The Better Together Podcast Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:37:37 -0500 https://farmiq.co.nz/ en-us © 2026 The Better Together Podcast yes 0b4e749f-c528-5423-ad01-878ddaf2ccda FarmIQ & FARMAX episodic false Born and raised in New Zealand, The Better Together Podcast discusses all things powering pastoral farming success today and in the future. Gain insight from across the board as hosts Russell MacKay and Tom Botica chat through the hottest topics in agriculture with friends from all over the industry.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Agriculture, New Zealand Farming, Farm Management, Farm Data, Future Farming FarmIQ & FARMAX https://storage.buzzsprout.com/x98rjbfu0gkmpmnjxlkbytelpv8h?.jpg The Better Together Podcast https://farmiq.co.nz/ #3 - Ben Purua: From Gangs and life behind bars to award winning dairy farmer #3 - Ben Purua: From Gangs and life behind bars to award winning dairy farmer Bens journey to farming is far from ordinary. He was bought up in a family deeply rooted in gang life. At a young age, he found himself in prison for a serious crime. The prison he was in had their own farm which Ben worked on, and he soon fell in love with the industry. With some ups and downs, Ben now manages a highly productive farm, winning Māori Farmer of the year through the Ahuwhenua trophy, and Farm Manager of the year through DairyNZ.

Bens story is an inspirational one. It is one of previous violence, self reflection, improvement and forgiveness. 

It goes without saying that this episode touches on some heavy subjects.

]]> Bens journey to farming is far from ordinary. He was bought up in a family deeply rooted in gang life. At a young age, he found himself in prison for a serious crime. The prison he was in had their own farm which Ben worked on, and he soon fell in love with the industry. With some ups and downs, Ben now manages a highly productive farm, winning Māori Farmer of the year through the Ahuwhenua trophy, and Farm Manager of the year through DairyNZ.

Bens story is an inspirational one. It is one of previous violence, self reflection, improvement and forgiveness. 

It goes without saying that this episode touches on some heavy subjects.

]]> FarmIQ & FARMAX Buzzsprout-18593618 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +1300 2793 1 3 full true #2 - Doug Avery: Farming through tough times, 'The Resilient Farmer' #2 - Doug Avery: Farming through tough times, 'The Resilient Farmer' Doug farms next door to a salt mine, that says enough about the difficulties of trying to produce quality lamb and beef. Doug went through some brutal droughts which was a factor in his mental health taking a dive. He has since changed his farm system and lifestyle to help out his top 2 inches. Doug is now a well known advocate for Men's and Rural Mental Health. He authored a book that can be found on many farmers nightstand 'The Resilient Farmer'. His farm also uses both FarmIQ and FARMAX.

In this episode, Doug lets his vulnerability show on some touchy subjects (just a heads up).

Physical copy of The Resilient Farmer

https://www.mightyape.co.nz/mn/buy/mighty-ape-the-resilient-farmer-26622502/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22013289064&gbraid=0AAAAADqxfik-tzIcHvdLaEbR9zfc5-CJl&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6ujiHFK3nvah_lyqJOM6EjtLqeJjybUc-2D2byrG_czemsvglgN6Y8aAsabEALw_wcB

Audio book of The Resilient Farmer

https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Resilient-Farmer-Audiobook/014377588X


]]> Doug farms next door to a salt mine, that says enough about the difficulties of trying to produce quality lamb and beef. Doug went through some brutal droughts which was a factor in his mental health taking a dive. He has since changed his farm system and lifestyle to help out his top 2 inches. Doug is now a well known advocate for Men's and Rural Mental Health. He authored a book that can be found on many farmers nightstand 'The Resilient Farmer'. His farm also uses both FarmIQ and FARMAX.

In this episode, Doug lets his vulnerability show on some touchy subjects (just a heads up).

Physical copy of The Resilient Farmer

https://www.mightyape.co.nz/mn/buy/mighty-ape-the-resilient-farmer-26622502/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22013289064&gbraid=0AAAAADqxfik-tzIcHvdLaEbR9zfc5-CJl&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6ujiHFK3nvah_lyqJOM6EjtLqeJjybUc-2D2byrG_czemsvglgN6Y8aAsabEALw_wcB

Audio book of The Resilient Farmer

https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Resilient-Farmer-Audiobook/014377588X


]]> FarmIQ & FARMAX Buzzsprout-18593587 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +1300 4213 full false #1 - Rob Hewett - Farmer and one of the most impressive governance resumes in NZ #1 - Rob Hewett - Farmer and one of the most impressive governance resumes in NZ Rob is a sheep and beef farmer in the Manuka Gorge, Otago. He is better known as one of the most prolific governance workers in NZ, in particular agribusiness. Rob talks about his love for farming, how he got into governance through non rural work overseas, how he successfully juggles all of his roles currently, and why he puts himself through it all. 


Rob reveals what his most challenging governance role has been, and the answer will surprise you.

]]> Rob is a sheep and beef farmer in the Manuka Gorge, Otago. He is better known as one of the most prolific governance workers in NZ, in particular agribusiness. Rob talks about his love for farming, how he got into governance through non rural work overseas, how he successfully juggles all of his roles currently, and why he puts himself through it all. 


Rob reveals what his most challenging governance role has been, and the answer will surprise you.

]]> FarmIQ & FARMAX Buzzsprout-18592632 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +1300 3702 1 1 full false #4 - Michael Blanche: 1st generation farmer, consultant, and implementing NZ pasture systems in Scotland #4 - Michael Blanche: 1st generation farmer, consultant, and implementing NZ pasture systems in Scotland Michael is a First generation farmer near Perth in Scotland as well as being a farm consultant. A long his career, he studied 1st generation farmers in terms of how they do it, and how they differ to multi generational farmers. He is also on a crusade to implement better pasture management in Scotland, taking learnings and technology he got from New Zealand (including FARMAX).

Michael hosts his own podcast dedicated to pasture, funnily enough it is called "The Pasture Pod". 

]]> Michael is a First generation farmer near Perth in Scotland as well as being a farm consultant. A long his career, he studied 1st generation farmers in terms of how they do it, and how they differ to multi generational farmers. He is also on a crusade to implement better pasture management in Scotland, taking learnings and technology he got from New Zealand (including FARMAX).

Michael hosts his own podcast dedicated to pasture, funnily enough it is called "The Pasture Pod". 

]]> FarmIQ & FARMAX Buzzsprout-16776653 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +1300 2997 1 4 full false