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, July 28, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Eric Roy, Sir David Fagan, Tom Young, Dom Jones, Phil Duncan, and Ele Ludemann.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Eric Roy talks to Jamie Mackay
A former National MP, former deputy speaker and former chairman of NZPork takes a break from the NZPork Industry Conference to pay tribute to his old mate Jim Hopkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Sir David Fagan talks to Jamie Mackay
The shearing knight reviews the just-completed shearing tests in the UK against Wales (we went down 3-1), where his son Jack and Hemi Braddick represented NZ. And how’s calving going in a cold King Country?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Tom Young talks to Jamie Mackay
Affco’s national livestock manager says don’t expect a $12/kg lamb schedule to stick around. Plus, we look at Trump’s tariffs and protectionist behaviour from the US lamb industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Dom Jones talks to Jamie Mackay
The managing director of Origin Capital Partners talks about a massive 2026 kiwifruit crop, how Zespri is finding a home for it all, and how you can invest in a kiwifruit farming syndicate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weather man on Tuesday talks about a cold start to the week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/07/26: Ele Ludemann talks to Jamie Mackay
We wrap the show with another tribute to the late, great Jim Hopkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, July 27, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Smiley Barrett, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Stefan Vogel, and Steve Crossan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/07/26: Smiley Barrett talks to Jamie Mackay
Taranaki cow cocky is the sire of two of the 44 All Blacks named today to tour South Africa. A third son, Scott, the former captain, was unavailable due to injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/07/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer/politician panel discusses calving, bird flu, party lists, coincidental policy, in-fighting in the coalition, the Greens, AI centres, Think Big and Bill Birch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/07/26: Stefan Vogel talks to Jamie Mackay
Rabobank’s GM RaboResearch comments on Trump’s latest increased tariff rates imposed by the US on NZ and 60 other countries. However, there’s good news for beef and a cautionary message for sheep meat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/07/26: Steve Crossan talks to Jamie Mackay
This Te Puke kiwifruit contractor is the Farmstrong Champion behind mental health initiatives for growers and farmers in the Bay of Plenty region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank Best of The Country: July 25, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Cameron Bagrie, Emma Higgins, and Shane Jones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, July 24, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, Kylie Dorr, Tim Dangen, Emma Poole, Chris Brandolino, Loren Aberhart, Michelle Ruddle, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Colin Hurst talks to Jamie Mackay
The new president of Federated Farmers comments on Trump’s new tariffs and how his first month in the job is going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Kylie Dorr talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with the Supreme Winner of the NZI Rural Women Business Awards, held last night at Parliament. Kylie is the owner of Southern Reproductive, an independent reproductive services and training business that she began five years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Tim Dangen and Emma Poole talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer panel features the 2022 and 2023 Young Farmers of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Friday’s weatherman and Women’s Weekly pin-up boy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Loren Aberhart and Michelle Ruddell talk to Jamie Mackay
Two months on from its launch at Fieldays, we look at the uptake of Farmlands’ new Ignite mental health platform and who is using it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 24/07/26: Barry Soper talks to Jamie Mackay
Our political correspondent talks about the controversies surrounding Stuart Nash, Shane Jones and Paul Henry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Shane Jones, Fran O'Sullivan, Katie Milne, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/07/26: Shane Jones talks to Jamie Mackay
The NZ First deputy leader is not backward in coming forward on emissions targets. But does he have a selective memory when it comes to some of the policy u-turns of the past? Plus, we get his thoughts on knee pads and Stuart Nash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/07/26: Fran O'Sullivan talks to Jamie Mackay
NZME’s head of business content previews an excellent 28-page Agribusiness lift-out in the NZ Herald, where subjects as wide-ranging as global trade, AI, ag emissions, weight loss drugs and politics are covered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/07/26: Katie Milne talks to Jamie Mackay
The first female president of Federated Farmers is taking on a new challenge: standing for National in her home patch, the West Coast-Tasman electorate. Today we get her well-considered thoughts on ag emissions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/07/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks about bird flu and whether AI centres will take water from farmers. Plus, why is Barnaby Joyce’s dog getting more airtime than the Prime Minister?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Andrew Murray, Emma Higgins, John McOviney, and Jay Campbell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/07/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister discusses bird flu, scrapping existing iwi agreements from the RMA, celebrity candidates, kneepads and Ryan Fox.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/07/26: Andrew Murray talks to Jamie Mackay
Fonterra’s chief financial officer comments on last night’s positive GDT Auction (up 1.5%, WMP +1.6%, SMP +2.8%).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/07/26: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay
Rabobank’s senior agricultural analyst also comments on the GDT auction as well as Rabobank’s 2026 World Dairy Map, which shows New Zealand remaining the world’s largest single-country dairy exporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/07/26: John McOviney talks to Jamie Mackay
We chew the fat with a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer who is also the chief executive of Steelfort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/07/26: Jay Campbell talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Hawke’s Bay Rugby and spokesman for the NZPU Group applauds Farmlands, named today as the official national rural partner of 14 major rugby provinces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Cameron Bagrie, Damien O'Connor, Todd Clark, Sandra Faulkner, and Kimberly Crewther.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/07/26: Cameron Bagrie talks to Jamie Mackay
An independent economist comments on New Zealand’s annual inflation rate hitting its highest level in more than two years on rising fuel prices. The consumer price index (CPI) increased 4.1% in the 12 months to the June 2026 quarter. The 4.1% increase follows a 3.1% increase in the March quarter. The largest upward contributor to the annual inflation rate was petrol, up 27.5%.See omnystudio.
