The Country

We set the scene at the Rabobank Good Deeds working bee at the Te Miro Settlers Hall, just outside of Cambridge. 

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Today’s farmer panel ponders farming, footy and the weather. 

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Friday’s favourite weatherman from Earth Sciences NZ warns us that the Super El Niño is just starting to bite!

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We wrap up the Rabobank Good Deeds working bee with the chairman of the Te Miro Settlers Hall Committee.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Todd Charteris, Chris Hipkins, Peter Newbold, Chris Russell, and Dean Rabbidge.

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The chief executive of Rabobank reviews the bank’s latest Rural Confidence Survey, which shows farmer confidence remains unchanged from quarter two at a net positive reading of +14%.

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The Labour leader and wannabe PM discusses the Indian FTA, his ag policy, the Poll of Polls, and why we’re not taking a bipartisan approach to National Super and Infrastructure spend.

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The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of the rural market.

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Our Australian correspondent talks about record prices for ewes and bulls, and why the diesel price hikes could not come at a worse time as the harvest gets underway. 

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We head to the El Niño coalface to talk to a Southland sheep and beef farmer (and 2016 Zanda McDonald Award winner) about an appalling spring down south, down on the farm.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Anna Palairet, Cameron Bagrie and Susan O’Regan.

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The Prime Minister talks about breaking up the supermarket duopoly, and we discuss tax cuts, asset sales and whether we should means-test the Winter Energy Payment.

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Fonterra’s chief operating officer reviews last night’s GDT Auction (-1.1%), and we ask if it’s a given that the forecast milk price will rise from $9.25 next week.

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An independent economist says the world economy is in a tough place at the moment, with many of the indices negative, but it’s not all bad news. Plus, he previews the launch of the Parents’ Alliance next week in Wellington.

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We catch up with the newly appointed chairwoman of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (for a term of three years). This follows the sad passing of the previous chairman, Alan Livingston, in April this year. QEII works in partnership with landowners to protect and enhance special areas of biodiversity and cultural heritage on private land through covenants.

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On this episode brought to you by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Hamish McKay sits down with Jim Risk, Science Extension Nutrient Dynamics Specialist at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, to discuss how farmers can maximise the value of their spring fertiliser applications. They explore nutrient timing, soil moisture, nitrogen allocation, soil testing, pasture and crop growth, and practical ways to improve feed planning and productivity. A timely conversation packed with expert advice to help farmers make the most of their fertiliser this spring. 

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Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Shane McManaway, Brad Siebert and Hunter McGregor.

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We caught up with Matua Shane, the Prince of the Provinces, on his spring fitness campaign as he walked to Parliament this morning, ahead of the arrival of the horseback hīkoi protest. We also discussed how farmers should vote and who should pay for the Aucklanders riding the CRL.

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This Wairarapa farmer is a primary industry leader and mentor. Today, look at the weather and El Niño, Growing Future Farmers, the Zanda Awards, and Feilding Ag High on Country Calendar.  

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The chief executive of NZ Avocado discusses the production outlook, the opportunity to grow domestic demand and what increased consumption could mean for growers and regional communities, ahead of National Guacamole Day on Wednesday.

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Our Shanghai-based correspondent talks about the end of the summer heat, the state of the Chinese economy, solar power v coal-fired electricity, and compares the Shanghai Subway to Auckland's.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, David Seymour, Pita Alexander, Jeremy Rookes and Phil Duncan.

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The president of Federated Farmers says profitability is the highest it’s been in a decade, but farmers worry whether the good times will hold. Federated Farmers’ latest Confidence Survey shows 72% of farmers are making a profit, with fewer than one in 20 making a loss.

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The Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader comments on his just-released party List, whether he agrees with Winston on Paris and pricing Ag emissions, and why we need more nation-building infrastructure projects in this country.

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Christchurch-based farm accountant says farm expenses are coming up to meet incomes.

