The Country

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Mark Guscott, Hamish McAlpin, Chris Russell, and Barry Soper.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Earth Sciences NZ’s weatherman what’s happened to El Niño?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the third of four Nuffield Scholars - a Wairarapa farmer just back from the USA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of relationship management for Rabobank Australia comments on his findings on the Rabobank NZ Dairy Tour.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent comments on the 150th anniversary of the stump-jump plough and how it changed farming across the ditch. Plus, we look at "sandpaper-gate" and the World Cup Rugby League final.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent offers his take on the election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's at the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show, where Jamie Mackay talks to Garry Diack, Kate Acland, Ross McIsaac, Shane McManaway, Wayne Langford, Grant McCallum, Sean Spencer, Grant Nordstrom, and Mike Green.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravensdown's chief executive, the sponsor of the Canterbury A&P Show, takes us back to his first visit to the Show in 1962.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chairwoman of Beef + Lamb NZ and the general manager of the NZ Wool Collective discuss the wool levy vote in early 2027, which, if approved, is likely to come into play late 2027/early 2028.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chat with a Wairarapa farmer and the founder of the Zanda McDonald Award.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former President of Federated Farmers was honoured today at Cop31.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant "McNational" McCallum is at the Canterbury A&P Show with the Rural Nats, and he has something to say about split-voting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of the Boar Breeders Association says the event gets bigger every year, including the popular annual pig and commercial boar section, a dress-up competition, and a ball.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PGG Wrightson's Canterbury/West Coast Livestock Manager says the stockyards have been taken over for the A&P Show this week. Plus, how's El Niño treating Canterbury?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the organiser of the Rural Support Trust fundraiser at Mystery Creek. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Sir Don McKinnon, Hamish Guild, Aaron Walker, Riley Kennedy, Olivia Caldwell, and Tracy Brown.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister flies the National Party flag in our politician-free week. He reviews the election and talks about Armistice Day and the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, our military museum on the Western Front in Le Quesnoy, France.
Plus, the fall of the Berlin Wall 37 years ago this week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a renowned and award-winning Canterbury farming family at High Peak Station, we catch up with another of the 2027 Nuffield Scholars.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Walter is a 19-year-old UK Young Farmer who left school at 16 to go farming. He currently farms beef cattle near Bude in North Cornwall. Walter heard an interview with George Dodson and Hugh Jackson on The Country’s podcast and contacted us to ask if we would be interested in a chat. He’s been picked as one of only 22 young people from across the UK for the Oxford Farming Scholars Programme and has co-founded an app that aims to help farmers to spend less time on paperwork and more time farming.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have no politicians on the show this week, so the “Ag Journo Panel” steps up to discuss the interim election result and the rural issues of the day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chair of DairyNZ comments on the DairyNZ AGM at a resilient pastures event and the industry-good body’s strategy refresh.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Rob Hewett, Nick Tipling, Hunter McGregor, and Jeremy Rookes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chairman of AgriZeroNZ and Farmlands denies things got “too hot in the kitchen” for AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee following his resignation today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Hunterville farmer and Anzco livestock rep has just returned from running 100 miles in Australia. We ask him why on earth he did it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Shanghai-based correspondent talks about the CIIE (China International Import Export) which concludes today. He also offers travel advice to first-time visitors to China.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our resident Canterbury hobby farmer offers a Show Week preview and a pithy election synopsis. We also discuss AgriZeroNZ’s chief executive Wayne McNee’s resignation and a fiery Farmlands AGM coming up in Gore on Nov 24.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Sir David Carter, Katie Milne, Craig Hickman, Duncan Humm, Todd Muller, and Phil Duncan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Minister of Agriculture (2008-13) and former Speaker of the House (2013-17) is in China. What’s he doing there? When was the last time he, the chairman, missed the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show?  And what does he make of the election?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first female President of Federated Farmers is now the National MP-elect for West Coast-Tasman. She follows in the footsteps of her Feds’ successor, Andrew Hoggard. And who’s going to run the farm?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Mid Canterbury farmer panel ponders the election and what’s happening down on the farm. How’s El Niño? Who’s going to the Canterbury A&P Show?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former National Party leader casts his eye over happenings in Wellington and Washington and how they will affect New Zealand farmers. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s resident weatherman comments on El Niño taking a break and some resulting much-needed rain for the North Island.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Pita Alexander, Matt Bolger, Todd Charteris, Trish Rankin, Chris Russell, and Michael Every. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Gilles Froment, Todd Charteris, Chris Brandolino, and Barry Soper.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Jo Luxton’s absence, we have a one-person debate with the agriculture spokespeople from our two largest political parties. Plus, McClay discusses Winston Peters endorsing him in Rotorua and why they can’t agree on the Indian free trade agreement.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) previews the World Dairy Summit, coming up in Auckland from November 15-20.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s chief executive reviews the bank’s November Agribusiness Monthly "Summer on the Horizon".