The Country 21/07/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay
In the absence of a sick Jo Luxton (and some Labour ag policy), the gloves come off with the trade spokesman and former Minister of Agriculture. Today we debate the RMA changes, the Indian FTA and wool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/07/26: Todd Clark talks to Jamie Mackay
Today we find our Republican-voting US farming correspondent sitting on his tractor after cutting some bountiful Kentucky Bluegrass. We ask if he’s embarrassed by his President’s latest antics at the Football World Cup?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/07/26: Sandra Faulkner talks to Jamie Mackay
Federated Farmers’ vice-president is at the Beehive - what’s happening there today? A big win for Feds yesterday with the RMA and the removal of the Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements. Plus, adverse events and providing help for Kaikōura farmers affected by severe weather.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/07/26: Kimberly Crewther talks to Jamie Mackay
New Zealand is hosting this year’s IDF World Dairy Summit. The event kicks off on Sunday, November 15, at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland and runs through to Wednesday, November 18, followed by two days of optional technical tours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, July 20, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Ray Smith, David Seymour, Mike Whitty, Karn Dhaliwal, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/07/26: Ray Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
The director general of MPI updates the latest on the bird flu after Mainland Poultry, the country’s largest egg supplier, is putting hundreds of thousands of free-range chickens into lockdown following two positive cases last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/07/26: David Seymour talks to Jamie Mackay
The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader denies the election will be fought by celebrities more interested in glitz than graft. Plus, he comments on NZ First’s oil and gas policy and why we should make life easier for agricultural drone users.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/07/26: Mike Whitty talks to Jamie Mackay
Ravensdown’s chief operating officer updates us on the fertiliser fallout from the ongoing Middle East war and what it means for New Zealand farmers this spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/07/26: Karn Dhaliwal talks to Jamie Mackay
The 2026 Zanda McDonald Award winner is a highly regarded agricultural entrepreneur. At 32, he is the founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd in the Waikato, recognised for building a diverse cropping and horticultural business from the ground up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/07/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weatherman says a wintry blast is on its way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank Best of The Country: July 18, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Daniel Eb, Tom Martin, Tracy Brown, and Winston Peters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, July 17, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Mark Hooper, John Moorby, Steve Wyn-Harris, and Riley Kennedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 17/07/26: Mark Hooper talks to Jamie Mackay
Federated Farmers banking and RMA reform spokesman talks about the latest banking survey and why Feds are sounding the alarm over councils rushing to sign new Iwi partnership agreements before the RMA is replaced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 17/07/26: John Moorby talks to Jamie Mackay
John and Debbie Moorby are large-scale Waikato dairy farmers and the proud parents of All Black Josh, who will make his starting debut at Eden Park tomorrow night against Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 17/07/26: Steve Wyn-Harris talks to Jamie Mackay
This Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer has been a long-time observer of weather patterns. Today, he gives us his take on the prospect of a super El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 17/07/26: Riley Kennedy talks to Jamie Mackay
In the absence of Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, we catch the BusinessDesk senior journalist, who has written a good piece on how the Irish processor has moved quickly to reshape the Alliance Group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Shane McManaway, Peter Newbold, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/07/26: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay
The NZ First leader comments on bird flu, celebrity candidates, being called a clown by a former Prime Minister, and we have our obligatory argument over the Indian Free Trade Agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/07/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent tells us everything you need to know about bird flu but were afraid to ask. Plus, we talk about Winston Peters and lamb access to the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/07/26: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay
The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate updates a buoyant rural market and puts on his livestock division hat to talk about the threat of a Super El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/07/26: Shane McManaway talks to Jamie Mackay
A flood-affected Wairarapa farmer has headed down to Kaikōura to help with the clean-up of a bigger mess on his son’s dairy farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients: Make it Count: BFEA National Ambassadors Tony and Michelle Roberts
On this episode of The Country Podcast, brought to you by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Hamish McKay catches up with Michelle and Tony Roberts of Top Deck Trading in Southland, winners of the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing and the prestigious Gordon Stevenson Trophy. Together, they discuss their farming journey, the innovation
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Jane Smith, Tracy Brown, Jim Hopkins, and Lindy Nelson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/07/26: Todd McClay talks to Jamie Mackay
