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
Rabobank Best of The Country: September 12, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Jen Corkran, Winston Peters, and Jane Smith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, September 11, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Richard Dawkins, George Dodson, Hugh Jackson, Todd Clark, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 11/09/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Earth Sciences New Zealand’s principal scientist and former New Yorker reflects on 9/11. He also discusses the Super El Niño setting record numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 11/09/26: Richard Dawkins talks to Jamie Mackay
Federated Farmers’ spokesman for climate change and meat and wool gives Labour a pat on the back for finally agreeing not to campaign on pricing agricultural emissions after 25 years of wanting to do just that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 11/09/26: George Dodson and Hugh Jackson talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer panel discusses the dairy season in Canterbury, putting Halter collars on cows, social media, lambing in Te Akau, KiwiSaver for Young Farmers, and farmers needing to understand the three-leaf stage of grazing management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 11/09/26: Todd Clark talks to Jamie Mackay
Our US farming correspondent comments on farming in the fall, shares his memories of 9/11 and tells us whether he's embarrassed by his President's porkies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 11/09/26: Barry Soper talks to Jamie Mackay
Our political correspondent reflects on 9/11 and a better week for the Nats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dairy Insights with Fonterra: Nicola McCarthy
Michelle Watt talks to Farm Source Regional Head for the Lower North Island Nicola McCarthy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Jane Smith, Jamie Cunningham, Chris Russell and Matt Gray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 10/09/26: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay
The NZ First leader and former Deputy PM comments on two big issues facing farming: the Paris Accord and the pricing of agricultural emissions. He also denies that his proposed nationalisation of BNZ is a “hair-brained” policy and reflects on 9/11, 25 years on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 10/09/26: Jane Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
A North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist sings the praises of Open Country Dairy's Mark de Latour and his Paris Agreement stance. Plus, she says the Opportunity Party’s ag policy is a cross between Gloriavale and the Jetsons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 10/09/26: Jamie Cunninghame talks to Jamie Mackay
PGG Wrightson Livestock’s National Dairy Specialist talks about the rise and rise of dairy beef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 10/09/26: Matt Gray talks to Jamie Mackay
We talk about some great Isuzu deals with a true-blue Southlander. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 10/09/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks about bird flu, managing foxes, dingos and kangaroos, and a new beef bull sale record of nearly half a million dollars!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Mark de Lautour, Dan Boulton, and Tracy Brown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/09/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The PM ponders Paris and whether we should be getting out of the Accord. We also discuss Labour’s ETS U-turn on pricing agricultural emissions, the Greens’ supermarket plans, and whether the Opportunity Party bubble has burst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/09/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Open Country Dairy fires a shot across the bow of the Paris Accord, has a crack at the DIRA legislation, and looks at the prospects for the 26/27 season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/09/26: Dan Boulton talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Silver Fern Farms takes an opposing view to Mark de Lautour when it comes to Paris. Plus, we discuss the prospects for red meat this season as margins tighten.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 09/09/26: Tracy Brown talks to Jamie Mackay
The Chair of DairyNZ talks about calving in the Waikato, RMA reform, freshwater farm plans, and the 2027 Ahuwhenua Trophy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Robbie Jackson, Jen Corkran, Farmer Tom Martin, and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/09/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay
We congratulate Labour’s trade spokesman (and former Minister of Agriculture) for his party finally coming up with some agriculture policy, as leader Chris Hipkins says Labour will not campaign on pricing agricultural emissions. And just who is to blame for carbon farming gobbling up some of our productive pastoral, food-producing land?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/09/26: Robbie Jackson talks to Jamie Mackay
A South Otago cattle farmer has found himself an overnight sensation as a social media influencer. How did this come about? And why did banging on a hammer in a workshop at 2 am change his life’s trajectory?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/09/26: Jen Corkran talks to Jamie Mackay
RaboResearch's senior animal protein analyst reviews the bank's September Agribusiness Monthly Report, which shows commodity outlooks remain positive despite rising farm input costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/09/26: Farmer Tom Martin talks to Jamie Mackay
Our UK farming correspondent talks about the end of the drought, tough times for arable farmers, and the Conservatives looking to scrap the controversial farm inheritance tax. Plus, we ask if he’s seen Harry and Meghan in his travels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 08/09/26: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay
One of New Zealand’s leading primary sector academics explains why nostalgia for past farming practises ignores modern realities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, September 7, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Tom Young, Rowena Duncum, Craig Wiggins, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/09/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer/politician panel features the Associate Minister of Agriculture and a “renowned Wellington property magnate” who’s also the MP for Northland. Today, we ponder the Q+A rural issues debate, taxes, net zero, the Paris Agreement, KiwiSaver for young farmers, and the Greens wanting to get into the supermarket business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
The Country 07/09/26: Tom Young talks to Jamie Mackay
Affco’s national livestock manager looks at the prospects for lamb for the 26/27 season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/09/26: Rowena Duncum talks to Jamie Mackay
