The Country

Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Ben Picton, Jane Smith, Paul Henry, and Sir Wayne "Buck" Shelford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Mark Warren, Jane Smith, Rachel Shearer, and Buck Shelford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earth Sciences New Zealand chief scientist outlines a wet and windy spring outlook for the lower and western South Island as El Niño conditions strengthen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waipari Station farmer discusses his ambitious “$1500 super lamb” concept, combining premium meat, pelts and pharmaceutical by-products to maximise value from individual animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Otago farmer and rural commentator discusses a new saliva-based sheep breeding test aimed at improving natural worm resistance and reducing drench reliance. We also hear her views on methane policy, agricultural research funding, taxation, and the upcoming election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson Wool GM discusses a strong rebound in wool prices, driven by Australian buyer demand and increased competition across all wool types.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks captain discusses the upcoming second test against South Africa and the team’s progress under the current coaching setup. Plus, life after rugby with his car wash business, Blue September cancer awareness work, and reflections on his own cancer battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Kate Acland, Paul Henry, Chris Russell, and Jack Cocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First MP and Resources Minister on why he wants New Zealand out of the Paris Agreement and supports expanding mining through the fast-track process. Plus, the Santana gold mine, Dolly Parton, and his thoughts on the All Blacks under Scott Robertson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairwoman on concerns that the ETS is still driving productive farmland into carbon forestry and why further reforms are needed. She also discusses the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report, the Climate Change Commission, rural jobs, and calving through this week’s storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act Party candidate makes his debut on The Country to talk about shrinking government, abolishing the Climate Change Commission, and the party’s election priorities. Plus, tax policy, support for the primary sector, coalition ambitions, and campaigning around regional New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Aussie correspondent on bird flu, strong South Australian crop prospects, dry conditions in New South Wales, and global food supply challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmstrong champion and Mt Nicholas Station farmer on recovering from a life-threatening brain injury and why focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, supports wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Ben Picton, Blair McLean, and Todd McClay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior macro strategist at RaboResearch says New Zealand’s economic recovery remains on track despite a dip in retail spending and ongoing global supply chain risks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson Wine’s viticulture specialist says vineyard removals are accelerating as global wine consumption falls, with up to 1000ha of vines coming out in Marlborough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agriculture and Trade Minister says the Government is focused on replacing the RMA, supporting the wine sector through current challenges and advancing New Zealand’s trade deal with India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Nathan Guy, Richard Dawkins, Cameron Bagrie, Sarah Bell, and Ray Roberts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy and Meat Industry Association chairman to discuss Trump’s surprise tariff-free beef import quota and the opportunities presented by the India trade deal. Also, the importance of China as an export market, seasonal conditions on his Horowhenua dairy farm, and Horowhenua Kapiti’s rugby prospects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Clark Foundation senior researcher on a new discussion paper, “Growing Innovation: The next wave of AgriTech for rural New Zealand”. The paper says New Zealand’s policy settings need to ensure that technology transforms rural areas for good, and proposes a national “Living Knowledge Bank” to capture farmers’ expertise before it is lost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing director of Bagrie Economics on rising global bond yields, China’s two-speed economy and why the OCR may need to move closer to neutral. Plus, election-year tax and spending choices, regional property market trends, and the impact of rising farm inflation on food prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman and pest control spokesman on the Feds’ second National Pests Survey. He says the survey shows New Zealand’s pest problem has reached crisis point, with farmers spending more money and effort controlling pests - but still going backwards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of PTS Logistics on the company’s FarmStrong Charity Golf Day, which raised more than $100,000 last year and is returning to Taupō in November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Grant McCallum, Mark Patterson, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Andy McDonnell, Mark Kelly, Chloe Butcher-Herries, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s panel comprises a Northland National MP and the Associate Agriculture Minister. McCallum discusses National’s no-new-taxes pledge, rural concerns over proposed wealth and inheritance taxes, and Northland’s Ranfurly Shield success. Meanwhile, Patterson outlines opportunities for New Zealand strong wool in India, preparations for El Niño, and prospects for the coming lambing season in Otago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with a