Blair Davies has spent 50 years in the wool industry…and still learning everyday
Humans of AgricultureShow Notes
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Blair Davies, Assistant Commercial Manager at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that spans five decades in the wool industry.
Blair’s story is one of deep industry knowledge, long-term commitment, and an enduring passion for natural fibre. From working in wool stores as a student to spending 23 years with the same company, he’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of wool, from manual classing to data-driven testing, and from local markets to global brand partnerships. Recorded in the Christchurch wool stores, this episode explores how the industry has changed, what still matters when assessing a fleece, and why, despite disruption and competition from synthetics, wool continues to hold a powerful place in the future of textiles. This conversation is about experience, perspective, and a lifelong belief in the value of wool. Key insights from the conversation: Blair Davies’ 50-year journey in the wool industry What’s changed (and what hasn’t) in wool classing and fibre assessment The evolution from visual appraisal to data-driven testing Why natural fibres like wool are regaining consumer attention The role of growers and ownership in shaping the industry How Zentera is evolving into a global brand beyond New Zealand Why relationships with growers remain at the heart of the business Skills and pathways for young people entering the wool industry Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Blair’s Journey 02:10 Early Days & Industry Evolution 05:54 Working with Growers 06:54 How to Assess a Fleece 08:29 Skills for the Next Generation 09:23 The Shift to Zentera & Future Vision
More from Humans of Agriculture
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Elle Moyle, a Zanda McDonald Award finalist, veterinarian and farmer with Pathfinder Angus in Western Victoria. Elle reflects on her path from working as a district vet, including international biosecurity work, to returning to the family farming business and building her own agricultural interests. A big part of the conversation is Elle’s experience with the Zanda McDonald Award. While she made the final three but didn’t win, the experience helped build her confidence, expand her network and create relationships that continue to shape her career. Elle also shares what she has learnt about building genuine professional relationships, the value of putting yourself forward for opportunities, and what is happening at Pathfinder Angus as the family business continues to grow.
Welcome to the Tom & Mick Show! This week, Tom & Mick sit down with Anna Speer, whose career has taken her from teaching and AgTech to leadership roles with AuctionsPlus, Australian Agricultural Company, Woolworths and now Stone Axe. Anna shares what she’s learnt about building strong teams, making commercial decisions and creating long-term value, while unpacking how Stone Axe is building a vertically integrated Wagyu business from conception through to consumption. In this episode: Anna’s unconventional career through agriculture and AgTech What private equity brings to an agricultural business How vertical integration can reduce exposure to market volatility Using 10-year herd modelling to make better decisions today Managing rising feed, fuel and labour costs Why building your own brand isn’t always the best strategy Wagyu genetics, premium markets and future growth Building teams and adapting your leadership to different people Chapters 00:00 Introduction and catching up with Anna Speer 03:01 Anna’s career through agriculture and AgTech 07:49 From Woolworths to Stone Axe 12:39 Private equity and commercial decision-making 19:29 Wagyu genetics and growing Stone Axe 26:14 Managing market cycles and supply chains 31:20 Herd modelling and planning 10 years ahead 36:00 Consumer trends and Wagyu’s premium market 40:04 Managing rising input costs 44:40 Branding, Angus and supply chain partnerships 50:17 Leadership and building better teams
What happens when you step outside your own patch and spend time learning from some of the best operators in agriculture?
Fourth-generation beef producer Stafford Ives-Heres is building Shanford Park on Tasmania's north-west coast with one eye firmly on the generations still to come. From starting with 10 cattle and working cray boats to fund his growth, to succession, leasing land and questioning whether owning more country always makes commercial sense, Stafford shares how he's thinking about building a family business that's valuable enough to be taken on, not simply sold.
Jack and Lisa Beattie didn’t set out to build a strawberry propagation business. After leaving Jack’s family dairy operation and trying several different ventures, an unexpected opportunity at Ouse in Tasmania changed their direction.