The Country
Jamie Mackay delivers your daily fix of everything going on in NZ's biggest industry, along with a generous side-serve of news, sports and politics. The Country from Newstalk ZB, iHeartCountry NZ, Hokonui & iHeartRadio.
Episodes
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Phil Duncan, Jane Smith, Angus Gidley-Baird, and Todd Clark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/10/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s weatherman on a Tuesday - warmer than average temperatures to start the week; rain arrives to the south on Tuesday, spreading north on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/10/26: Jane Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
You never die wondering what this North Otago farmer and former winner of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards is thinking. And today she leaves us in no doubt!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/10/26: Angus Gidley-Baird talks to Jamie Mackay
Rabobank’s senior animal proteins analyst provides an update on the state of the Australian sheep meat industry and how this is being mirrored here in New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/10/26: Todd Clark talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Kentucky-based US farming correspondent talks about dyed diesel, farm debt, falling yields for corn crops, and the mid-term elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, October 12, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to David Seymour, Julia Sekula, Te Radar, and Steve Wyn-Harris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 12/10/26: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay
The Deputy PM and Act Party leader looks at two very contentious issues - strategic vote splitting and raising the age of eligibility for National Super.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 12/10/26: Julia Sekula talks to Jamie Mackay
It’s World Iron Awareness Week, and Beef + Lamb NZ’s head of nutrition talks about the importance of red meat in our diets, particularly for women, teenage girls and children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 12/10/26: Te Radar talks to Jamie Mackay
The voice of the competition kicks off the road to the grand final with the district finals of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year getting underway over the last weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 12/10/26: Steve Wyn-Harris talks to Jamie Mackay
A Central Hawke’s Bay farmer talks about El Niño, and he claims PGG Wrightson lineage as the great-great-grandson of George Gould.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Property Brokers Land & Lifestyle Market Insights: Is now the right time to sell your farm?
In this episode of the Property Brokers Land & Lifestyle Market Insights series, The Country’s Hamish McKay is joined by Property Brokers Rural General Manager Conrad Wilkshire to discuss rural property market conditions and current factors that could influence your decision on selling your farm. Sharing practical insights on demand, seasonal presentation, finance, and the upcoming Gener
Rabobank The Best of The Country: October 11, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Jo Luxton, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Farmer Tom Martin, Jen Corkran, and Shane Jones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, October 9, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Peter Hayden, Hunter McGregor, Rowena Duncum, Riley Kennedy, and Jeremy Rookes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/10/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Friday weatherman from Earth Sciences NZ talks about El Niño and what growers need to know this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/10/26: Peter Hayden talks to Jamie Mackay
We revisit Footrot Flats 40 years on as the remastered movie is set to hit our cinema screens in January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/10/26: Hunter McGregor talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Shanghai-based correspondent talks national holidays and local meat pricing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/10/26: Rowena Duncum and Riley Kennedy talk to Jamie Mackay
Today's panel hails from FMG and BusinessDesk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/10/26: Jeremy Rookes talks to Jamie Mackay
We let a Canterbury hobby farmer off the chain to review the big stories of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Tanya Houghton, Jen Corkran, Chris Russell, and John O'Neill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/10/26: Shane Jones talks to Jamie Mackay
The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries defends his fishing portfolio proclamations and Winston’s foreign affairs spending. We also ask if it’s immoral to be a billionaire, whether he supports AgriZeroNZ, and whether some sitting NZ First MPs have been hard done by by the release of the party list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/10/26: Tanya Houghton talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Farmlands responds to stinging criticism, in some quarters, of the farmer co-op’s investment in AgriZeroNZ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/10/26: Jen Corkran talks to Jamie Mackay
In a report titled “New Zealand’s protein moment,” Rabobank’s senior animal protein analyst says tight global beef and sheepmeat supply may provide a near-term positive price window. However, longer-term value will likely depend on market mix, customer relationships and reliable delivery. And which product will fare the best in the battle for high-value GLP-1 protein - dair
The Country 08/10/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks footy, farming and fuel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/10/26: John O'Neill talks to Jamie Mackay
PGG Wrightson’s National Go-Stock Manager on the challenges and opportunities from a wet Southland spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to James and Rob Fraser, Todd McClay, Stephen Guerin, Mike McIntyre, and Peter Newbold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/10/26: James and Rob Fraser talk to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the father-and-son team behind Stern Angus. They discuss their South Canterbury yearling bull sale, with James serving as stud principal and Rob representing the fourth generation of the Fraser family at the stud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/10/26: Todd McClay talks to Jamie Mackay
The Minister of Agriculture and Trade reflects on PGG Wrightson’s 175-year history and the importance of farming to New Zealand’s economy. He also defends investment in AgriZeroNZ and discusses redirecting foreign aid funding toward medicines for Kiwis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/10/26: Stephen Guerin talks to Jamie Mackay