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earth Sciences NZ principal scientist AKA “Friday’s Favourite Weatherman” says El Niño is going to take a bit of a “lunch break” for a couple of weeks, but will be back in late November and especially strong during December.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent to call tomorrow’s election result.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Michael Every, Trish Rankin, Chris Russell, and Rowena Duncum.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ First leader and former Deputy PM joins us for the final time in this election cycle. We discuss strategic split voting, how this campaign compares to all the previous ones he’s fought since 1978, agriculture in schools, the Federated Farmers Voter Guide, the American midterm elections and Michael Laws.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Rabobank’s Singapore-based Global Strategist whether the Republican rout in the midterm elections is good or bad news for the world economy, with the Dow surging and Brent crude plunging. What will it do for world peace? We also discuss whether there’s such a thing as a “lame duck” president.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2019 Dairy Woman of the Year is also the newly announced 2027 Nuffield Scholar and Rural Waste Sorted NZ ambassador. She discusses the initiative and how its new website helps farmers take practical, achievable steps to improve on-farm waste management.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent talks about how the US midterms will affect Australasian farmers, the new AI dairy farm in Tasmania, and the new “Machine of the Year”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We update all the action from the PTS Farmstrong golf fundraiser in Wairakei.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s dairy sector has achieved a major milestone, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time during the 2025/26 season. Michelle Watt speaks with DairyNZ Head of Economics and Insights, Mark Storey, about the factors driving this record-breaking performance and what it means for the industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Jane Smith, Matt Bolger, and Mike Petersen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Win, lose, or hung parliament on Saturday, we have a nice little anecdote to tell about the Prime Minister’s early days on The Country. We also discuss the Federated Farmers Voter Guide 2026 and why National only got a bronze medal behind NZ First and Act. And while farmers are going to vote for a centre-right government, there aren’t enough of them, so will Auckland decide the election?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist talks about “El Greeno” and why the Greens aren’t real environmentalists.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra’s managing director of co-operative affairs reviews last night’s GDT Auction, which saw another positive lift (+3%), with WMP 5.9%, SMP 3.1%, AMF -3.2%, Butter -4.7%,  BMP -4.4% and Cheese 8.6%. Plus, we preview the World Dairy Summit coming up in Auckland on Nov 15 - 20.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former chairman of Beef+Lamb NZ, former special agricultural trade envoy, Scales chairman, and Hawke’s Bay farmer talks about El Niño, red meat, horticulture, trade, and disarray on the right.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, Damien O'Connor, Todd Clark, and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers presents the Feds’ Voter Guide, and NZ First comes out on top with a clean slate. Plus, we talk about agriculture being back in schools and the farming season on his arable and dairy farms in South Canterbury.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the absence of some from the centre-left, at least Labour’s trade spokesman fronts with some fight on The Country. Today we talk about the Feds’ Voter Guide, strategic split voting, and whether Kiwis are over this election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with our US farming correspondent post-Halloween and pre-midterm elections (and ask which is scarier). Plus, we talk about the fall farming season, fuel prices and thoroughbred horse racing on Melbourne Cup Day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our leading primary sector academics salutes agriculture being back in schools and says choosing an academic path to follow is not all about following your dreams and passions. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Erica Stanford, Pita Alexander, Blair McLean, David Seymour, and Phil Duncan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Education walks back the decision to remove agriculture and horticulture from the Year 11 curriculum.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch-based farm accountant runs his financial eye over the state of the rural economy and the state of NZ Rugby.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk wine, golf and cherries with our viticulture correspondent as a new facility opens, Caythorpe Green, in Marlborough.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister on agriculture in Year 11, strategic split voting, and his vision for New Zealand.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s resident weatherman on the increasing dry in North Island.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Luxon, Kane Brisco, Rowena Duncum and Riley Kennedy, and Shane Jones. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Richard Allen, Shane Jones, Chris Brandolino, Rachel Shearer, Sean Daly, and Barry Soper. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Fonterra today announced an increase of the midpoint of the 2026/27 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price from $9.50 per kgMS to $9.75 per kgMS. The Co-operative has also lifted and narrowed the forecast range from $8.50 - $10.50 per kgMS to $9.00 - $10.50 per kgMS. The Co-operative has also today increased the Organic Milk Price, with the midpoint lifting from $14.30 per kgMS to $15.25 per kgMS!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The self-proclaimed Prince of the Provinces, the Mighty Matua, says his controversial comments on his wives (plural) and shopping was on brand, even if his one wife Dot had to sternly correct him. We also traversed strategic split voting, fast track consenting, bottom trawling, youth unemployment and whether he has a Plan B?