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The Country

Jamie Mackay delivers your daily fix of everything going on in NZ's biggest industry, along with a generous side-serve of news, sports and politics. The Country from Newstalk ZB, iHeartCountry NZ, Hokonui & iHeartRadio.

  1. 1000

    The Country Full Show: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    Jamie Mackay talks to Daniel Eb, Chloe Butcher-Herries, Mark de Lautour, and Farmer Tom Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 999

    The Country 14/07/26: Daniel Eb talks to Jamie Mackay

    The deputy leader of the Opportunity Party denies they are a centre-left party, as we agree to disagree on a universal income and land tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 998

    The Country 14/07/26: Chloe Butcher-Herries talks to Jamie Mackay

    This dynamic young Hawke’s Bay sheep-and-beef farmer is just back from the massive LambEx conference in Adelaide, where she was a keynote speaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 997

    The Country 14/07/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay

    The chief executive of Open Country Dairy fires a shot across the bows of Fonterra, after the dairy co-op cut 50 cents off its forecast milk price yesterday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. 996

    The Country 14/07/26: Farmer Tom Martin talks to Jamie Mackay

    We ask our UK farming correspondent if football is indeed coming home? Plus, we look at the heatwave, drought, low yields and poor prices for arable farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. 995

    The Country Full Show: Monday, July 13, 2026

    Jamie Mackay talks to Richard Allen, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Dave Martin, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. 994

    The Country 13/07/26: Richard Allen talks to Jamie Mackay

    Fonterra’s chief executive says the co-operative has cut 50c from its forecast farmgate milk price as it battles “softer-than-expected” demand and strong global supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. 993

    The Country 13/07/26: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay

    We catch up with a leading farming academic to discuss the Greens’ proposal to phase out nitrogen fertiliser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  9. 992

    The Country 13/07/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay

    Today’s farmer-politician panel ponders Modi’s visit, the India FTA and Winston’s concerns over the $20 billion “cover-up”, the Greens’ Ag and fertiliser policy, Blueberry-gate, and why rugby is a young man’s game!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  10. 991

    The Country 13/07/26: Dave Martin talks to Jamie Mackay

    A Wairoa farmer gives an update on yet more devastating flooding on the East Coast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  11. 990

    The Country 13/07/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay

    Monday’s resident weather expert promises a better week ahead, after the appalling rain of recent weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  12. 989

    Rabobank Best of The Country: July 11, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, and Harry Newey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  13. 988

    The Country Full Show: Thursday, July 9, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, Aaron Cruden, Matt Lythe, and Matt Dillon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  14. 987

    The Country 09/07/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Hamish McKay

    We get a weather update from Earth Science New Zealand’s principal scientist, including severe weather affecting Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. Plus, Canterbury’s flooding, a shift towards more settled weather, and what a developing El Niño could mean for spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  15. 986

    The Country 09/07/26: Ben Picton talks to Hamish McKay

    Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  16. 985

    The Country 09/07/26: Dr Robyn Dynes talks to Hamish McKay

    Principal scientist and farmer engagement specialist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute on the science underpinning agricultural innovation. She also discusses the value of endophyte research, responsible nitrogen use and how AI and big data could transform farming decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  17. 984

    The Country 09/07/26: Aaron Cruden talks to Hamish McKay

    Time for some footy chat with a former All Black, including Ruben Love’s impressive test debut and the growing combinations in the All Blacks backline. Also, Dave Rennie’s early influence, selection options against Italy, and expectations for the second test in Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  18. 983

    The Country 09/07/26: Matt Lythe talks to Hamish McKay

    It’s Innovation Week thanks to Herd-i. Today, we catch up with the managing director of Prism Earth on using AI, satellite imagery and geospatial data to measure natural capital on farms. Plus, unlocking carbon, biodiversity and market access opportunities for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  19. 982