PGG Wrightson chief executive celebrates the company’s 175th anniversary, sharing stories of its evolution and resilience through wars, depressions and droughts. Plus, he explains why strong commodity prices remain vital for farmers and the wider economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/10/26: Mike McIntyre talks to Jamie Mackay
Jarden's head of commodities says stronger GDT results support confidence in another high-milk-price season. He also explains why whey proteins are becoming increasingly valuable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/10/26: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay
PGG Wrightson's General Manager, Livestock & Real Estate, says strong livestock prices and wider online bidding are supporting confidence in rural markets. Plus, he highlights the ongoing importance of the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Cameron Bagrie, Scott Mackereth, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Farmer Tom Martin, and Jo Luxton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 06/10/26: Cameron Bagrie talks to Jamie Mackay
An independent economist comments on exchange and interest rates, inflation, the fuel crisis and why writing off student loans is not the best use of the education budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 06/10/26: Scott Mackereth talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the winner, alongside his wife Stacey, of the Share Farmers of the Year title at the 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua. The Mackereths contract milk for Fortuna Group at Edendale, milking 1400 cows on 464ha. Entries for the 2027 awards opened yesterday and close on Dec 6.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 06/10/26: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay
We ask a scientist, who is also a DairyNZ and Ravensdown board member, whether we are getting bang for our buck from the AgriZeroNZ investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 06/10/26: Farmer Tom Martin talks to Jamie Mackay
Our UK farming correspondent talks tough times down on the farm, a dearth of young British farmers, and whether there could be another Brexit vote under Andy Burnham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 06/10/26: Jo Luxton talks to Jamie Mackay
Labour’s agriculture spokeswoman comments on whether Chloe Swarbrick will be the Minister of Finance, whether farms are exempt from her party’s capital gains tax, and we talk about water storage and changes to the Sharemilkers Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, October 5, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Rob Hewett, Mike Casey, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Kevin Barrett, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 05/10/26: Rob Hewett talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the AgriZero board chairman to learn more about Farmlands and Alliance joining the AgriZeroNZ partnership, alongside other industry investors that jointly own 50% of AgriZeroNZ: The a2 Milk Company, ANZ, ANZCO, ASB, BNZ, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 05/10/26: Mike Casey talks to Jamie Mackay
The National Party’s Electrify NZ 2.0 policy has been given the tick of approval from Federated Farmers (and the Electric Cherry Guy), which says energy is a major concern for farmers this election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 05/10/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s panel features two dairy farmers with a good off-farm income in Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 05/10/26: Kevin "Smiley" Barrett talks to Jamie Mackay
We stick with the dairy farming theme as we talk farming, footy and organics with a Taranaki cow cocky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 05/10/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weather expert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank Best of The Country: October 3, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Paul Henry, Damien O'Connor, Ben Picton and Winston Peters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, October 2, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Tim Dangen, Tom Slee, Sir David Fagan, Marc Gascoigne, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/10/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
It’s “Friday’s Favourite Weatherman” from Earth Sciences NZ with his long-range forecast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/10/26: Tim Dangen and Tom Slee talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s Southland farmer panel features the 2022 and 2026 Young Farmers of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/10/26: Sir David Fagan talks to Jamie Mackay
We talk to a shearing legend, busy fencing on his Te Kūiti farm, ahead of the first event for competition season, the NZ Merino Shears in Alexandra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/10/26: Marc Gascoigne talks to Jamie Mackay
This month’s Farmstrong farmer is a well-known Cambridge cow cocky who’s biking the length of the country on his Top2Toe2Talk Tour, intending to have 3000 conversations with rural folk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/10/26: Barry Soper talks to Jamie Mackay
Our political correspondent ponders Winston Peter for Prime Minister! Stranger things have happened.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Ray Smith, Jane Smith, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/10/26: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay
The NZ First leader is at his combative best as he educates us on the Indian FTA, National Super, the Opportunity Party, Chloe Swarbrick as Finance Minister, whether he still wants to be Foreign Minister, plus he throws in some free healthy diet advice for good measure!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/10/26: Ray Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
The director general of MPI comments on methane mitigation and whether we’ve broken our climate change policies. We also discuss El Niño, bird flu, and the yellow-legged hornet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/10/26: Jane Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
North Otago farmer and environmentalist gets stuck into the Opportunity Party and passes judgement on last night’s Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/10/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks bird flu, diesel prices, fertiliser prices, wheat prices and whether he’s most looking forward to the NRL Final or the Bledisloe Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Kent Bacus, Ben Picton, Dominic Jones and Colin Hurst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 30/09/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister ponders the curse of being an Air New Zealand CEO. Plus, we discuss tonight’s Rural Issues Debate, the diesel crisis, the age of eligibility for National Super, Chippy’s flawed CGT and the dangers of strategic voting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 30/09/26: Kent Bacus talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the executive director of government affairs for the US National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who was a keynote speaker at yesterday’s Red Meat Sector Conference in Wellington. We get his thoughts on what’s going on in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 30/09/26: Ben Picton talks to Jamie Mackay
