The Country

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Jamie Mackay, Rowena Duncum and Sam "Lashes" Casey deliver 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 and Hokonui.

NZME


    • Dec 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 7,179 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Country

    Rabobank Best of The Country: December 20, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 40:30 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Ray Smith, Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie, Miles Hurrell, Jane Smith, and Christopher Luxon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Friday, December 19, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 38:26 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Don Carson, Steve Wyn-Harris, Jeremy Rookes, Nathan Guy, Rowena Duncum, Craig Wiggins, Chris Brandolino, and Hamish McKay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    don carson craig wiggins
    The Country 19/12/25: Don Carson talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 4:45 Transcription Available


    Our annual long-standing tradition - the Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 19/12/25: Steve Wyn-Harris and Jeremy Rookes talk to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 6:15 Transcription Available


    Today’s farmer panel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 19/12/25: Nathan Guy talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 3:17 Transcription Available


    The newly-appointed special trade agricultural envoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 19/12/25: Rowena Duncum and Craig Wiggins talk to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 4:50 Transcription Available


    Today’s second correspondent panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    mackay craig wiggins
    The Country 19/12/25: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 2:51 Transcription Available


    Earth Sciences NZ weather guy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 19/12/25: Hamish McKay talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 3:15 Transcription Available


    McKay on Sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Thursday, December 18, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 36:53 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Alison Shanks, Todd Charteris, John McOviney, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 18/12/25: Shane Jones talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 6:33 Transcription Available


    For the final time in 2025, it’s the Prince of the Provinces, the Mighty Matua! We discuss a fun day in Parliament and his Ag Person/s of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 18/12/25: Alison Shanks talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 5:13 Transcription Available


    From high-performance sport to a high-performance Ag Tech company, we talk to a former world champion cyclist about her transition from the track to tracking cows with Halter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 18/12/25: Todd Charteris talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 4:38 Transcription Available


    The chief executive of Rabobank wraps the 2025 farming year and names his Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 18/12/25: John McOviney talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 5:29 Transcription Available


    A Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort, who’s in the business of both growing grass and cutting it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 18/12/25: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 4:44 Transcription Available


    Our Australian correspondent reflects on the Bondi Beach shooting, beef feedlots at 100% capacity and his Aussie Ag person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 38:22 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Miles Hurrell, Jane Smith, Hunter McGregor, and Jim Hopkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 17/12/25: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 5:49 Transcription Available


    The Prime Minister makes his final appearance for 2025. He ponders the December Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries (SOPI), the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU), a surprise Christmas dinner guest and his Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 17/12/25: Miles Hurrell talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 5:45 Transcription Available


    Fonterra’s chief executive comments on another disappointing Global Dairy Trade Auction overnight, down 4.4%, the ninth drop in a row. Is a payout beginning with an “8″ now on the cards?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 17/12/25: Jane Smith talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 6:14 Transcription Available


    North Otago farmer, award-winning environmentalist and Groundswell poster child - or is she? Today, she has Ikea, carbon farming and wind turbines in her sights. Plus, we get her Ag Person of the Year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 17/12/25: Hunter McGregor talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 5:42 Transcription Available


    Our Shanghai-based correspondent finds some long-awaited “green shoots” in the Chinese economy and goes one better in his Ag Person of the Year. He has his Ag Industry in China Awards!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 17/12/25: Jim Hopkins talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 3:47 Transcription Available


    Our long-standing rural raconteur chips in with his Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 36:57 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Ray Smith, Damien O'Connor, Nadia Lim, Carlos Bagrie, Mark de Lautour, and Peter Newbold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 16/12/25: Ray Smith talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 6:07 Transcription Available


    The Director General of MPI reviews the December Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries (SOPI) that was released this morning. Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers are driving New Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a record $62 billion for the year to June 30, 2026. The sector now accounts for 83% of all NZ goods exports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 16/12/25: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 6:26 Transcription Available


    Labour’s Trade Spokesman joins us for our final argument of 2025! Plus, we discuss SOPI, an FTA with India and O'Connor's Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 16/12/25: Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie talk to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 6:07 Transcription Available


    A celebrity cook and a celebrity farmer discuss Nadia’s Farm Kitchen and Carlos’ Nuffield Scholarship thesis in what has been a very busy 2025 for New Zealand’s power farming couple. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 16/12/25: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 4:54 Transcription Available


    The chief executive of Open Country Dairy has been on the acquisition and soothsaying trails in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 16/12/25: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 5:16 Transcription Available


    The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate and Livestock wraps a good year for both divisions of his company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Monday, December 15, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 38:19 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to David Seymour, Mike Casey, Riley Kennedy, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    david seymour mike casey phil duncan jacqueline rowarth
    The Country 15/12/25: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 5:42 Transcription Available


    The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader makes his final appearance for 2025 as we discuss tomorrow’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (Hyefu). Plus, who is his Ag Person of the Year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 15/12/25: Mike Casey talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 9:40 Transcription Available


    The founder of Cromwell-based Electric Cherries plays Santa on The Country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 15/12/25: Riley Kennedy talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 4:07 Transcription Available


    The rural editor at BusinessDesk names his Ag Person of the Year, and he’s gone for Mark Wynne, the former chairman of the Alliance Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 15/12/25: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 5:38 Transcription Available


    One of New Zealand’s leading primary sector academics talks rubbish, nitrates in drinking water, getting dry in Waikato, and her Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    new zealand mackay waikato jacqueline rowarth
    The Country 15/12/25: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 1:49 Transcription Available


    Monday’s weatherman has a spring-like forecast and his Ag Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    mackay phil duncan
    Rabobank Best of The Country: December 13, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 40:27 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Lorin Clarke, Emma Higgins, Professor Will Happer, Kate Acland, and Winston Peters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Friday, December 12, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 38:18 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Tim Dangen, Hugh Jackson, Blair McLean, Jane Hunter, and Hamish McKay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 12/12/25: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 4:54 Transcription Available


    Friday’s Weather Guy, and native New Yorker, on the dry in New Zealand and his favourite American President.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 12/12/25: Tim Dangen and Hugh Jackson talk to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 6:21 Transcription Available


    Today’s farmer panel features the 2022 and 2025 Young Farmers of the Year, respectively. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 12/12/25: Blair McLean and Jane Hunter talk to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 6:01 Transcription Available


    We head to Marlborough to give you the chance to win some cherries and bubbles for Christmas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 12/12/25: Hamish McKay talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 4:39 Transcription Available


    It’s McKay on Sport as we head to the Feilding stock sale yards to ponder Hamish’s 2025 Ag Sports Person of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country Full Show: Thursday, December 11, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 36:58 Transcription Available


    Jamie Mackay talks to Emma Higgins, Winston Peters, Kate Acland, Hayes Garland, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 11/12/25: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 4:31 Transcription Available


    The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices following "stunning" global milk production growth across the second half of 2025, according to Rabobank, in its Q4 Global Dairy Quarterly Report. So is a $9 milk price now on the cards?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 11/12/25: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 7:38 Transcription Available


    We ask the NZ First leader and Minister of Foreign Affairs about “survive to ’25” and “the fix for ’26”. We also discuss the latest polls, RMA reforms, an FTA with India, and Stuart Nash. Plus, how many more elections does the 80-year-old have left in him?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Country 11/12/25: Kate Acland talks to Jamie Mackay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 3:46 Transcription Available


    According to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s latest report, our national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is up 1% on last season, driven by stronger ewe performance in most regions. We catch up with the chairwoman of Beef + Lamb NZ to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    mackay beef lamb nz

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