The Country

Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, and Harry Newey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, Aaron Cruden, Matt Lythe, and Matt Dillon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get a weather update from Earth Science New Zealand’s principal scientist, including severe weather affecting Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. Plus, Canterbury’s flooding, a shift towards more settled weather, and what a developing El Niño could mean for spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Principal scientist and farmer engagement specialist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute on the science underpinning agricultural innovation. She also discusses the value of endophyte research, responsible nitrogen use and how AI and big data could transform farming decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time for some footy chat with a former All Black, including Ruben Love’s impressive test debut and the growing combinations in the All Blacks backline. Also, Dave Rennie’s early influence, selection options against Italy, and expectations for the second test in Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Innovation Week thanks to Herd-i. Today, we catch up with the managing director of Prism Earth on using AI, satellite imagery and geospatial data to measure natural capital on farms. Plus, unlocking carbon, biodiversity and market access opportunities for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This farmer and five-time New Zealand ploughing champion is meant to be representing New Zealand in Europe, but his ploughing gear is on the wrong ship in the wrong hemisphere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Christopher Luxon, Adam McManaway, Emma Higgins, and Brian Dela Rue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister discusses Marsden Point fuel security, South Island flood recovery and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit. He also rejects calls to phase out synthetic fertiliser and backs televising the Young Farmer of the Year contest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kaikōura dairy farm owner discusses the damage to his property after severe flooding, the clean-up challenge, lost pasture and infrastructure, and support from the local farming community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank senior agricultural analyst discusses the sharp fall in Global Dairy Trade prices and what it says about global milk supply. Plus, European heatwave impacts, New Zealand's record milk production and outlook for dairy farm margins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we talk to a DairyNZ research engineer who discusses how farmers are using AI to improve decision-making, productivity and administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to Bex Green, Scott Spooner, Nathan Guy, Shane McManaway, Chris Russell, and Pete Barnes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president and vice dairy chair on the challenging weather conditions in her region. Plus, the Greens’ plan to phase out synthetic nitrogen, and what it means to win the Federated Farmers advocacy award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we talk with the chief executive and chief technology officer of South Canterbury drone-maker SPS Automation about targeting invasive plants on-farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy says efforts to expand the country’s trade links are good news for exporters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A South Wairarapa farmer updates us on the weather conditions at his son’s farm in Kaikōura, as severe rain causes flooding across the district.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Aussie correspondent on exporting beef to Korea, a buoyant horticulture sector, and China’s missile test in the South Pacific. Plus, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s inappropriate comments on Kylie Minogue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take our monthly look at the livestock market with PGG Wrightson Area Livestock Manager for Marlborough and Tasman, who discusses heavy rain, changes in the wine sector, and a strong bull sale season in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Harry Newey, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister on the importance of trade deals for New Zealand. Plus, would Act work with The Opportunity Party, and what happened with school lunches? And his plan to streamline government by reducing the number of ministers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with a 29-year-old dairy farmer from the deep South, aka the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Innovation Week, thanks to Herd-i. Today, we chat with the co-founder of PostMate, the winner of the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards People's Choice Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our man from WeatherWatch.co.nz explains why the lower South Island is so wet and whether the rain is heading north.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.