The Country

This spud farmer in Winchester, South Canterbury, is also the founder of Heartland Chips. He talks about how he went from growing potatoes for others to make potato chips, to making his own. He also celebrates his collaboration with The Country, “The Farmers Cut”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former National Party leader has transformed into an American political podcaster. Today we get his take on arguably the most important presidential election of our lifetime. Is he picking Kamala or Trump?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southland President of Federated Farmers has made the journey up for a free beer and a feed of Heartland Chips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our old mate and co-collaborator, the national marketing manager for Emerson’s, gives us his take on our latest joint venture — The Farmers Pour — an extra crispy pale ale.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Fundraising Manager for the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme talks about recorded weaner calf prices for the charity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our UK correspondent talks politics, footy, and weather, with the weather seeming to be the only thing playing ball for farmers at the moment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The national sales manager for Brandt has made his way from Gisborne to share a drop of The Farmers Pour and a few Farmers Cut chips with The Country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to David Seymour, Nathan Guy, Samuel Whitelock, and Phil Duncan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party Leader and soon-to-be Deputy PM talks about a peaceful transition with Winston, gun laws, why he's no fan of a CGT, and the prospects for the US election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we find the Chairman of the Meat Industry Association (and former Minister of Agriculture) in Shanghai where's he's promoting red meat at an importer's expo. We also discuss what a Trump win would mean for NZ farmers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former All Black great and current Farmstrong Ambassador talks about life after rugby, farming in Hawkes Bay, and the PTS Logistics Charity Golf Tournament on November 21 at Wairakei.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday's resident weather guy talks Kamala and a dry November.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Kate Scott, Shane Jones, Mike Casey, Michael Every, and Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Michael Every, Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie, Chris Brandolino, and Barry Soper. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank's Singapore-based Global Strategist looks at how the outcome of the US Presidential election will potentially affect NZ and World Trade, how a Trump win would affect the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and whether 2025 will be a better year for the world economy than 2024?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank's Singapore-based Global Strategist looks at how the outcome of the US Presidential election will potentially affect NZ and World Trade, how a Trump win would affect the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and whether 2025 will be a better year for the world economy than 2024?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's farmer panel is a true farming partnership! We catch up with the Celebrity Power Couple of NZ farming as we look back on Season 2 of Nadia's Farm and ask if there'll be a Season 3?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 NIWA's Weather Guy offers a different kind of forecast - for the US election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask New Zealand's longest serving political journalist to pick the US election.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Wayne Langford, Shane Jones, Mike Casey, and Chris Russell.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of Federated Farmers comments on a surge this year in memberships, upcoming workshops for share farming next week, advocacy around fresh water, and why his son celebrated finishing school by cleaning the tractor! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find the Prince of the Provinces in Seventh Heaven, like a pig in muck, at a 9000-strong mining conference in Sydney, but what has be been up to in Singapore? What has he done to upset the Greenies in the Coromandel? And who is best for NZ - Kamala or Trump?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking at Digital Ag Conference in Wagga Wagga is where we find this entrepreneurial Central Otago cherry grower and poster boy for electric vehicles. But are EVs going out of fashion? Do they have any resale value anymore? And how did his orchard survive the Labour Weekend snow?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We make out third trip across the ditch today to catch up with our Aussie correspondent to talk about beer being the barometer of a good harvest, why a cancer cloud hangs over a methane emissions panacea, why Albo could be for the high jump, and has the All Blacks' haka had its day?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Jane Smith, Todd, Clark, and Blair Drysdale.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM ponders the US election (but not the result), fast-tracking building consents, support for a CGT, private capital for KiwiBank, and why he hasn't sacked Andrew Bayley.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist. But has she been smoking something in the tailing pen up on the hills? What can she possibly agree with Chloe Swarbrick about? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask a Southland arable farmer if rice is the only thing he can plant at the moment as the deep south battles through one of the worst springs in living memory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask our Kentucky-based US farming correspondent if a lingering drought for much of his country could spell good news for New Zealand farmers? And one week out from the election we ask a true-blue Republican to call the result. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Phil Duncan, Kate Scott, Greg Menzies and Kyle Miller, Mark de Lautour, and Adam Thompson. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Monday's resident weather expert, fronts up on a Tuesday, as we discuss the divided United States and the bits of our country that are too wet or too dry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entries close on Thursday (Oct 31) for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Awards. Today we ask a 2022 finalist, and a leading young influencer in the primary sector, why you should enter? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 We catch up with the new chief executive of Horticulture NZ, who takes on the role at time when the industry is on a bit of a high.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alongside Emerson's and Heartland Chips, today we launch The Farmers Pour  beer and The Farmers Cut potato chips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Open Country Dairy comments on a booming production start to the new season (with the notable exception of Southland). But can we find a home for all this milk? Are we still looking at $9? And what could a Trump Presidency mean for NZ dairy farmers?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Nigel Woodhead, Laura Koot, Angus Gidley-Baird, Hamish Goatley and Eibhlin Lynch, and Todd McClay.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Chris Brandolino, Jamie Mackay, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, Doug Laing, and Toby Williams.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niwa's principal scientist has a Labour Weekend forecast and there's rain, sun, wind and snow, which he says is typical for the "teenager of seasons".