leading agricultural academic to take a closer look at food fraud and what it could mean for farmers, growers, and New Zealand’s economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a big weekend for sports, so we chat to a couple of sporting producers to discuss Buller’s upset Heartland Championship win, the NPC frontrunners, the Black Ferns and All Blacks’ standout performances, and Liam Lawson’s impressive Formula One return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer and Zanda McDonald Award finalist encourages more rangatahi to put themselves forward for the Ahuwhenua Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WeatherWatch head forecaster discusses strong winds across the South Island, a low-pressure system moving from Australia, and the likelihood of a windier, more unsettled spring under El Niño conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think about Sam Whitelock, you probably think 153 Tests, two Rugby World Cups and performing under some pretty serious pressure. But these days, Sam’s swapped the footy paddock for the farm paddock, back home in Manawatu. And it turns out a lot of what he learnt playing rugby at the highest level applies pretty well to farming too. In this episode of Being Farmstrong, Hamish McKay sits down with Sam to talk about pressure, leadership, mental fitness and what it takes to keep performing when things get tough. Sam’s been a Farmstrong Ambassador since 2016, so he knows the challenges rural people face. And there are some really practical takeaways here about looking after yourself, staying on top of things and being at your best, whether that’s on the farm or just in everyday life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Sir Don McKinnon, Michael Every, and David Seymour. Jamie also pays tribute to the late Jim Hopkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Colin Hurst, Kelvin Wickham, Shane Gillooly, Ian Jones, and Chris Brandolino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers National President celebrates last night’s Arable Awards, congratulating Arable Farmer of the Year winners John and Mel McCaw’s and those inducted to the Arable Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients chief executive on the co-operative’s return to profit and the reinstatement of its shareholder rebate. Plus, fertiliser prices and supply, advice for farmers ahead of spring, and the value of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Young Farmers CEO on the organisation’s 100th anniversary and the search for stories, photos and memorabilia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland rugby legend and former All Black on the Taniwha’s historic Ranfurly Shield win and what made the victory so special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s principal scientist on El Niño’s return and what it means for New Zealand’s spring weather.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Andrew Hoggard, Mark Leslie, Chris Russell, Luke Doyle, and Peter Newbold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Environment and Biosecurity Minister explains changes to freshwater farm plans, including reduced compliance for low-risk farms and greater recognition of existing industry assurance schemes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pāmu chief executive discusses the state-owned farming company’s record $113 million operating profit, driven by strong productivity gains and improved commodity prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Aussie correspondent discusses the growing bird flu outbreak, concerns for wildlife and poultry, and the toll the crisis is taking on veterinarians. He also looks at the impact of paused working holiday visa applications on farm labour, and excitement over the State of Origin heading to New Zealand in 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dynamic Canterbury dairy farmer and Kellogg Graduate discusses his research on industry pathways in dairy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The General Manager Livestock & Real Estate for PGG Wrightson on a traditionally quiet August and why election uncertainty may affect cities more than rural areas. Plus, outlooks for lifestyle blocks, dairy farms, and sheep and beef properties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Watt talks to Mitch Cooper, DairyNZ Senior Technical Policy Advisor (Veterinary), about the importance of Biosecurity, and how farmers can apply prevention strategies to farm systems.    For more information on Biosecurity management go to www.dairynz.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Christopher Luxon, Graeme Sumner, Stu Davison, Gavin Tankersley, and Riley Kennedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister discusses the fallout from the Chris Penk saga, coalition lines, and criticism from Labour. Plus, trade opportunities in India, Vietnam and Thailand to boost export growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyttelton Port chief executive outlines an $821m port expansion to boost capacity and improve access to global markets. We also talk about faster shipping, dairy export growth, and protecting dolphins during construction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We break down a stronger Global Dairy Trade auction with HighGround Dairy’s quantitative analyst, with gains led by whole and skim milk powder. Plus, why global protein demand and El Niño concerns are shaping dairy market sentiment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden Shears life member reflects on the life and legacy of Laurie Keats, the driving force behind the Golden Shears and competitive shearing worldwide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BusinessDesk senior journalist discusses fresh speculation around A2 Milk and Fonterra's interest in Synlait, and the hurdles any deal would face. He also shares insights from company reporting season and what strong dairy markets could mean for upcoming farm sector results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.