In this episode of Growing Our Future, Katie Rodwell speaks with Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter. Craig’s story from a Waikato dairy farm to founder of Halter is one of curiosity and bold thinking.
Growing up immersed in the practical challenges of farming gave Craig an intuitive sense of where technology could make a real difference, and when combined with his engineering experience at Rocket Lab, sparked his mission to bring cutting-edge innovation to agriculture.
Craig shares how Halter’s virtual fencing technology is transforming grazing management, improving labour efficiency, and helping farmers work smarter, not harder.
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Show Notes:
In this episode of Growing Our Future, Katie speaks with Craig Piggott, founder and CEO of Halter, about the journey of building a world-leading agri-tech company from the ground up.
Craig shares how Halter’s virtual fencing technology is reshaping farm management, what he’s learned from scaling hardware and software in tandem, and why curiosity and resilience matter more than ever for agriculture’s future.
The conversation offers practical insights for farmers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how innovation takes root in the food and fibre sector.
From Farm Kid to Agri-Tech Founder
Craig reflects on how his upbringing on a Waikato dairy farm shaped his problem-solving mindset. He explains how early exposure to machinery, animal behaviour, and day-to-day farm challenges gave him an intuitive understanding of where technology could make a difference. His engineering background and time at Rocket Lab reinforced a belief that agriculture deserved the same level of technical ambition as other high-tech industries.
Building Technology That Truly Works on Farm
Craig outlines the challenges of creating both hardware and software that must perform reliably in tough farm environments. Developing the Halter collar required years of experimentation, farmer feedback, and iteration. He explains the tension between moving fast as a start-up and the need for robustness, animal safety, and trust. Craig also shares why having engineers, designers, and farmers working side-by-side has been critical to building a product that genuinely fits into the real rhythms of farming.
Rethinking Farm Efficiency Through Virtual Fencing
Craig and Katie discuss how virtual fencing is reshaping grazing management and labour efficiency. Craig explains how farmers are using Halter to create more precise feed allocation, shift mobs without extra labour, and respond to conditions in real time. He shares examples of farms improving pasture utilisation, reducing stress for staff, and freeing up time for more strategic tasks. The technology, he notes, isn’t about replacing people but helping them work smarter.
Culture, Curiosity, and the Realities of Scaling
Craig talks openly about the challenges of rapid growth, including hiring at pace, building systems, and maintaining strong culture. He emphasises curiosity as a core value at Halter and a key ingredient for innovation in agriculture more broadly. Craig also reflects on what it means to lead when everything is changing quickly, how he approaches uncertainty, and why surrounding yourself with honest, capable people matters.
Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities for Agri-Tech
Craig shares his optimism for the future of agri-tech in New Zealand. He sees opportunities for more automation, better data-driven decision-making, and tools that improve both productivity and wellbeing. He encourages farmers to stay open to new ideas and to see technology as a partner in navigating the challenges ahead.
Key Takeaway
Innovation flourishes when deep industry understanding meets bold thinking. Craig’s journey with Halter shows how practical technology, grounded in real on-farm needs, can help farmers work more efficiently while shaping a more resilient future for the sector.