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special guest is none other than The Country's host, who regales us with tales of his holiday in the United States, where he has been asking Americans who they're voting for.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's farmer panel hails from Maniototo and North Canterbury. They talk about how "grim" and unpredictable weather is causing a few issues on-farm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shearing Sports NZ's publicity officer is at the Hawke's Bay Show, where he updates the action from the Great Raihania Shears.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman gives us an update on the wool sector, which he says was on a knife edge but may now be going farmers' way. He also discusses how groups need to work together for the future of the industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Rowena Duncum talks to PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool, Rachel Shearer, about the state of the market.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Todd McClay, Hamish Goatley and Eibhlin Lynch, Peter Newbold, Polly McGuckin, and Chris Russell.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Trade and Agriculture is in Brazil on a New Zealand Trade Mission to São Paulo. He discusses what he’s been up to so far, including a recent meeting with the vice president of Brazil about agricultural technology. Plus, he discusses the Canadian CPTPP elephant in the room.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The Handy Landys are in Clutha to help flood-affected farmers with a four-man crew “flat-out banging up some fences”. The team also includes new chairwoman Eibhlin Lynch who says the experience is “super rewarding” for the Lincoln University students.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 We take our monthly look at the state of the rural market with the general manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The general manager of Exquisite Wool Traders explains how she got into the business of creating woollen caskets.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Aussie correspondent discusses King Charles’s recent royal tour of Australia, before telling us how wool is faring across the ditch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to PM Christopher Luxon, Tracy Brown, Kara Biggs, Laura Koot, and Angus Gidley-Baird.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon updating the RMA reform, what’s happening in the search for a new Chief Science Advisor and whether he’ll support the bid to bring the America’s Cup home.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DairyNZ Chair-elect reflecting on yesterday’s AGM, which saw Richard McIntyre and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth voted in as directors, and David Hunt officially ratified as an independent director.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most impressive Southern gals around – juggling two businesses (Real Country and the Fairlight Foundation), two children and two houses, all while being part of the Farmstrong supporter's network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 As we continue our spotlight on wool this week, all thanks to FMG, we’re joined by the GM of registered charity ‘Campaign for Wool NZ’ to look at how their work is impacting the industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank Senior Animal Protein Analyst Angus Gidley-Baird updating the Australian animal protein markets.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Craig Smith, Mark Patterson, Farmer Tom Martin, and Ray Roberts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The general manager of Norwegian-based high-performance wool clothing brand Devold NZ looks at how wool producers can work together to present a stronger front and where the challenges lie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rural Communities Minister and Associate Minister of Agriculture is also the Minister for Wool. He talks about how his woolshed roadshows were received this year and what’s in store for the industry’s future. He also discusses readings of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) and Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part One: Our UK correspondent updates a very wet autumn, and previews next week’s Budget and the rocky path it may set UK farming on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part Two: Farmer Tom looks at the decline in UK abattoirs — from 2500 in the 1970s, to just 203 today. Plus he updates us on how his FarmerTime initiative, connecting classrooms and working farms, is going.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PTS Logistics chief executive on next month’s Charity Golf Tournament at Wairakei where Sam Whitelock and Christian Cullen, along with 30 teams of four, will raise money for Farmstrong on November 21. To enter a team, email nick@ptsl.co.nz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Phil Duncan, Nigel Woodhead, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Emma Rowe, Grant Watson, and Jason Pine. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WeatherWatch forecaster says warmer weather is on the way but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stick around, with possible rain and wind warnings for Labour Weekend.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Otago sheep farmer, and 2017 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, updates the highs and lows of the season two weeks after the latest storm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s leading agricultural academics previews the United Nations’ biodiversity summit, which kicks off in Columbia tomorrow. She also discusses her latest column on how Kiwi dairy farmers can help the world’s biodiversity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FMG’s sustainability specialist starts Wool Week on The Country by discussing how FMG supports New Zealand sheep farmers and her hopes for a “wool renaissance”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait Milk’s outgoing chief executive, on his reasons for stepping down after two years and nine months in the job.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport host wraps an incredible sporting weekend for New Zealand.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Sir David Fagan, Katie Milne, Emma Poole, Tim Dangen, George Dodson, and Todd McClay.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Todd McClay, Tim Dangen, George Dodson, Kendall Langston, Mark Tanner, and Chris Brandolino.