Rabobank’s chief economist comments on rising OCR rates, both here and in Australia, the Red Meat Sector Conference, and whether there is an end in sight for the Middle East conflict and associated fuel crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 30/09/26: Dominic Jones talks to Jamie Mackay
The managing director of kiwifruit fund manager Origin Capital Partners disputes claims from a high-profile fruit grower that Zespri is “fat and lazy” and that the industry needs a shake-up. We also discuss the new growing season and how you can invest in this dynamic industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 30/09/26: Colin Hurst talks to Jamie Mackay
The president of Federated Farmers previews tonight’s Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, which will be livestreamed on the Herald website from 7:30pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Mark de Lautour, Maegen Blom, Jack O'Connor, Dr Victoria Hatton, and Nick Beeby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 29/09/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay
We find Labour’s trade spokesman at the Red Meat Sector Conference in Wellington, where he was part of the Political Debate Panel this morning. We discuss the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update and whether there is a spare $18 billion in the coffers to pay for pay equity, write off student loans and pay for three free doctor’s visits. Is he looking forward to having Chloe (16%) as
The Country 29/09/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Open Country Dairy comments on his farmer roadshows, getting out of the Paris Agreement, challenging DIRA, and whether he’s interested in buying Synlait. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 29/09/26: Maegen Blom and Jack O'Connor talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s “Surf and Turf” Zanda Panel includes the 2025 transtasman winners, as we encourage entries for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award (for emerging professionals in the primary industries, aged 21-35). Entries are open all month in October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 29/09/26: Dr Victoria Hatton talks to Jamie Mackay
We head back to the Red Meat Sector Conference to talk to a futurist from Food HQ about her upcoming address this afternoon: “Who Cares Enough About The Future”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 29/09/26: Nick Beeby talks to Jamie Mackay
We wrap up the Red Meat Sector Conference with the chief executive of the Meat Industry Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, September 28, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Paul Henry, Dean Rabbidge, Kate Acland, Kaitlin Bates, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/09/26: Paul Henry talks to Jamie Mackay
Act’s star candidate is sitting in for his leader, David Seymour, today, and he’s not backward in pushing his candidacy forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/09/26: Dean Rabbidge talks to Jamie Mackay
It’s reaching a crisis point for many southern farmers as Mother Nature continues to deal out some brutal blows, with winter biting well into spring. We catch up with a Southland sheep and beef farmer and trustee of the Southland Rural Support Trust to ask what help is available and how farmers can look after their mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/09/26: Kate Acland talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the chairwoman of Beef + Lamb NZ ahead of the Red Meat Sector Conference beginning today in Wellington, and we preview Wednesday evening’s (7-30pm) Rural Issues Election Debate at Mystery Creek organised by Fed Farmers, DairyNZ and B+LNZ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/09/26: Kaitlin Bates talks to Jamie Mackay
We have a great yarn with a Farmlands business development manager who is also just one of three women who are premier grade referees at first-grade level. Plus, we tell you how you can win $50k in prizes for your rural club with the Rural Rugby Legends promotion (closing Oct 3).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/09/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
We plead with Monday’s resident weatherman for some decent weather down south.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank The Best of The Country: September 26, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Callum McCallum, John McCaw, Richard Allen, and Daniel Eb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, September 25, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Christopher Luxon, Hamish Marr, and Rachel Shearer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 25/09/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Friday’s Favourite Weather Guy steps in for the Prime Minister and comments on a series of cold fronts moving up the country, with snowy, wet and windy conditions expected on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 25/09/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister joins us in the studio, and we ask him why he’s campaigning in a Labour stronghold. We also discuss/debate the Paris Agreement, the agriculture portfolio, why Labour is more trusted on the five key issues, stalling local government reform, and supermarkets. Plus, is the Opportunity Party a wolf in sheep’s clothing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 25/09/26: Hamish Marr talks to Jamie Mackay
It’s Arable Week here on The Country, and we wrap it up with a Mid Canterbury mixed cropping farmer (and former special agricultural trade envoy).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 25/09/26: Rachel Shearer talks to Jamie Mackay
The general manager of PGG Wrightson Wool reviews yesterday’s sale, which saw an easing of the market for strong crossbred wool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Richard Allen, Steve Abel, Scott Champion, Chris Russell, and Riley Kennedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/09/26: Richard Allen talks to Jamie Mackay
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today reported its FY26 annual results, delivering $27 billion in revenue and nearly $20 billion in cash returns to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders. The chief executive tells us his favourite number!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