    The Country 09/07/26: Mark Dillon talks to Hamish McKay

    This farmer and five-time New Zealand ploughing champion is meant to be representing New Zealand in Europe, but his ploughing gear is on the wrong ship in the wrong hemisphere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  20. 981

    The Country Full Show: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to Christopher Luxon, Adam McManaway, Emma Higgins, and Brian Dela Rue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  21. 980

    The Country 08/07/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Hamish McKay

    The Prime Minister discusses Marsden Point fuel security, South Island flood recovery and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit. He also rejects calls to phase out synthetic fertiliser and backs televising the Young Farmer of the Year contest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  22. 979

    The Country 08/07/26: Adam McManaway talks to Hamish McKay

    A Kaikōura dairy farm owner discusses the damage to his property after severe flooding, the clean-up challenge, lost pasture and infrastructure, and support from the local farming community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  23. 978

    The Country 08/07/26: Emma Higgins talks to Hamish McKay

    Rabobank senior agricultural analyst discusses the sharp fall in Global Dairy Trade prices and what it says about global milk supply. Plus, European heatwave impacts, New Zealand's record milk production and outlook for dairy farm margins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  24. 977

    The Country 08/07/26: Brian Dela Rue talks to Hamish McKay

    It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we talk to a DairyNZ research engineer who discusses how farmers are using AI to improve decision-making, productivity and administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  25. 976

    The Country Full Show: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to Bex Green, Scott Spooner, Nathan Guy, Shane McManaway, Chris Russell, and Pete Barnes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  26. 975

    The Country 07/07/26: Bex Green talks to Hamish McKay

    Federated Farmers North Canterbury president and vice dairy chair on the challenging weather conditions in her region. Plus, the Greens’ plan to phase out synthetic nitrogen, and what it means to win the Federated Farmers advocacy award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  27. 974

    The Country 07/07/26: Scott Spooner talks to Hamish McKay

    It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we talk with the chief executive and chief technology officer of South Canterbury drone-maker SPS Automation about targeting invasive plants on-farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  28. 973

    The Country 07/07/26: Nathan Guy talks to Hamish McKay

    New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy says efforts to expand the country’s trade links are good news for exporters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  29. 972

    The Country 07/07/26: Shane McManaway talks to Hamish McKay

    A South Wairarapa farmer updates us on the weather conditions at his son’s farm in Kaikōura, as severe rain causes flooding across the district.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  30. 971

    The Country 07/07/26: Chris Russell talks to Hamish McKay

    Our Aussie correspondent on exporting beef to Korea, a buoyant horticulture sector, and China’s missile test in the South Pacific. Plus, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s inappropriate comments on Kylie Minogue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  31. 970

    The Country 07/07/26: Pete Barnes talks to Hamish McKay

    We take our monthly look at the livestock market with PGG Wrightson Area Livestock Manager for Marlborough and Tasman, who discusses heavy rain, changes in the wine sector, and a strong bull sale season in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  32. 969

    The Country Full Show: Monday, July 6, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Harry Newey, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  33. 968

    The Country 06/07/26: David Seymour talks to Hamish McKay

    The Deputy Prime Minister on the importance of trade deals for New Zealand. Plus, would Act work with The Opportunity Party, and what happened with school lunches? And his plan to streamline government by reducing the number of ministers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  34. 967

    The Country 06/07/26: Tom Slee talks to Hamish McKay

    We catch up with a 29-year-old dairy farmer from the deep South, aka the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  35. 966

    The Country 06/07/26: Harry Newey talks to Hamish McKay

    It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we chat with the co-founder of PostMate, the winner of the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards People's Choice Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  36. 965

    The Country 06/07/26: Phil Duncan talks to Hamish McKay

    Our man from WeatherWatch.co.nz explains why the lower South Island is so wet and whether the rain is heading north.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  37. 964

    Rabobank Best of The Country: July 4, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to Christopher Luxon, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, Lawrence Field, Chris Russell, and Nick Carr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  38. 963

