30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast for over 25 years
August 2026 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION Pig farm sale
p3 Next gen AED
p11 Hitting the target
p29 Farmgate forecast
p38
Helping hand: Kaiora Downs in North Canterbury is home to Jane Schwass who, along with her late husband Mark, has been involved in the Meet the Need charity since it’s inception.
A legacy of giving When North Canterbury farmer Jane Schwass reflects on her involvement with Meet the Need, she doesn’t describe it as a big decision or a formal commitment. Instead, she describes something simpler, and more human, “It just made sense”.
] by Rachael Sutton Meet the Need is a farmer-founded New Zealand charity connecting the generosity of farmers, businesses and everyday Kiwis with families experiencing food insecurity. Through donations of livestock, milk, virtual food donations and financial contributions, Meet the Need provides nutritious protein and dairy to more than 130 foodbanks and community organisations nationwide, helping ensure families have access to the nourishing food they need. Jane was one of the very first farmers to support the initiative, back when Meet the Need was just beginning to take shape.
For her and her late husband Mark, the motivation was grounded in fairness, perspective, and a belief in looking after others. “Mark was someone who wanted to see everyone have a fair crack,” Jane said. “We thought we’ve never had to go hungry, and to think someone couldn’t do that, it just seemed a seamless way of giving. And it’s directly to the need.” Jane farms in North Canterbury at Kaiora Downs, a substantial sheep and beef operation, running around 300 beef cows alongside sheep and dairy stock. She describes the farm as “a pretty good scale,” something she and Mark steadily worked toward over many years.
“I’m pretty biased, but it’s a beautiful farm.” The enterprise is also evolving. Alongside traditional farming, the operation is exploring value-add opportunities such as producing yoga mats from wool, a reflection of both innovation and diversification within the business. Today, Jane farms alongside her son Jonathan. “It’s special, we have a great respect for each other.” They continue the same approach to supporting Meet the Need, giving once or twice a season, often in meaningful amounts when they can. TO PAGE 2
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