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at Earth Sciences NZ's Seasonal Climate Outlook for November 2026 - January 2027 where El Niño is expected to remain the primary driver of New Zealand's climate patterns over the coming three months.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GM of PGG Wrightson Wool takes a look at a "steady as she goes" wool market where reduced supply is a key driver. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Southland Vet who says drench resistance in our sheep industry is costing farmers hundreds of millions of dollars. But a solution is at hand!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent calls the election one week out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Rowena Duncum, Riley Kennedy, Emma Poole, Tim Dangen, Chris Russell, and Farmer Tom Martin.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s first panel features a couple of Aucklanders (FMG and BusinessDesk) with rural roots as we debate agriculture in schools, skin cancer checks for farmers, a wonderful golf fundraiser for Farmstrong and strategic split voting for rural New Zealand.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s brother and sister farmer panel ponder dairy farming seasons at opposite ends of the country, Ag in Schools, and getting your head around the election at the busiest time of the year for farmers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent says, “El Niño? What El Niño?” as new cattle records are set as the rain pours. Plus, we talk about problems for cropping farmers, a gold rush in Broken Hill and a new airport in western Sydney. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our UK farming correspondent comments on a good autumn planting campaign, not such a good Autumn Budget, water restrictions after the summer drought and  Harry Kane. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waikato dairy farmer and DairyNZ Environment Specialist Johan van Ras joins Michelle Watt to share his journey of transforming unproductive areas of his farm into thriving native wetlands and bush. He discusses the environmental and on-farm benefits he's seen firsthand and explains how a whole-farm approach to biodiversity can support both farm performance and sustainability.

To learn more about DairyNZ's work in precision dairying and biodiversity improvement, visit www.dairynz.co.nz.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Richard McIntyre, Toby Williams, Ben Picton, and Kane Brisco.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister comments on the OCR, the One News poll, Chloe Swarbrick as Finance Minister, and why true-blue National Party supporters should not split their votes to get a centre-right coalition across the line.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two former Federated Farmers, a Horowhenua dairy farmer and an East Coast sheep and beef farmer, reflect on why they’ve both confidently reinvested in their respective farms. Plus, we ask them if they will strategically split their votes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s senior market strategist (chief economist) offers his OCR preview ahead of this afternoon’s announcement, where a .25% rate increase is a lock in. But where is neutral, and where will the OCR peak?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Taranaki dairy farmer tells us why Farmstrong has teamed up with NZ Young Farmers to support everyone who enters this year’s competition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Cameron Bagrie, Nancy Crawshaw, Olivia Caldwell, Phil Duncan, and Andrew Whiley.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent economist previews tomorrow’s OCR announcement, where a .25% rise is on the cards. Plus, do we have an issue with our exchange rate?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time is running out to enter the Zanda McDonald Award for 2027. We ask the 2024 winner why young Australasian Ag leaders (ages 21-35) should enter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A freelance rural agricultural journalist steps up to the plate after Jo Luxton goes AWOL on the election campaign trail. Today we discuss the “aggressive urbanisation of rural New Zealand”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s resident weather man on a Tuesday with a temperature feast-to-famine scenario.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The author of New Zealand’s Best Golf Courses joins to discuss some rural gems!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Nathan Stewart, Damien O'Connor, Emma Higgins, and Winston Peters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Rowland Smith, Steve Abel, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, and Chris Brandolino.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to the World Shearing Champion and Hawke’s Bay farmer about this province’s A&P Show, shearing competitions, and El Niño.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party agriculture spokesman outlines his party’s rural policies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s farmer panel talks the Big Wind one year on, the season down on the farm, the election and the NPC final.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday’s Weather Guy talks about the Big Wind one year on, plus the drying effects of El Niño, especially in the North Island.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Professor Hamish Gow, Naomi Wilde, Hunter McGregor, and Chris Russell.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ First Leader is back to his belligerent best as we debate the Powerbrokers Debate, the Indian free trade agreement, agriculture in schools, strategic split voting, and whether he covets the Prime Minister’s job.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is Lincoln University Giving Day 2026, as we encourage alumni to give back to a learning institution that gave them so much.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Shanghai-based correspondent discusses how El Niño is affecting China and wider Asia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent talks tariffs on Aussie lamb and NSW setting a new record for agricultural production off the back of beef. But he’s less forthcoming about why the Wallabies are so useless!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Craig Hickman, Duncan Humm, Emma Higgins, George Dodson and Hugh Jackson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.