The Country

We find Labour’s trade spokesman at the Red Meat Sector Conference in Wellington, where he was part of the Political Debate Panel this morning. We discuss the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update and whether there is a spare $18 billion in the coffers to pay for pay equity, write off student loans and pay for three free doctor’s visits. Is he looking forward to having Chloe (16%) as his Minister of Finance? And what does he make of the Opportunity Party’s five bottom lines?

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The chief executive of Open Country Dairy comments on his farmer roadshows, getting out of the Paris Agreement, challenging DIRA, and whether he’s interested in buying Synlait. 

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Today’s “Surf and Turf” Zanda Panel includes the 2025 transtasman winners, as we encourage entries for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award (for emerging professionals in the primary industries, aged 21-35). Entries are open all month in October.

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We head back to the Red Meat Sector Conference to talk to a futurist from Food HQ about her upcoming address this afternoon: “Who Cares Enough About The Future”.

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We wrap up the Red Meat Sector Conference with the chief executive of the Meat Industry Association.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Paul Henry, Dean Rabbidge, Kate Acland, Kaitlin Bates, and Phil Duncan.

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Act’s star candidate is sitting in for his leader, David Seymour, today, and he’s not backward in pushing his candidacy forward.

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It’s reaching a crisis point for many southern farmers as Mother Nature continues to deal out some brutal blows, with winter biting well into spring. We catch up with a Southland sheep and beef farmer and trustee of the Southland Rural Support Trust to ask what help is available and how farmers can look after their mental health.

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We catch up with the chairwoman of Beef + Lamb NZ ahead of the Red Meat Sector Conference beginning today in Wellington, and we preview Wednesday evening’s (7-30pm) Rural Issues Election Debate at Mystery Creek organised by Fed Farmers, DairyNZ and B+LNZ.

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We have a great yarn with a Farmlands business development manager who is also just one of three women who are premier grade referees at first-grade level. Plus, we tell you how you can win $50k in prizes for your rural club with the Rural Rugby Legends promotion (closing Oct 3).

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We plead with Monday’s resident weatherman for some decent weather down south.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Callum McCallum, John McCaw, Richard Allen, and Daniel Eb. 

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Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Christopher Luxon, Hamish Marr, and Rachel Shearer.

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Friday’s Favourite Weather Guy steps in for the Prime Minister and comments on a series of cold fronts moving up the country, with snowy, wet and windy conditions expected on Sunday.

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The Prime Minister joins us in the studio, and we ask him why he’s campaigning in a Labour stronghold. We also discuss/debate the Paris Agreement, the agriculture portfolio, why Labour is more trusted on the five key issues, stalling local government reform, and supermarkets. Plus, is the Opportunity Party a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

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It’s Arable Week here on The Country, and we wrap it up with a Mid Canterbury mixed cropping farmer (and former special agricultural trade envoy).

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The general manager of PGG Wrightson Wool reviews yesterday’s sale, which saw an easing of the market for strong crossbred wool.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Richard Allen, Steve Abel, Scott Champion, Chris Russell, and Riley Kennedy.

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Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today reported its FY26 annual results, delivering $27 billion in revenue and nearly $20 billion in cash returns to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders. The chief executive tells us his favourite number!

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The Green Party agriculture spokesman riles up our audience with his comments on emissions reductions, organic farming and why the Greens didn’t support the Indian free trade agreement.

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It’s Arable Week here on The Country, and today it’s the turn of the chief executive of the Foundation for Arable Research to look at the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

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Our Australian correspondent talks about irrigation issues, a 47,000-strong petition to ban live animal exports, and an Aussie sports administrator to admire.

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Senior journalist at BusinessDesk discusses Fonterra and former chief executive Miles Hurrell’s pay packet.

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Jamie Mackay talks to John McCaw, Daniel Eb, Danielle Adsett, and Brigid Crawford.

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It’s Arable Week here on The Country, and today we're talking to a Methven cropping farmer who, along with his wife Mel, was crowned the Arable Farmers of the Year at the 2026 Arable Awards. John was also the 2006 Young Farmer of the Year, and he’s Richie’s cousin.

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The Opportunity Party deputy leader and agriculture spokesman defends his party’s agricultural emissions policy, and we debate whether he’s trying to kneecap NZ’s most productive sector. And is Opportunity really a centrist party when the centre-right has already ruled it out?

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We catch up with the chief executive of NZ Apples and Pears on the eve of her departure to India, as we look to cash in on the newly ratified FTA.

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A Rabobank Upper North Island client council member and Te Puke kiwifruit grower talks about the season and the Rabobank HortPathways programme attended by 25 emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Dr Robyn Dynes, Callum McCallum, Jo Luxton, and Grant Weller.

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The Minister of Trade and Agriculture celebrates the ratification of the Indian FTA. Could it be, as the Prime Minister suggested, a free trade agreement that far exceeds expectations? And does he face a challenge from Andrew Hoggard for his agriculture portfolio?

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It’s Arable Week here on The Country, and a leading agricultural scientist asks what the risks are if we outsource all our feed, food and seeds to international markets.

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We catch up with the director of McCallum Bros, the company awarded the Government contract to provide future shipping services to the Chatham and Pitt Islands. We discuss the challenges of shipping to the Chatham Islands and what this new service means for the region's farming future.

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Labour’s agriculture spokeswoman is on the receiving end of some rare praise on today’s show.

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Southland sheep and beef farmer and the 2011 winner of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Today we discuss the third consecutive saturated September in the deep south as El Niño bites hard.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Blair "Blocka" Drysdale, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, and Phil Duncan.

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Today’s farmer/politician panel ponders “making farming fun again”, supermarkets, primary sector monopolies and duopolies, and whether the Nats will get any List MPs.

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It’s Arable Week on The Country, and we kick off proceedings with a Northern Southland farmer growing wheat, barley and peas but looking to diversify more into livestock due to poor returns for his cropping operation. 

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One of our leading primary sector academics has her say on the future of arable farming and supermarkets.

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Has Monday’s resident weatherman got any good news for southern farmers as El Niño makes life a misery? The North Island is showing signs of being a bit dry, but more wet weather is coming. The main headline this week is about polar air nationwide and frosts/windchill. 

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In this episode of Being Farmstrong Hamish McKay chats with General Manager of Ngai Tukairangi Orchards Andrew Wood, who shares why putting people’s wellbeing first is critical for long-term success in farming. He discusses the opportunities and pressures facing the industry, practical ways to support wellbeing on-farm, and how investing in people can strengthen performance, resilience, recruitment, and retention. Andrew also reflects on his involvement with Farmstrong’s Live Well, Grow Well resource and shares his top advice for those starting out in the industry.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Cameron Bagrie, Anna Palairet, Todd Charteris, and Christopher Luxon.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Hamish McKay, Bruce Weir, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, Chris Brandolino, and Matt Keyte.

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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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