Who we are
Emily Walker and Myfanwy Alexander, two friends and agri-optimists from Otago, sit down weekly to digest the hottest topics in the world of agriculture. Aiming to bring a deeper level of discussion and understanding to the issues and opportunities faced by agriculture and rural communities both in New Zealand and around the globe.
Our podcast brings kitchen table chats with friends to your ears; taking the traditional setting for many deep conversations on farm and putting them out into the world for all to enjoy.
What makes us unique?
One of the only independent agricultural focus podcast in NZ
Our conversational format is unique in agricultural podcasts in NZ
We present a balanced conversation, with a broad range of topics, that is not driven by an agenda
Female hosted, produced and owned podcast
All content is our own, we are not relying on interviewed guests to share their experience/knowledge
What we stand for
Balanced viewpoint
We pride ourselves on offering a balanced viewpoint on agricultural topics. We believe in presenting both the challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our audience gains a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
Fact-based discussion
Our discussions are rooted in facts and evidence-based insights. We delve deep into agricultural topics, citing reliable data and expert opinions to provide our audience with accurate and informative discussions. Whether it's discussing the latest advancements in sustainable farming practices or debunking common myths in agriculture, our commitment to factual accuracy remains unwavering.
Cultivates connection
Just as farming fosters connections between people, land, and communities, our podcast cultivates connections within the agricultural industry. Through engaging conversations and storytelling, we aim to bring together farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and consumers, creating a vibrant community united by a shared passion for agriculture. Our podcast serves as a platform for fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and building meaningful connections that drive positive change in the agricultural landscape.
Our Story
Myfanwy and Emily met on the Agri-Women's Development Trust Escalator course in 2023. Escalator differs from most courses in that the participants are kept secret until everyone arrives in Wellington, within minutes of meeting each other both girls silently thought to themselves that girl is going to be my friend. Sure enough, they were right.
On a flying visit the week before Christmas 2023, Myfanwy popped up for a cuppa at Emily’s, where Emily proposed the idea of starting a podcast, something different, maybe a “chatty” discussion about what's trending in the media and the struggles of farmers to try and educate not only rural folk but those in the city too. The two already voice noted constantly so why not share these thoughts more widely!
Myfanwy mulled this over a few gins at the caravan at the lakes, and come January 2nd 2024, she flicked a voice note over the hill - “podcast is a great idea - let’s crack on”.
The rest is history, by Jan 28th 2024 the girls launched their introduction episode and four days later on Feb 2nd they launched their first full format episode into the world.
In the following months, the girls researched hard and built the bones of a podcast - finding platforms and microphones, creating a name, figuring out the world of TikTok, and ultimately learning how to record, edit, distribute and promote a brand new podcast. They were well and truly building the airplane in flight.
The brand is founded in “rural culture”. The podcast is “No.8 wired” together, constantly being adapted and added to in flight. We are action focused and have taken on the motto - everything is figure-out-able with a bit of hard work and perseverance, alongside the thought “keep going” each time we get a piece of feedback or support.
Each episode is 30 minutes long, which we “scientifically” judged to be the average rural person's drive to town, the episodes are launched at 4am on a Friday morning, ensuring it is ready and waiting for those milking cows early in the morning.
We embrace the intricacies of rural internet and all its glory and our social media is a view into our lives, as millennial rural women on farm,balancing work, kids, family, community and governance commitments. All while trying to keep healthy and maintain friendships. It’s a whirlwind but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Meet your hosts - Emily Walker
Emily, city girl turned farmers wife. Emily grew up in and around Christchurch but has strong farming roots. Her big city life was put on hold after meeting a Shepherd at a uni party, and the rest as they say is history!
She is a civil/structural engineer but now runs her own business Tupu Strategic focused on supporting businesses to reach their full potential through long term strategic planning. Tupu specialises in the rural and public sectors channeling Emily’s passion for ensuring a positive future for Ag in NZ
Emily also has a number of board and governance roles, a path she is actively pursuing as she seeks to bring her unique perspective to a number of organisations. She has a special interest in all things rural governance as she wishes to be part of the positive future of agriculture.
She currently lives in Tarras, Central Otago on a sheep and beef finishing farm with Husband Matt, daughter Isobel and Maddy the lab. For fun Emily loves to test herself physically with a love of running, skiing, biking and all things adventure related. Emily is defiantly team lakes and loves to get away for some time on one of the amazing lakes in the area with family and friends.
Emily
Meet your hosts - Myfanwy
Growing up in the UK in a non-farming family Myfanwy fell in love with farming at aged 11. Traveling to NZ as part of her uni work experience she fell in love with farming here and after finishing her degree was straight back to the Waikato, taking up a career in dairy. A few twists and turns of life later she found herself rearing her two daughters alone while running a 600 cow farm in North Otago, she has since continued to pursue a career in dairy now Contract Milking 920 cows.
Myfanwy has a deep passion for people, people in agriculture and rural communities. She believes that without the sustainability of our people and communities we can not build the thriving sector NZ will need into the future. She is also deeply passionate about the future of the industry wanting to see us thrive for many generations, ever adapting and changing to meet the next new challenge.
She has held and does hold a number of leadership roles in Ag, notably, Federated Provincial President for North Otago, Dairy Chair for North Otago, Future Farmers Board member to name but a few.
When not working or advocating for the people and the future of ag Myfanwy can be found supporting her daughters sports, driving around the countryside to rowing, netball, rugby or some barrel racing event! On the odd no sporting day she will be found up at the Waitaki lakes with her daughters and partner.
