In this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, Blake Holgate is joined by Taihape farmer Mark Chrystall. Mark is a Rabobank Client Council member, and the deputy Chair of the Rangitīkei Rivers Catchment Collective.

This episode focuses on the role of rural communities and catchment groups in supporting farmers and growers to understand the environmental and social risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. Blake and Mark discuss how Mark has gone about improving the sustainability performance of his own business; the Rangitīkei Rivers Catchment Collective, their evolution, how they perform, and the secret to their success; and the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Plus (NZFAP Plus). Mark shares the cost savings, future proofing and risk mitigation he has seen through the Catchment Collective and NZFAP Plus, the roles groups can play in the future success of farming in New Zealand, and how farmers can tap into other support provided by rural communities.