CountryWide CONNECT

This episode features Craig Carr, managing director of Carrfields discussing:  Development of natural fibers and hemp industry with their innovations at Rubisco The market shifts and global demand for bio-based products Craig is seeing on his travels How Carrfields strategically pivoted their livestock business following the end of live export CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sara...

This episode features Luke and Nicole Kane, farming at West Otago following their win as the Regional Supreme Winners at the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Hon. Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture & Trade discussing where the trade negotiations with India are at and why it's urgent the NZ parliament sign it. He also talks about the impacts of geopolitics on agriculture with the Iran-US war, as well as how our standards and regulations in farming in New Zealand vs imported food from other countries is viewed in trade agreeme...

This episode features Bevan Weir, mycologist at the Bioeconomy Science Insitute explores the latest research on facial eczema with new scientific discoveries about that there is more to the fungi that causes the livestock disease after 70 years of misidentification. Since the 1950s, farmers have sent grass samples off to labs to count fungal spores and predict facial eczema risk. New research has...

This episode features Jasper van Halder, CEO, Agnition discussing how UK and NZ collaborations are accelerating adoption of cutting-edge solutions tailored for pasture-based farming systems. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

This episode features Tom Hooper, CEO, Wool Source discussing how WoolSource is transforming wool into innovative products like screen printing pigments, and exploring the future of sustainable, nature-based materials for brands such as Kathmandu. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to...

This episode features Rob Scott, Southland Mayor, discussing the complexities of local government reform in Southland, New Zealand. He explores the challenges of regional governance, the potential for reorganization, and the importance of local democracy. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on...

This episode features Tony Leggett, the former owner of CountryWide and veteran agricultural journalist, discusses the role of cooperatives following the special report in CountryWide Autumn. They also celebrate the evolution of CountryWide into a daily digital news show alongside the print magazines of which Tony is proudly still a regualar contributor. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson &amp...

This episode features George Dodson, farming in Canterbury discussing his journey through the dairy industry, his approach to social media, and insights on farm ownership pathways and industry adaptation. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   See omnystudio.com/l...

This episode features Zellara Holden, CEO, Meet the Need discussing the rising demand for food aid in New Zealand, the role of farmers in supporting community nutrition, and innovative funding strategies to sustain charitable efforts amid economic challenges. To support Meet the Need visit: https://meettheneed.org.nz/ CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily ru...

This episode features Dean Rabbage, Southland & Chris Lewis, Te Awamutu discussing season conditions, fuel costs and farmer sentiment. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eldon and Roseanne Megaw have built a career in dairy through contract milking while steadily growing equity in property and farm partnerships. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the couple about their journey from early farm experiences and managing roles through to investing in residential property and stepping into an equity partnership at Aranui, a fully irrigated Canterbury farm. Roseanne &...

This episode features Jane Muir, Senior People Specialist, DairyNZ discussing strong retention but ongoing challenges with rosters, pay and management. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Libby Price, Australian Rural Commentator discussing fuel shortages and fertiliser supply pressures hitting Australian farmers. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strengthened coordination on fuel crisis  Todd McClay wraps WTO reform talks  Government rules out reducing RUCs Otago winners at Ballance Farm Environment Awards 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. =====...

This episode features Karen Williams, CEO, IrrigationNZ discussing storage, the Tuki Tuki Dam, and what farmers want this election. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Te Radar, MC, FMG Young Farmer of the Year Competition discussing standout performers and what to expect from the FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Joshua Tan, Executive Director, ExportNZ discussing the open letter pushing Government to sign, and the political tension around the deal. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent years, New Zealand's regulatory landscape for agri-chemicals has come under scrutiny. Farmers and growers have faced significant delays in the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) approval process, leading to frustrations and challenges in maintaining competitive agricultural practices. This episode features Fenton Hazelwood, WestAg Trading discusses the government&rsqu...

This episode features Ewen Kelsell, Partnership Manager at Firearm Safety Authority discussing the fundatmentals of hunting as The Roar and duckshooting gets underway: always identify your target, wear high visibility clothing, and have a clear plan with your hunting party.  CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Vi...

This episode features Chris Gourley, CEO, Fern Energy discussing the current fuel supply challenges facing New Zealand's farmers and how they can navigate these issues effectively.  Most interesting, Chris explains how fuel pricing works with supply and demand during this Iran war oil crisis.  CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livest...

This episode features Brent Paterson from Rural Direction discussing how they are helping rural workers understand fair remuneration in New Zealand. Discover the salary calculator and its benefits for employees. To find out more: https://www.ruraldirections.co.nz/get-to-know-us/news/rural-directions-salary-survey CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural s...

This episode features Peter Handford, Managing Director, Groundtruth discussing how forestry is being worked into sheep and beef systems. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- Fonterra payout hits bank accounts - a2 Milk profit forecast cut - Winston Peters slams India FTA push - DWN names leadership award finalists 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.   Pāmu's Record Profit Year S...

This episode features James Allen, CEO, AgFirst discussing how artificial intelligence is starting to shape farm decisions and productivity. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.