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Our opinionated lifestyle correspondent comments on farming, footy and politics.

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Monday’s resident weather expert says we can expect a settled start to the work week before a cold front moves up the country from Tuesday, bringing wet and windy weather. Snow is on the way for the South Island’s high country, with significant amounts possible on Thursday.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Jen Corkran, Winston Peters, and Jane Smith.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Richard Dawkins, George Dodson, Hugh Jackson, Todd Clark, and Barry Soper.

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Earth Sciences New Zealand’s principal scientist and former New Yorker reflects on 9/11. He also discusses the Super El Niño setting record numbers.

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Federated Farmers’ spokesman for climate change and meat and wool gives Labour a pat on the back for finally agreeing not to campaign on pricing agricultural emissions after 25 years of wanting to do just that.

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Today’s farmer panel discusses the dairy season in Canterbury, putting Halter collars on cows, social media, lambing in Te Akau, KiwiSaver for Young Farmers, and farmers needing to understand the three-leaf stage of grazing management.

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Our US farming correspondent comments on farming in the fall, shares his memories of 9/11 and tells us whether he's embarrassed by his President's porkies.

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Our political correspondent reflects on 9/11 and a better week for the Nats.

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Michelle Watt talks to Farm Source Regional Head for the Lower North Island Nicola McCarthy. 

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Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Jane Smith, Jamie Cunningham, Chris Russell and Matt Gray.

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The NZ First leader and former Deputy PM comments on two big issues facing farming: the Paris Accord and the pricing of agricultural emissions. He also denies that his proposed nationalisation of BNZ is a “hair-brained” policy and reflects on 9/11, 25 years on.

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A North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist sings the praises of Open Country Dairy's Mark de Latour and his Paris Agreement stance. Plus, she says the Opportunity Party’s ag policy is a cross between Gloriavale and the Jetsons.

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PGG Wrightson Livestock’s National Dairy Specialist talks about the rise and rise of dairy beef.

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We talk about some great Isuzu deals with a true-blue Southlander. 

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Our Australian correspondent talks about bird flu, managing foxes, dingos and kangaroos, and a new beef bull sale record of nearly half a million dollars!

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Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Mark de Lautour, Dan Boulton, and Tracy Brown.

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The PM ponders Paris and whether we should be getting out of the Accord. We also discuss Labour’s ETS U-turn on pricing agricultural emissions, the Greens’ supermarket plans, and whether the Opportunity Party bubble has burst.

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The chief executive of Open Country Dairy fires a shot across the bow of the Paris Accord, has a crack at the DIRA legislation, and looks at the prospects for the 26/27 season.

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The chief executive of Silver Fern Farms takes an opposing view to Mark de Lautour when it comes to Paris. Plus, we discuss the prospects for red meat this season as margins tighten.

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The Chair of DairyNZ talks about calving in the Waikato, RMA reform, freshwater farm plans, and the 2027 Ahuwhenua Trophy.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Robbie Jackson, Jen Corkran, Farmer Tom Martin, and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.

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We congratulate Labour’s trade spokesman (and former Minister of Agriculture) for his party finally coming up with some agriculture policy, as leader Chris Hipkins says Labour will not campaign on pricing agricultural emissions. And just who is to blame for carbon farming gobbling up some of our productive pastoral, food-producing land?

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A South Otago cattle farmer has found himself an overnight sensation as a social media influencer. How did this come about? And why did banging on a hammer in a workshop at 2 am change his life’s trajectory?

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RaboResearch's senior animal protein analyst reviews the bank's September Agribusiness Monthly Report, which shows commodity outlooks remain positive despite rising farm input costs.

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Our UK farming correspondent talks about the end of the drought, tough times for arable farmers, and the Conservatives looking to scrap the controversial farm inheritance tax. Plus, we ask if he’s seen Harry and Meghan in his travels.