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the Minister of Agriculture and Trade live from the Poverty Bay A & P Show, to talk about the CPTPP and a tough day for South Canterbury with the shutdown of the Smithfield meat processing plant.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s farmer panel comprises the 2022 FMG Young Farmer of the Year and the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. They talk farming until rural connectivity issues strike, leaving Tim Dangen to hold the fort with a bit of cricket chat before offering some sage advice for those competing in the latest contest.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former New Zealand Army lieutenant colonel, Kendall Langston grew up on his family farm in South Canterbury. Today, the partner and strategic adviser at leading advisory firm Pivot & Pace discusses why Kiwi farmers need independent governance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Rugby Union president is very much looking forward to attending both the Meads and Lochore Cup finals this weekend.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niwa’s principal scientist gives us an update on what the weather has in store for the weekend and next week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Jason Herrick, Chris Russell, Dr John Roche, and Mark Tanner.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southland Federated Farmers chairman gives us an update on his organisation’s battle with Fish & Game and why Feds is calling for Southland Fish & Game to be stripped of their advocacy function.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent discusses live exports, shipping wine to China, and the “most lucrative race on turf in the world” — The Everest.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPI’s director of on-farm support has advice for Southland and Otago farmers post-flood. He also talks about how MPI is connecting scientists and farmers to help reduce on-farm emissions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the founder and managing director of Shanghai-based China Skinny, one of China’s best-known marketing, research and digital agencies. He looks at how the Chinese market is going, whether it will recover, and what it means for New Zealand exporters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder and managing director of China Skinny on what Kiwi exporters need to do to stand out in China’s “incredibly diverse” market and how China’s technology influences how consumers purchase food.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Christopher Luxon, Cameron Bagrie, Mike Cronin, Blair McLean, Simon Bishell, and Lynda Coppersmith.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister ponders the US Presidential Election and what it could mean for New Zealand, today’s inflation figures, what’s next for live animal exports, and what his government has achieved almost one year after being elected.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the independent economist says it’s time to celebrate the latest inflation results but warns it’s an “ongoing war”. Plus he looks at the New Zealand dollar, the next OCR and how the Fast-track Approvals Bill could help Port of Tauranga exports.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra’s managing director of cooperative affairs looks at a “pretty steady” Global Dairy Trade auction, which dipped 0.3%, with no change in whole milk powder, and skim milk powder dropping 1.8%.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our regular viticulture expert is joined by fifth-generation viticulturist, and Caythorpe Family Estate director, Simon Bishell, who talks about winning gold in the recent wine awards.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Young Farmers' chief executive is gearing up for the first district finals in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year. She talks about how the contest format has been tweaked to make it easier for everyone involved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Nicola Grigg, Katie Milne, Emma Poole, Stefan Vogel, and Marie Fitzpatrick.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Minister of Agriculture is also the Minister for Women. She celebrates the International Day of Rural Women, saying they’re often the backbone of their communities and contribute more than just “doing the books”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part one: Rowena talks with the first female president of Federated Farmers and the first woman to win the title of Young Farmer of the Year, to find out what it felt like to smash the “grass ceiling”. They also have encouraging advice for women considering a role in agriculture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The general manager for RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand talks about fertiliser and freight.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part two of Rowena's interview with the first female president of Federated Farmers and the first woman to win the title of Young Farmer of the Year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Rural Women NZ is in Alexandra for the Inspiring Wahine conference. She says there’s a range of activities all over New Zealand today to celebrate International Day of Rural Women.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Phil Duncan, Sir David Fagan, Hunter McGregor, and Ruth Aickin.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WeatherWatch’s head weather analyst says there’s a much more settled and dry week for Southland despite a frost this morning, while the North Island could feel more “La Nina-like” by the end of the week. Plus, he’s keeping his eye on a possible subtropical storm near Tonga and gives an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in the US.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shearing legend and King Country farmer reviews the Waimate Spring Shears and previews the upcoming transtasman test. He also tells us about a “big project” he’s got going on at his dairy farm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask a Kiwi businessman in Shanghai, China if there are any green shoots on the horizon, and for the latest on China’s national holiday numbers and Government stimulus package.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena catches up with the star of last night’s Country Calendar episode, set in Samoa, to learn more about all things farming on Savai’i.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to John McOviney, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Derek Daniell, Chris Hipkins, Kathryn Wright, and Ben Picton.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.