The Country

Friday’s favourite weatherman from Earth Sciences NZ warns us that the Super El Niño is just starting to bite! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We wrap up the Rabobank Good Deeds working bee with the chairman of the Te Miro Settlers Hall Committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd Charteris, Chris Hipkins, Peter Newbold, Chris Russell, and Dean Rabbidge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Rabobank reviews the bank’s latest Rural Confidence Survey, which shows farmer confidence remains unchanged from quarter two at a net positive reading of +14%. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour leader and wannabe PM discusses the Indian FTA, his ag policy, the Poll of Polls, and why we’re not taking a bipartisan approach to National Super and Infrastructure spend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of the rural market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent talks about record prices for ewes and bulls, and why the diesel price hikes could not come at a worse time as the harvest gets underway.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We head to the El Niño coalface to talk to a Southland sheep and beef farmer (and 2016 Zanda McDonald Award winner) about an appalling spring down south, down on the farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Anna Palairet, Cameron Bagrie and Susan O’Regan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister talks about breaking up the supermarket duopoly, and we discuss tax cuts, asset sales and whether we should means-test the Winter Energy Payment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra’s chief operating officer reviews last night’s GDT Auction (-1.1%), and we ask if it’s a given that the forecast milk price will rise from $9.25 next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent economist says the world economy is in a tough place at the moment, with many of the indices negative, but it’s not all bad news. Plus, he previews the launch of the Parents’ Alliance next week in Wellington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the newly appointed chairwoman of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (for a term of three years). This follows the sad passing of the previous chairman, Alan Livingston, in April this year. QEII works in partnership with landowners to protect and enhance special areas of biodiversity and cultural heritage on private land through covenants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

On this episode brought to you by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Hamish McKay sits down with Jim Risk, Science Extension Nutrient Dynamics Specialist at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, to discuss how farmers can maximise the value of their spring fertiliser applications. They explore nutrient timing, soil moisture, nitrogen allocation, soil testing, pasture and crop growth, and practical ways to improve feed p...

Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Shane McManaway, Brad Siebert and Hunter McGregor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We caught up with Matua Shane, the Prince of the Provinces, on his spring fitness campaign as he walked to Parliament this morning, ahead of the arrival of the horseback hīkoi protest. We also discussed how farmers should vote and who should pay for the Aucklanders riding the CRL. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wairarapa farmer is a primary industry leader and mentor. Today, look at the weather and El Niño, Growing Future Farmers, the Zanda Awards, and Feilding Ag High on Country Calendar.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of NZ Avocado discusses the production outlook, the opportunity to grow domestic demand and what increased consumption could mean for growers and regional communities, ahead of National Guacamole Day on Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Shanghai-based correspondent talks about the end of the summer heat, the state of the Chinese economy, solar power v coal-fired electricity, and compares the Shanghai Subway to Auckland's. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, David Seymour, Pita Alexander, Jeremy Rookes and Phil Duncan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Federated Farmers says profitability is the highest it’s been in a decade, but farmers worry whether the good times will hold. Federated Farmers’ latest Confidence Survey shows 72% of farmers are making a profit, with fewer than one in 20 making a loss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader comments on his just-released party List, whether he agrees with Winston on Paris and pricing Ag emissions, and why we need more nation-building infrastructure projects in this country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch-based farm accountant says farm expenses are coming up to meet incomes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our opinionated lifestyle correspondent comments on farming, footy and politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s resident weather expert says we can expect a settled start to the work week before a cold front moves up the country from Tuesday, bringing wet and windy weather. Snow is on the way for the South Island’s high country, with significant amounts possible on Thursday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.