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One of New Zealand’s leading primary sector academics explains why nostalgia for past farming practises ignores modern realities.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Tom Young, Rowena Duncum, Craig Wiggins, and Phil Duncan.

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Today’s farmer/politician panel features the Associate Minister of Agriculture and a “renowned Wellington property magnate” who’s also the MP for Northland. Today, we ponder the Q+A rural issues debate, taxes, net zero, the Paris Agreement, KiwiSaver for young farmers, and the Greens wanting to get into the supermarket business.

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Affco’s national livestock manager looks at the prospects for lamb for the 26/27 season.

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We chat to The Country’s former producer, who is also an avid hunter, about a new survey which shows New Zealand’s pest problem has reached crisis point, with farmers spending more money and effort controlling pests - but still going backwards.

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Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate founder on Mid Canterbury’s arable farming challenges and the palm kernel versus local grain debate. Plus, spring weather conditions, crop prospects, and workplace resilience training for rural communities.

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Monday’s resident weatherman on the impending Super El Niño.

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Michelle Watt talks to Dana Carver about why investing in wellbeing is not just good for people, it's good for business.

Drawing on her experience running a dairy farm alongside her husband Tony, Dana shares how creating the right support systems around people can build resilience, improve decision-making, strengthen staff retention, and help create workplaces where individuals and teams can thrive.

Combining her background in psychology with the realities of everyday farming, Dana offers practical insights into what helps farm teams perform at their best and why taking a proactive approach to wellbeing is essential for long-term success.

Dana also speaks candidly about the pressures many women face in farming and the importance of sharing the load, both at work and at home. She reflects on the expectation for women to be "superwoman" and do it all and discusses why challenging these assumptions is critical for improving women's wellbeing and creating more sustainable farming businesses.

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Hamish McKay talks to Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Emma Poole and Tim Dangen, Michael Harvey, Megan Whitehead, and Alec Astle. 

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Hamish McKay talks to Neville Clark, Sandra Faulkner, Chris Russell, Aaron Cruden, and Chris Brandolino. 

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Federated Farmers Vice President Sandra Faulkner discusses New Zealand’s new emergency management legislation and what it means for rural communities. She explains how guaranteed rural representation in emergency planning and response will help improve outcomes during floods, fires, and other major events, while also highlighting the importance of new powers to protect livestock and companion animals during emergencies. A look at why these long-awaited changes are being welcomed across the rural sector.

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Neville Clark joins the show from Gisborne to discuss strong livestock market conditions, the start of the spring bull sale season, and the opportunities emerging from significant vineyard removals across the region. He shares his outlook on farming through changing weather patterns, highlights the resilience and adaptability of East Coast farmers, and reflects on a busy rural events calendar, including rodeo season, fundraising for the rescue helicopter, and a successful Daffodil Day campaign that showcased the generosity of the local farming community.

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Australian correspondent Chris Russell joins the show to compare lamb market trends on both sides of the Tasman, discuss a landmark Murray-Darling Basin court ruling and its implications for irrigators, and examine the challenges facing farmers following restrictions on paraquat use. He also shares insights into the latest developments in Australian agriculture and rounds out the conversation with a look at rugby ahead of the next round of international tests.

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Former All Black Aaron Cruden previews a pivotal Rugby Championship clash between the All Blacks and South Africa. He shares his thoughts on Dave Rennie’s unexpected team selections, the impact of key changes in the forward pack, and the importance of competition for places within the squad. Cruden also discusses the exciting development of young first five Reuben Love and why his running game could be a key factor against the Springboks.

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Chief Scientist at Earth Science NZ discusses El Nino, and the erratic start to spring across the country. 

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Hamish McKay talks to Wayne Langford, Laura Koot, David Short, and Carla de Wet. 

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We catch up with the former Federated Farmers President about life post presidency, the proposed changes to homekill rules, and celebrating 30 years of the Landcare Trust.

