CountryWide CONNECT

This episode features John Roche, Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor discussing mission-led funding and why it’s raising concern across the sector. 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 Neil Bateup, Waikato Trustee and Chairperson, Rural Support discussing the real on-farm impact and what farmers need as the clean-up begins. 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.

Two of New Zealand's biggest primary sector companies have announced significant management changes.   Fonterra has appointed Richard Allen as its new Chief Executive, effective May the first. Allen has built his entire career within the co-operative, holding roles across China, Farm Source in New Zealand, and most recently as global ingredients president after being called back from Chicago...

Cyclone Recovery – Neil Bateup (Rural Support) outlines the real on-farm impact and what farmers need as the clean-up begins. Science Shake-Up – John Roche, Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, breaks down mission-led funding and why it’s raising concern across the sector. India FTA Push – Kate Acland on why the red meat sector wants the India Free Trade Agreement...

This episode features Terry Kingsbury, Ag Rated RPAS Pilot, Agricultural Consulting Services Ltd discussing how drones are being used to count crops and improve on-farm decision-making. 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 inform...

This episode features Karl Dean, Federated Farmers Animal Welfare spokesperson defends the claims made against Federated Farmers by Walt Cavendish, Fair for Farmers on trade implications. He talks about their stance on animal welfare issues, and the role of Federated Farmers in representing member interests. "Trade implications are often misunderstood," says Karl Dean. Chapters 00:00 Introduction...

This episode features Brent Kleiss, CEO of NZ Pork, discussing the double standards of animal welfare from imported pork vs New Zealand pork and his frustrations with talk Federated Farmers narrative on this at the moment. One of the key points raised by Kleis is the concept of public morals as defined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). He explains that New Zealand can advocate for higher anim...

This episode features Mark Leslie, CEO, Pāmu New Zealand defends criticism from Damien O’Connor following footage of skinny heifers, addressing the former Minister of Agriculture & Trade's scrutiny of the state-owned farming enterprises' animal welfare and centralised management systems. "We have nothing to hide," says Mark Leslie.  CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah...

This episode features Cristina Alvarado, NZX with her analysis of the latest GDT result (down 3.4%) and how geopolitical nerves are hitting dairy fats harder than powders. This episode discusses the volatile dairy market, global production trends, and how macroeconomic factors influence milk prices and trade dynamics. Gain insights into supply chain disruptions, futures risk management, and region...

This episode was part of our weekly Livestock segment in partnership with Carrfields. Ed Harrison, farm consultant at BakerAg in the Wairarapa discusses the "sharp rebound" in sheep and beef profitability and what farmers will do to make the most of this genuine recovery after two brutal seasons. Will they prepare in advance for a Super El Nino ahead? "2023-24 was brutal for farmers and 2025-26 wa...

This episode features Damien O'Connor, Labour MP and former Minister of Agriculture & Trade discussing why he posted a scathing video of under weight cattle from a Pamu farm on his Facebook page. He also shares his thoughts on balancing our animal welfare standards and our trade obligations. To view the Facebook video Damien shared visit: https://www.facebook.com/damienoconnormp "They are tryi...

This episode features Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, National Party discussing the risks to the North Island and what farmers and rural communities need to do now. 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 priv...

This episode features Dr. Kwasi Adusei-Fosu, Science Team Leader (Plant and Endophyte Technologies), Bioeconomy Science Institute discussing a potential breakthrough targeting the fungus at pasture level. 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...

This episode features Tony Trewinnard, from Blue Skies Weather discussing on-farm preparation ahead of Cyclone Vianau, alongside the latest weather update. 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.

The Fonterra capital return payment to dairy farmer shareholders following the sale of their consumer brands to Lactalis is hitting New Zealand farmers’ bank accounts on April 14th 2026, which is an average $400,000 payout. This episode reveals the smart, strategic moves dairy farmers can make with this opportunity. Dave Handley, BNZ’s General Manager of Agribusiness and Corporate Bank...

Cyclone Vaianu is bearing down on the North Island with MetService warning of potentially life-threatening impacts for everyone in the region.  The storm is expected to track first across the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty on Sunday before pushing through the rest of the North Island — and MetService says no area will be spared. Red warnings for specific regions are expected to be issued...

Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect Friday 10th April 2026 Today we cover Cyclone Vianau, on-farm resilience, animal health, and the financial opportunities shaping the sector, before wrapping with a full weekend sports preview. Hon Mark Mitchell (Minister for Emergency Management) An update on Cyclone Vianau, outlining the risks across the North Island and what farmers and rural communities need to...

Northland farmers are preparing for Cyclone Vaianu by securing livestock, tying down infrastructure and making sure feed supplies are in order ahead of the weekend. A preliminary strong wind watch covers the entire North Island from one am Saturday through until eleven pm Sunday, with further updates expected as the storm's path becomes clearer. Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah s...

Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect: Thursday 9th April 2026 Today we examine the volatility of global trade, the heated debate over animal welfare standards, and a scientific breakthrough in managing facial eczema. Hon Todd McClay (Minister of Agriculture & Trade) Fresh from a recent trade mission, the Minister discusses the impact of the Middle East conflict on NZ exporters and the realistic s...

CountryWide CONNECT's weekly weather update by Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather, New Zealand’s trusted independent weather forecaster. Key topics Cyclone Vianu forecast and potential impact on the North Island The role of warm ocean temperatures in cyclone development The 2026 El Nino super event and drought implications Warm Autumn weather patterns supporting pasture growth Farmers'...

This episode is our weekly DAIRY Country panel featuring insights from the Dairy Environment Leaders Group, the importance of community catchment groups, with insights from Waikato dairy farmer Tor Peterson, winner of the Waikato Supreme Award for the Ballance Farm Environment. "It's about what we can all do together - both the Dairy Environment Leaders group as well as the sheep and beef sector,"...

An insightful discussion with former NZ politican and USA politics pundit, Todd Muller, on the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, US foreign policy, and the implications for global stability, featuring expert analysis on Trump's strategies, Iran's response, and New Zealand's diplomatic positioning. "I think that Winston Peters being able to get a meeting at this tense time with Marco Rubio...

This episode explores the governments $18 million loan for pre-construction work for the ambitious water storage and irrigation projects Hawke's Bay which would unlock a potential $700 million in value. Mark discusses the Tukituki project's being an example of how the coalition government is fast-tracking legislation is being used to accelerate regional development. "Investors want certainty in en...

This interview with Heather Sorensen, the new president of Rural Woman New Zealand, explores her vision for the organisation as it celebrates it's Centennial in July 2026. She talks about the duplication of rural women leadership and her thoughts on the change of guard following former president Sandra Matthews sudden departure. "We need to connect more with our grassroots members," says Heather....

In this interview, Richard Lindross, CEO of the New Zealand Fielddays Society, discusses the recent  loan from the Government to improve the infrastructure at the Mystery Creek site. He also shares about the increase in international presence in 2026, particularly from India and how the private business done at Fieldays is often overlooked. "Exhibitors talking to each other is the vital heart...