Farmers Weekly Podcast

Jason Herrick from Federated Farmers in Southland says local bodies there have been discussing how to rationalise services for more than a year, and the region could provide a blueprint for others.

This week, AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the studio to break down red meat markets , why prices are holding near record highs, and what global demand, climate shocks and trade risks mean for NZ farmers. Then Fonterra organics GM Andrew Henderson explains why the co-op will begin collecting organic milk in the South Island from 2028, driven by strong global demand, tight supply and customer...

Fonterra’s general manager of organics Andrew Henderson discusses the co-op’s planned expansion of organic milk collection to the South Island in 2028. He explains that strong global demand, supply shortages, and customer requests are driving the move. Henderson also shares insights into the logistics of processing organic milk, highlighting the Stirling site’s ability to handle smaller volumes fr...

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins the studio this week to talk about red meat markets . Alex unpacks why strong global demand for protein is underpinning sheep and beef values, the trade risks facing Australia, and why New Zealand farmers are comparatively well placed in a shifting global market.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the challenges and options for farmer burials, while legal hurdles in fruit intellectual property protection are explored. AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad provides insights into global beef and lamb trade, highlighting positive market trends. And Matt Hand from New Zealand Merino talks about the revitalisation...

Matt Hand of the NZ Merino Company reports that more than 90% of the strong wool it sold last year was on contract to international brands. And, he says more and more brands are making the move to natural fibers, once they can be assured of steady supply and quality.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie has taken a look at the logistics of being buried on-farm. While it is possible, there are many regulatory hurdles to clear, and some say it could actually lead to anguish for those left behind, should the farm need to be sold.

The optimism seen at early sales around the country is valid, with export returns for lamb and beef looking to stay strong for the rest of the year, AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says. While there is some volatility in terms of trade access and tariffs, enduring demand from key markets looks set to fuel farmgate returns throughout 2026.

This week, Dr Victoria Hatton talks about premium NZ-made food, Neal Wallace discusses a new Farmers Weekly special report on whether the co-op model is still fit for purpose, and Suz Bremner breaks down record ewe prices and renewed confidence in the sheep sector. News Wrap | Our co-operative future? 0.02 - Senior reporter Neal Wallace is here to discuss a new special report launched in Farmers W...

FoodHQ chief executive Dr Victoria Hatton joins the show to talk about her quest to buy premium, NZ-made food for her family this Christmas. She says quality, sustainability and story were on her shopping list.

The ewe fair at Stortford Lodge earlier this week saw record prices paid for all ewe classes. AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner says after the steady decline in the sheep flock it’s great to see confidence returning to the sector, on the back of consistently high lamb returns.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace is here to discuss a new special report launched in Farmers Weekly this week. With some of our big co-operative battling for survival in recent years, is the co-op model still fit for purpose? 

From big industry shake-ups to the 2026 outlook, Bryan and the Farmers Weekly-AgriHQ panel break down the year in ag, and Federated Farmers explains how new RMA reforms may finally ease the burden of stalled “zombie” consents on farmers. Feature | The Year in Ag: 2025’s biggest stories and what’s next 0:4 2 – Bryan is joined by senior journalists Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie and AgriHQ senior a...

Bryan is joined by senior journalists Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie and AgriHQ senior analysts Suz Bremner and Mel Croad, to reflect on the big news stories of 2025. They cover the big company sell-offs, the changing regulatory landscape and what the export and local markets have in store for 2026.

Federated Farmers consenting spokesperson Colin Hurst says the government’s proposed RMA reforms are a positive step forward. He says the decision to pause consent renewals until after the new regime is in place will also ease the concerns of many farmers who were facing a lengthy and expensive process to comply with a “zombie law”.

In this episode, AgriHQ’s Suz Bremner charts the rise of online livestock bidding. Lorin Clarke shares insights from directing a new documentary on her father, satirist John Clarke aka Fred Dagg. And Federated Farmers’ Sandra Faulkner explains why unifying local governance could deliver clearer purpose and greater efficiency nationwide. Market Insights | The tech takeover at the saleyards 1:38 – B...

Palmerston North will host the NZ premiere of a new documentary on the life of John Clarke, the comedian and satirist most famous here for his Fred Dagg character. Bryan talks to John’s daughter Lorin Clarke, who directed the film, about her life with a famously funny father, and the challenges she faced completing the definitive documentary.

Bryan chats with AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner about the path online bidding platforms have taken – from starting out as a “solution without a problem” to becoming the innovation that kept the lights on during the pandemic.

Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says the government’s proposal to disestablish regional councils and bring all local governance into one organisation looks like a winner. As a former councillor at one of our only current unitary councils, Sandra says the clarity of purpose and efficiencies gained provide a blueprint for all regions.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, senior reporter Neal Wallace explores the impact of declining migration and low birth rates in NZ. AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington breaks down global beef market volatility. Feature guest Dr Pieter-Willem Hendriks discusses regenerative farming trials with McCain’s, and Wayne Langford outlines the upcoming roadshow with the PM, addressing key concerns...

Bryan talks with Lincoln University Department of Agricultural Sciences senior lecturer Dr Pieter-Willem Hendriks about the university’s partnership with McCain’s to trial regenerative farming practices. The project is turning farmland into research beds for potatoes, carrots and more, using an eight-year rotation and a three-tier farmer system. The goal: collect real-world data, prove economic vi...

Senior reporter Neal Wallace explores the significant role of migration in shaping New Zealand's population growth, highlighting the current decline in migration rates and its implications for future demographics. He tells Bryan about the challenges of low birth rates and the concentration of the population in urban areas, particularly Auckland, raising concerns for regional development.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington dials in to discuss the current state of the global beef market, focusing on the impact of tariffs on exports, particularly between the US, New Zealand, and Brazil. She unpacks the volatility in beef prices, the competitive landscape, and future trends in pricing as influenced by domestic and international market dynamics.

In this segment, Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford discusses the upcoming roadshow with the Prime Minister to engage with farmers across New Zealand. The tour aims to address farmers' concerns, particularly regarding the RMA (Resource Management Act) and regional council changes.

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, AgriHQ’s Mel Croad outlines trends in key export markets, noting returns may dip slightly over Christmas but stay strong. NZ Veterinary Association's Dr Annabel Harris joins the studio as this week's feature guest to discuss how farmers can help curb antimicrobial resistance. And, Federated Farmers’ Colin Hurst reports growing support for a petition t...