The Country

Jamie Mackay talks to Walt Cavendish, Don Fraser, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Dr Elena Duter, and Chris Russell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand farmers have issued an open letter to the Prime Minister and to party leaders, demanding an end to the double standard that allows animal products banned from domestic production to flood the market through imports, as new data shows imported pork now accounts for 63% of consumption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With dairy farming for the 24/25 season at record production and income export levels, a well-known rural finance commentator comments on the multiplier effect of Fonterra’s $3.2 billion capital repayment to its farmer shareholders in the 25/26 season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary sector academic on “swimmability” and why we should count ourselves lucky in Godzone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmlands’ Head of Agronomy talks about the benefits of re-grassing. Why, how and when.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent talks Trump tariffs and farm profitability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Hunter McGregor, and Stephen Guerin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM ponders Trump’s tariffs and the potential of selling Pāmu. He also discusses the industry kickback against the RMA rural reforms and falling electricity prices. Plus, the fall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (the artist formerly known as Prince).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Shanghai-based correspondent has returned from his summer sojourn in New Zealand with some interesting observations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson’s chief executive is naturally upbeat about his company’s good half-year result, a barometer of the positivity in the rural New Zealand economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parasites and drench resistance are becoming a major challenge for farmers across New Zealand, putting real pressure on productivity and profitability. Quick, accurate diagnosis can make all the difference — saving time, saving money, and helping you make smarter decisions on-farm. In this episode brought to you by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and powered by The Country, Hamish McKay dives into this issue with two leading voices in the field: Beef + Lamb New Zealand Scientist Cara Brosnahan, and parasitologist Sarah Riddy. Together, they break down the practical tools available right now to help identify parasite problems early — and how using a combination of these tools can give farmers clearer insights, stronger parasite management strategies, and better long‑term results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Mark Leslie, Allan Dippie, Jamie McFadden, Kate Acland, and Phil Duncan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pāmu’s chief executive says the state-owned farmer could be on track to hit its goal of $100 million in operating profit at least four years earlier than planned. It’s now forecasting an increased full-year operating profit of between $97m and $107m, as it benefits from productivity gains, continued high commodity pricing and a back-to-basics farming approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs and developers is also one of the leading lights of the Backing Lincoln University Sport fundraising dinner on the eve of the Wānaka Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell’s Environmental spokesman finally gets his chance to call out The Country host for his comments that “Groundswell is barking at cars” over the Government’s proposed RMA reforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In its submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill as part of RMA reforms, B+LNZ has called for significant changes because the current wording in the legislation does not match the Government’s intent. Chair Kate Acland says B+LNZ supports the Government’s desire to reform the RMA and agrees with its principles and goals for replacement of the RMA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s Weather Man on a Tuesday. Are we heading for a good week to finish summer? Are we heading into tropical cyclone season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Todd Clark, Harry Gaddum, and Jacob Siermans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Trade tries to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the latest on the Trump tariffs and the Indian FTA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Kentucky-based US farming correspondent is live in the studio with his friends Bud Tucker and John Kuegel. What do they make of New Zealand farming and farmers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawke's Bay deer farmer and Farmstrong champion, who is championing the Gumboot Cup - a day-long cricket tournament on Saturday for 12 rural teams to encourage farmers to get off the farm. It also doubles as a fundraiser for Farmstrong and the Rural Support Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His father is the new chief executive of Federated Farmers, but what is Jacob's connection with young farm boys who travelled 19,000km more than 100 years ago to fight for King and Country?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Jane Smith, Emma Higgins, Shane Jones, and Miles Hurrell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Miles Hurrell, Stu Loe, Stu Duncan, Kate Scott, Hamish McKay, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Fonterra announces a lift in the forecast Farmgate Milk Price to a midpoint of $9-50 (up from $9), a Special Mainland Dividend and he provides an earnings update.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s farmer panel chews the farming fat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Horticulture NZ comments on the state of the industry, with kiwifruit and apples leading the charge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McKay on Sport on the ongoing All Blacks coaching saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent talks about the release of his long-awaited book on where all the bodies are buried - One Last Question, Prime Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Jason Te Brake, Shane Jones, Farmer Tom Martin, Peter Newbold, and Chris Russell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zespri has released its final forecast for the 2025/26 season, with forecast per-hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories. The CEO says strong global demand has allowed Zespri to sell a record crop of around 215 million trays at a strong value for growers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prince of the Provinces waxes lyrically about mining, wild dogs in Northland and Mad Dog Peters!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK farming correspondent comments on a bleak winter for British farmers and why he’s taking the Government to court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson’s GM of Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of the rural market, and the planets are certainly aligning for farm values!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent talks about wool prices at a seven-year high and grain prices halving in the past four years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parasites and drench resistance are becoming a major challenge for farmers across New Zealand, putting real pressure on productivity and profitability. Quick, accurate diagnosis can make all the difference — saving time, saving money, and helping you make smarter decisions on-farm. In the next episode of the podcast series brought to you by Beef and Lamb New Zealand and powered by The Country, Hamish McKay dives into this issue with Vet Sarah Williams, and Cheviot farmer Harry Railton. Together, they look at how Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s livestock management groups are making a difference in the ways parasites are controlled and monitored on farm, and how the farmer lead groups are helping innovate parasite management strategies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Emma Higgins, Adam Thompson, Mitch Highett, and Craig Wiggins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister ponders the prospect of a managed retreat from flooding, a sobering infrastructure plan, National Lamb Day and the state of the rural economy, and why one of his MPs is letting the side down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s Senior Ag Analyst comments on another great GDT Auction overnight (up 3.6%) and whether red meat prices are sustainable at their current record highs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Zanda Panel previews the Impact Summit in Christchurch in early March. They encourage others to enter the Zanda McDonald Awards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s doing rural health and wellness at the East Coast Farming Expo at Wairoa. But what a mission he had to get there!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Sir David Carter, Andy Borland, Jane Smith, Tom Young, and Dave Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.