FULL SHOW - 19th May 2026

CountryWide Connect – Show Summary Live from the Sheep Breeders Forum At 12:45pm we finish the show with Dr Cara Brosnahan from Beef + Lamb New Zealand discussing new science aimed at tackling two major sheep farming threats — facial eczema prediction tools and the launch of the new GIN-PCR parasite test. At 12:33pm, Dr Jason Archer joins us for the launch of nProve Tracker and a discussion around how genetics, performance recording and data could help reshape the future profitability of the sheep sector. At 12:18pm, in our Carrfields Livestock segment, leading livestock geneticist Dr Robert Banks discusses the latest sheep genetics review and what future breeding decisions may mean for productivity, methane efficiency and commercial farm performance. At 12:05pm we speak with young Poll Dorset stud breeder Tim Wilson about receiving a scholarship to attend the forum, why he still sees opportunity in sheep breeding, and what the next generation of stud breeders is thinking about the future of the industry. At 12pm we have the Farmlands Rural News update live from the forum. At 11:48am Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather joins us with the latest national weather outlook as winter pressure begins building across parts of the country. At 11:33am newly elected Manawatū Federated Farmers Provincial President Laura Morrison joins us to discuss stepping into rural leadership while also being actively involved in sheep breeding during a difficult period for the sector. At 11:18am we play our pre-recorded interview with Environment Minister Nicola Grigg discussing environmental regulation, reform and reducing compliance pressure on the primary sector. And at 11:05am we open the show with Beef + Lamb New Zealand CEO Alan Thomson, discussing the mood at the Sheep Breeders Forum, the challenges facing the sheep sector and whether confidence can realistically return to the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.