Natasha Cave will research the impact of wearable technology on her farm
King Country sheep and beef farmer Natasha Cave will research how new wearable devices can enhance productivity in the beef industry as she completes the Kellog Rural Leadership Programme in 2025.
Cave co-manages 396ha Rotowai Farms at Mokauiti, south of Te Kuiti, with her husband Alan.
The couple purchased the property from Alan’s parents Stuart and Brenda Cave two years ago.
It is also home to Rotowai Angus Stud and Rotowai Hills Farm Stay.
She received the inaugural 2025 Beef and Lamb New Zealand Leadership Advancement Scholarship after applying in October, making a case that such research could help beef farmers better manage their pastures.
The newly launched scholarship is a key part of Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s refocused People and Capability workstream, dedicated to fostering on-farm leadership and enabling innovation and information transfer across the sector.
“I feel extremely privileged to have received this scholarship and appreciative of the investment that Beef and Lamb New Zealand is prepared to put into me to not only fund the course but also provide extra wrap-around support, training and mentorship,” Cave said,
“The extra opportunities that this scholarship will provide me is very exciting.”
Cave is especially interested in ways to encourage the adoption of wearables among farmers to maximise their impact.
“At the beginning of this year we invested in Halter technology on our farm, using wearable technology to provide virtual fencing for our beef herd,” Cave said.
“Being one of the first farmers to implement this technology in beef and having to learn as we go rather than from others and the many questions and enquiries from other farmers made me aware of the need for trusted information on new technology such as this.
“I believe the potential to use emerging technology such as wearables is immense and potentially a game changer for our beef industry, particularly on our hill country farms.”
Cave is also interested in the impact of other wearable technologies such as Gallagher’s eShepherd Virtual Fencing neckband and cow heat detection collars.
“I hope the research will help provide our beef farmers with a better understanding of the potential benefits of technology such as wearables can provide and also some insight into the potential for further developments to the technology that could benefit the beef sector,” Cave said.
“As well as the research, I hope that the skills I am able to develop on the Kellog programme enable me to be able to better support my local community in the roles I hold within it currently and also in my role as a catchment coordinator for the Whanganui Region Catchment Collective where I work with catchment groups and farmers in the wider Taumarunui area.”.
Cave is the coordinator of six catchment groups, three established in the last 18 months.
“I hope I will be better equipped to represent them on matters of importance such as regulation that may heavily impact them.”
Beef and Lamb New Zealand national extension programme manager Olivia Weatherburn said she was excited about the scholarship’s potential.
“We look forward to seeing the impact of Natasha’s findings from completing the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
“We believe her work will offer valuable insights for farmers and the wider sector.”
Weatherburn, an alumnus of the programme, said it was more than just a research project.
“The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme goes beyond just research – it challenges participants, connects them with like-minded leaders and opens doors that can make a significant difference in careers.”
Cave will share her learning outcomes at a series of Beef and Lamb New Zealand events.