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The former CE of Fairlight is stepping back to start up her own businesses; she talks about how her current journey and what motivated her to start a new project. 

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Inventor, innovator, farmer, and the brains behind the portable shearing "Handy Piece", and how demand has grown, and his Lamborghini replica project. 

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Waikato Dairy Farmer, talks about the difference the new amendment to Kiwi Saver that is currently going through the select committee, could make for young people wanting to purchase a farm. 

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Hamish McKay talks to Christopher Luxon, Matt Bolger, Michael Harvey, and Tim Dangen and Emma Poole. 

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The PM on heading to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Palau, the comments he made about Air New Zealand and Rob Fyfe, and the countdown to the election.

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The Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs at Fonterra discusses last night's GDT auction.

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Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank, discusses Rabobank's Global Dairy Top 20 report.

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Brother and sister FMG Young Farmer winners discuss planning for El Niño, the winter blast at the start of spring, and whether the Prime Minister has kept his promise to Emma about getting The FMG Young Farmer Grand Final back on television.

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Hamish McKay talks to Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Hamish Best, Megan Whitehead, Alec Astle, and James Blair. 

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The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association discusses how the forestry industry has come under increasing scrutiny, despite the many positives it delivers. She talks about how the sector is adapting its management systems in response to increased pressure from major storm events, the impact climate change is having on forestry operations, the role forestry plays in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and whether carbon forestry is really the villain it is sometimes portrayed to be.

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Hamish Best talks about the decision to sell meat locally, what a potential change to Homekill regulations could mean for farmers and producers, and why he believes the future is bright for the primary sector. He also reflects on his journey and what he gained from being a Zanda McDonald Award finalist in 2025.

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Former women's world shearing record holder Megan Whitehead is preparing to reclaim the title. She discusses her training programme, the mental strength required to keep shearing for nine hours, and the importance of having a strong support team on the day.

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Former New Zealand cricketer, and author Alec Astle discusses the history of the Hawke Cup and the special place it holds in rural New Zealand sport.

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James Blair, the Pukekohe regional champion, was crowned Young Grower of the Year 2026 in Cromwell. He talks about the competition, the challenges faced throughout the programme, and what the national title means for his career.

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Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Pat Coogan, Stu Duncan and Stu Loe, Elena Duter, and Phil Duncan. 

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David Seymour Deputy PM and ACT Party Leader, shares ACT's position on the Paris Agreement, advocates for a separate approach to methane emissions, and outlines the party's efforts to reduce red tape for farmers and rural businesses.

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Pat Coogan Team Manager of the Trans-Tasman Wayleggo New Zealand Dog Trial Team, following New Zealand's hard-fought victory over Australia in the latest Trans-Tasman competition.

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Stu Duncan from the Maniototo and Stu Loe from North Canterbury look at conditions on the ground as winter gives way to spring. The pair discuss recent weather challenges, prospects for a dry summer under El Niño conditions, strong livestock markets, and the current mood among farmers. They also share their thoughts on the latest All Blacks performance against South Africa,

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Elena Duter Head of Agronomy at Farmlands, shares practical advice on feed planning, fertiliser timing, pasture and crop management, water security, and the importance of building resilience ahead of potential El Niño conditions. 

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Phil Duncan from weatherwatch.co.nz gives forecast for the week ahead. 

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Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Ben Picton, Jane Smith, Paul Henry, and Sir Wayne "Buck" Shelford. 

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Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Mark Warren, Jane Smith, Rachel Shearer, and Buck Shelford.

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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.

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Waipari Station farmer discusses his ambitious “$1500 super lamb” concept, combining premium meat, pelts and pharmaceutical by-products to maximise value from individual animals.

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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.

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PGG Wrightson Wool GM discusses a strong rebound in wool prices, driven by Australian buyer demand and increased competition across all wool types.

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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.

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Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Kate Acland, Paul Henry, Chris Russell, and Jack Cocks.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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