The Minister of Agriculture and Trade is sitting in for the Prime Minister this week, and again, he has to defend the Indian Free Trade Agreement from Winston Peters’ criticism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/07/26: Jane Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
A North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist has plenty to say about climate change, methane, Top and the colourful candidates in the Waitaki electorate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/07/26: Tracy Brown talks to Jamie Mackay
DairyNZ chair says margins are being squeezed on-farm with a forecast milk price of $9.25 offset by a breakeven milk price of $8.79. We also compare cows and countries, following her recent trip to Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/07/26: Jim Hopkins talks to Jamie Mackay
An old hand in local body politics comments on what can be done about escalating rural rates. Plus, he has a wonderful ’60s tale to tell about his pirate radio connection with the late great Sir Sam Neill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/07/26: Lindy Nelson talks to Jamie Mackay
Wairarapa farmer, Safer Farms director, and Farm without Harm ambassador. Today, we look at the fall in farm-related ACC claims and what can be done to reduce them further.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Daniel Eb, Chloe Butcher-Herries, Mark de Lautour, and Farmer Tom Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/07/26: Daniel Eb talks to Jamie Mackay
The deputy leader of the Opportunity Party denies they are a centre-left party, as we agree to disagree on a universal income and land tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/07/26: Chloe Butcher-Herries talks to Jamie Mackay
This dynamic young Hawke’s Bay sheep-and-beef farmer is just back from the massive LambEx conference in Adelaide, where she was a keynote speaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/07/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Open Country Dairy fires a shot across the bows of Fonterra, after the dairy co-op cut 50 cents off its forecast milk price yesterday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/07/26: Farmer Tom Martin talks to Jamie Mackay
We ask our UK farming correspondent if football is indeed coming home? Plus, we look at the heatwave, drought, low yields and poor prices for arable farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, July 13, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Richard Allen, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Dave Martin, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/07/26: Richard Allen talks to Jamie Mackay
Fonterra’s chief executive says the co-operative has cut 50c from its forecast farmgate milk price as it battles “softer-than-expected” demand and strong global supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/07/26: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay
We catch up with a leading farming academic to discuss the Greens’ proposal to phase out nitrogen fertiliser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/07/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer-politician panel ponders Modi’s visit, the India FTA and Winston’s concerns over the $20 billion “cover-up”, the Greens’ Ag and fertiliser policy, Blueberry-gate, and why rugby is a young man’s game!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/07/26: Dave Martin talks to Jamie Mackay
A Wairoa farmer gives an update on yet more devastating flooding on the East Coast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 13/07/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weather expert promises a better week ahead, after the appalling rain of recent weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank Best of The Country: July 11, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, and Harry Newey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, Aaron Cruden, Matt Lythe, and Matt Dillon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Hamish McKay
We get a weather update from Earth Science New Zealand’s principal scientist, including severe weather affecting Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. Plus, Canterbury’s flooding, a shift towards more settled weather, and what a developing El Niño could mean for spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Ben Picton talks to Hamish McKay
Rabobank’s Sydney-based senior strategist, global economics and markets, on the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike and its implications for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Picton also discusses renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and the outlook for further rate increases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Dr Robyn Dynes talks to Hamish McKay
Principal scientist and farmer engagement specialist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute on the science underpinning agricultural innovation. She also discusses the value of endophyte research, responsible nitrogen use and how AI and big data could transform farming decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Aaron Cruden talks to Hamish McKay
Time for some footy chat with a former All Black, including Ruben Love’s impressive test debut and the growing combinations in the All Blacks backline. Also, Dave Rennie’s early influence, selection options against Italy, and expectations for the second test in Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Matt Lythe talks to Hamish McKay
It’s Innovation Week thanks to Herd-i. Today, we catch up with the managing director of Prism Earth on using AI, satellite imagery and geospatial data to measure natural capital on farms. Plus, unlocking carbon, biodiversity and market access opportunities for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/07/26: Mark Dillon talks to Hamish McKay
This farmer and five-time New Zealand ploughing champion is meant to be representing New Zealand in Europe, but his ploughing gear is on the wrong ship in the wrong hemisphere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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