The Country

The NZ Hemp Industries Association Chair talks about the undoubted qualities of this “wonder crop” that can feed, clothe and house us. But does the burgeoning industry have an image problem with the association with wacky backy and bearded hippies? And why can’t we feed the by-products to animals? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our UK farming correspondent, and poster boy for regenerative agriculture, wants to “Make Soil Great Again”. Plus we talk about the farming season, farming solar panels and a great couple of weeks of sport in the UK. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which is best for us? A plant or meat diet? And is there such a thing as carbon-neutral food? And how are things down on the farm in wet Waikato? We ponder all this with one of NZ’s leading primary sector academics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Christopher Luxon, Cameron Bagrie, Brent Kleiss, Blair McLean, and Phil Duncan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National’s leader on his pledge to end the pothole plague and his concerns on how higher mortgage rates will affect Kiwi families this Christmas. He also reckons he doesn’t pay any attention to the polls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The managing director of Bagrie Economics takes a closer look at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) 2023 Strategic Foreign Policy Assessment - Navigating a shifting world. He also comments on how US inflation figures have affected the Kiwi dollar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZPork’s chief executive on why he’s pleased Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee has recommended the Government explore clearer labelling about the country of origin for pork. He’s also disappointed that NZPork wasn’t part of the NZ-EU FTA discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country’s horticulture and viticulture correspondent from PGG Wrightson Fruit Fed Supplies gives an update on the season so far and says “Sauvignon Blanc is king” at 90 per cent of wine exports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Monday’s weather guy when the tap’s going to be turned off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Emma Poole, Todd Charteris, Winston Peters, Jane Smith, and Todd McClay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to James Shaw, Colin Hurst, Seth Carrier, Chris Russell, Tim Myers, and Kevin "Smiley" Barrett.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party co-leader comments on Prime Minister Chris Hipkins ruling out a capital gains tax; efforts to recognise different forms of on-farm sequestration, and why his party supports wool carpets in schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new vice president of Federated Farmers looks back on his 23 years with the organisation, along with what he thinks of the government putting synthetic - not wool - carpets in schools and Kāinga Ora housing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Aussie correspondent on why his country walked away from the European Union free trade agreement that New Zealand signed up for. He also talks about a dire strong wool market across the ditch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norwood’s ambassador looks forward to a very Barrett All Blacks v South Africa clash this weekend, with all three sons playing. He also gives an update on how calving’s going on his Taranaki farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowena Duncum talks to Jenna Smith, Nigel Woodhead, Shane McManaway, Callum Stewart, Hunter McGregor, and Corey Kennett. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the Farm without Harm campaign launched by Safer Farms, the chief executive of Pouarua Farms shares her story about an on-farm accident 15 years ago. We also yarn to the 2017 Young Farmer of the Year - Nigel Woodhead - about the 2023 Young Farmer of the Year - Emma Poole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural leader and philanthropist on how his Five Rivers medical centre is going. Plus, how he’s tackling mud on the Wairarapa ranch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National genetics manager for PGG Wrightson Livestock wraps the bull sales season. Are we seeing changes at the saleyards due to land use change? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today our Shanghai correspondent is in Roxburgh. He talks about “plum rain,” the Prime Minister’s China visit, the supermarket price difference between China and New Zealand and whether people are starting to travel overseas again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the chief executive of Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby ahead of their Ranfurly Shield match against Wellington at 2 pm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Sam Back, Hamish Goatley, Jane Smith, Todd McClay, and Phil Duncan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask a former Foreign Minister if our newly-inked FTA with the European Union is a good one or are the Aussies right. Has there been hyperbole in Northland and are the polls wrong? Who is the real “Coalition of Chaos” and is Winston re-writing history? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Lincoln University students, who were part of an 11-strong group (the Handy Landys) who headed up to Hawke’s Bay last week to help out in the cyclone recovery, want to let people know they are not forgotten and there are people still out there to help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s an outspoken North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist. But is she being muzzled for speaking out on behalf of farmers? And was she offered the baubles of office by an Ag sector leader if she towed the party line? Is she a modern-day rural Joan of Arc? Or just a nuisance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.