary sector is still feeling the pinch: Arable Farmers. What's behind the struggle? Why are some looking to leave the sector in search of greener pastures? What impact will the Watties and McCain's frozen veggie closures have on the sector? And what can we do to support the industry? Joining the conversation to answer these questions and more is Federated Farmer's Arable Group Chairperson and arable farmer based out of Leeston, David Birkett.