    The Country Full Show: Friday, July 3, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to AJ Whetton, Chris Brandolino, Sarah Donaldson, Tim Dangen, and Rowena Duncum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  39. 962

    The Country 03/07/26: AJ Whetton talks to Hamish McKay

    A former All Black discusses the dawn of a new era for the All Blacks ahead of tomorrow's test against France, featuring a new coach, captain, first five-eighth and stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  40. 961

    The Country 03/07/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Hamish McKay

    Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist Chris Brandolino discusses El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  41. 960

    The Country 03/07/26: Sarah Donaldson talks to Hamish McKay

    The Wairarapa area coordinator for the Rural Support Trust discusses how South Wairarapa is coping after heavy rain swept through the area over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  42. 959

    The Country 03/07/26: Tim Dangen talks to Hamish McKay

    The 2022 Young Farmer of the Year is at the 2026 Young Farmer of the Year contest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  43. 958

    The Country 03/07/26: Rowena Duncum talks to Hamish McKay

    We catch up with The Country’s former producer at the practical day at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest, to learn more about the National Sustainability Showcase she MC-ed in Christchurch last night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  44. 957

    DairyNZ Update: Brooke Sinclair, Kaiārahi Ahuwhenua (Māori Agribusiness Specialist)

    In this episode of DairyNZ Update, Michelle Watt talks to Kaiārahi Ahuwhenua (Māori Agribusiness Specialist), Brooke Sinclair from DairyNZ, about DairyNZ's involvement in New Zealand's oldest and one of our country's most prestigious farming awards, the Ahuwhenua Trophy.  More details about the Ahuwhenua Trophy can be found at ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz or you can directly contact the DairyNZ Māori Engagement team at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  45. 956

    The Country Full Show: Thursday, July 2, 2026

    Hamish McKay talks to Damien O'Connor, Brent Kleiss, George Dodson, Hugh Jackson, Chris Russell, and Karen Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  46. 955

    The Country 02/07/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Hamish McKay

    Labour’s trade and export spokesman discusses his party’s post-conference priorities, including apprenticeships, healthcare access and rural workforce development. Plus, his views on succession, sustainability and opportunities for young people in farming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  47. 954

    The Country 02/07/26: Brent Kleiss talks to Hamish McKay

    NZPork chief executive discusses the sale of New Zealand’s largest pig farm to local owners and what it means for the sector’s future. Plus, industry investment, RMA reform concerns, country-of-origin labelling and pork’s role as an affordable protein source.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  48. 953

    The Country 02/07/26: Hugh Jackson and George Dodson talk to Hamish McKay

    As the FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final approaches, we catch up with 2024 winner George Dodson and reigning champion Hugh Jackson for today's farmer panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  49. 952

    The Country 02/07/26: Chris Russell talks to Hamish McKay

    Our Australian correspondent on bird flu, soaring sheepmeat prices, and a Supreme Court ruling on glyphosate. Plus, a winemaker selling beer in wine bottles?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  50. 951

    The Country 02/07/26: Karen Williams talks to Hamish McKay

    IrrigationNZ chief executive and former Ballance Farm Environment Awards regional supreme winner discusses judging this year’s national finalists. Plus, farmer wellbeing, sustainability and the strength of the awards’ alumni network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Jamie Mackay delivers your daily fix of everything going on in NZ's biggest industry, along with a generous side-serve of news, sports and politics. The Country from Newstalk ZB, iHeartCountry NZ, Hokonui & iHeartRadio.

HOSTED BY

NZME

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Country have?

The Country currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Country about?

Jamie Mackay delivers your daily fix of everything going on in NZ's biggest industry, along with a generous side-serve of news, sports and politics. The Country from Newstalk ZB, iHeartCountry NZ, Hokonui & iHeartRadio.

How often does The Country release new episodes?

The Country has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Country?

You can listen to The Country on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Country?

The Country is created and hosted by NZME.
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