CountryWide CONNECT

This episode features Laura Morrison, Whanganui Provincial President, Federated Farmers discussing stepping into rural leadership while also being actively involved in sheep breeding during a difficult period for the sector. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch...

This episode features Alan Thomson, CEO, Beef + Lamb NZ discussing the mood at the Sheep Breeders Forum, the challenges facing the sheep sector and whether confidence can realistically return to the industry. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See om...

This episode features Tony Trewinnard, Blue Skies Weather discussing the latest national weather outlook as winter pressure begins building across parts of the country. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

This episode features Nicola Grigg, Minister of the Environment discussing environmental regulation, reform and reducing compliance pressure on the primary sector. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

CountryWide Connect – Show Summary Live from the Sheep Breeders Forum At 12:45pm we finish the show with Dr Cara Brosnahan from Beef + Lamb New Zealand discussing new science aimed at tackling two major sheep farming threats — facial eczema prediction tools and the launch of the new GIN-PCR parasite test. At 12:33pm, Dr Jason Archer joins us for the launch of nProve Tracker and a discu...

Electricity prices are heading in one direction, and Farmlands FLEX founder Pegs says farmers who wait are leaving money on the table. About 20% of New Zealand's daily electricity generation currently relies on brown coal, says Andrew Pegler, better known as Pegs, founder and chief executive of FLEX Energy. He says demand is outpacing the ability to build new generation infrastructure, which pushe...

This episode features James Blair, 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower of The Year discussing the future of horticulture, attracting young people into the industry, and what the next generation of growers looks like in New Zealand. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch /...

This episode features Stephen Thomson, Founder & Chair of Surfing for Farmers discusses an update on the charity and a wider conversation around farmer pressure and rural wellbeing. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

This episode features Gabe Ross, Event Commentator, The Weekend Mish discussing the inaugural Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship — the surprisingly serious competition that’s sending winners through to the world championships in Scotland. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co....

This episode features Dani Darke, Nuffield Scholar discussing whether New Zealand beef has become too attached to the “premium grass-fed” story, and why dairy-beef and lean manufacturing beef may actually be the sector’s strongest strategic opportunity. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https...

Plant variety rights strengthened to protect horticulture exports Diesel up nearly ninety-five percent in two months UK-born agronomist wins Pukekohe Young Grower title Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   Pl...

This episode features Jamie Taplin, Rural Real Estate Agent, Bayleys discussing Moonlight Peak — the luxury off-grid eco-lodge high above the Wairarapa that combines tourism business, total seclusion and rural lifestyle into one unique property offering. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-...

This episode features Jeremy McPhail, Chair, Environment Southland discussing looming local government reform, the possible abolition of regional councils, and new rules around grazing stock on Southland stop banks during winter. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to w...

Full Show Summary Working backwards from 1pm today on CountryWide Connect: At 12:45pm we finish the show with 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year James Blair, discussing the future of horticulture, attracting young people into the industry, and what the next generation of growers looks like in New Zealand. At 12:33pm Stephen Thomson from Surfing for Farmers joins us for an East Coast update, a...

This episode features Simon Butler, Nutrition Extension Specialist, Seales Winslow discussing transition feeding from dry-off through to calving, and why nutrition decisions made now can heavily influence next season’s production outcomes. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/conn...

This episode features Joseph Watts, Technical Specialist, PGG Wrightson Agronomy discussing practical winter feed planning and why matching supplements and crops correctly to stock classes, especially younger stock, is becoming increasingly important. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.n...

This episode features Nikita Van der Heyden, Dairy Farmer, Vansco Farms discussing how real-time monitoring and data-driven systems are reshaping modern dairy farming. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

This episode features Andy Caughey, CEO, Wool Impact discussing ASB becoming the first bank to formally partner with Wool Impact, and whether strong wool is finally building real commercial momentum again. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnys...

This episode features Oliver Mander, CEO, NZ Shareholders Association discussing the sudden resignation of Synlait CEO Richard Wyeth, governance instability inside the company and what it means for suppliers and shareholders. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch...

This episode features Will Foley, Mayor, Central Hawkes Bay discussing meetings with ministers and politicians in Wellington as growers investigate whether they can take over the McCain processing plant to keep Hawke’s Bay’s vegetable industry alive. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://countr...

This episode features Mark Ready, NZDIA Dairy Trainee of the Year 2026 recipient discussing building equity at 23, buying his first line of cows and the future opportunities still available in dairy farming. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omn...

Faster access to agrichemicals under proposed law change Wool market hits new highs as supply tightens Fieldays sells out with less than a month to go Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   Faster access to agr...

This episode features Thomas Slee, NZ Young Farmer of the Year Grand Finalist discussing preparation, competition pressure and the future of young leadership in agriculture. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz/connect/ on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

CountryWide Connect – Show Summary Friday 15 May 2026 12.48pm – Friday Sport We wrap the week with Graeme “Sportsfreak” Beasley and Gash previewing the sporting weekend, including the All Whites World Cup squad discussion, Auckland FC’s A-League semi-final, the Wellington Phoenix in the Women’s A-League Final, NRL Magic Round fallout and Super Rugby talking poin...

Tom Sanson from Gold Creek Simmentals is focused on expanding the role of Simmental genetics in commercial beef systems, with the introduction of black Simmentals and the recent acquisition of the historic Rissington Simmental herd marking a significant step forward for the stud. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Tom about how the business has evolved, the thinking behind adding blac...