We chat to The Country’s former producer, who is also an avid hunter, about a new survey which shows New Zealand’s pest problem has reached crisis point, with farmers spending more money and effort controlling pests - but still going backwards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/09/26: Craig "Wiggy" Wiggins talks to Jamie Mackay
Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate founder on Mid Canterbury’s arable farming challenges and the palm kernel versus local grain debate. Plus, spring weather conditions, crop prospects, and workplace resilience training for rural communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 07/09/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weatherman on the impending Super El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being Farmstrong: Dana Carver
Michelle Watt talks to Dana Carver about why investing in wellbeing is not just good for people, it's good for business. Drawing on her experience running a dairy farm alongside her husband Tony, Dana shares how creating the right support systems around people can build resilience, improve decision-making, strengthen staff retention, and help create workplaces where individuals and teams can thriv
Rabobank The Best of The Country: September 5, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Emma Poole and Tim Dangen, Michael Harvey, Megan Whitehead, and Alec Astle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, September 4, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Neville Clark, Sandra Faulkner, Chris Russell, Aaron Cruden, and Chris Brandolino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 04/09/26: Sandra Faulkner talks to Hamish McKay
Federated Farmers Vice President Sandra Faulkner discusses New Zealand’s new emergency management legislation and what it means for rural communities. She explains how guaranteed rural representation in emergency planning and response will help improve outcomes during floods, fires, and other major events, while also highlighting the importance of new powers to protect livestock and companio
The Country 04/09/26: Neville Clark talks to Hamish McKay
Neville Clark joins the show from Gisborne to discuss strong livestock market conditions, the start of the spring bull sale season, and the opportunities emerging from significant vineyard removals across the region. He shares his outlook on farming through changing weather patterns, highlights the resilience and adaptability of East Coast farmers, and reflects on a busy rural events calendar, inc
The Country 04/09/26: Chris Russell talks to Hamish McKay
Australian correspondent Chris Russell joins the show to compare lamb market trends on both sides of the Tasman, discuss a landmark Murray-Darling Basin court ruling and its implications for irrigators, and examine the challenges facing farmers following restrictions on paraquat use. He also shares insights into the latest developments in Australian agriculture and rounds out the conversation with
The Country 04/09/26: Aaron Cruden talks to Hamish McKay
Former All Black Aaron Cruden previews a pivotal Rugby Championship clash between the All Blacks and South Africa. He shares his thoughts on Dave Rennie’s unexpected team selections, the impact of key changes in the forward pack, and the importance of competition for places within the squad. Cruden also discusses the exciting development of young first five Reuben Love and why his running ga
The Country 04/09/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Hamish McKay
Chief Scientist at Earth Science NZ discusses El Nino, and the erratic start to spring across the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Wayne Langford, Laura Koot, David Short, and Carla de Wet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 03/09/26: Wayne Langford talks to Hamish McKay
We catch up with the former Federated Farmers President about life post presidency, the proposed changes to homekill rules, and celebrating 30 years of the Landcare Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 03/09/26: Laura Koot talks to Hamish McKay
The former CE of Fairlight is stepping back to start up her own businesses; she talks about how her current journey and what motivated her to start a new project. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 03/09/26: David Short talks to Hamish McKay
Inventor, innovator, farmer, and the brains behind the portable shearing "Handy Piece", and how demand has grown, and his Lamborghini replica project. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 03/09/26: Carla de Wet talks to Hamish McKay
Waikato Dairy Farmer, talks about the difference the new amendment to Kiwi Saver that is currently going through the select committee, could make for young people wanting to purchase a farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Christopher Luxon, Matt Bolger, Michael Harvey, and Tim Dangen and Emma Poole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/09/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Hamish McKay
The PM on heading to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Palau, the comments he made about Air New Zealand and Rob Fyfe, and the countdown to the election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/09/26: Matt Bolger talks to Hamish McKay
The Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs at Fonterra discusses last night's GDT auction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/09/26: Michael Harvey talks to Hamish McKay
Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank, discusses Rabobank's Global Dairy Top 20 report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 02/09/26: Emma Poole and Tim Dangen talk to Hamish McKay
Brother and sister FMG Young Farmer winners discuss planning for El Niño, the winter blast at the start of spring, and whether the Prime Minister has kept his promise to Emma about getting The FMG Young Farmer Grand Final back on television.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Hamish Best, Megan Whitehead, Alec Astle, and James Blair. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/09/26: Dr Elizabeth Heeg talks to Hamish McKay
The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association discusses how the forestry industry has come under increasing scrutiny, despite the many positives it delivers. She talks about how the sector is adapting its management systems in response to increased pressure from major storm events, the impact climate change is having on forestry operations, the role forestry plays in the Em
The Country 01/09/26: Hamish Best talks to Hamish McKay
Hamish Best talks about the decision to sell meat locally, what a potential change to Homekill regulations could mean for farmers and producers, and why he believes the future is bright for the primary sector. He also reflects on his journey and what he gained from being a Zanda McDonald Award finalist in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/09/26: Megan Whitehead talks to Hamish McKay
Former women's world shearing record holder Megan Whitehead is preparing to reclaim the title. She discusses her training programme, the mental strength required to keep shearing for nine hours, and the importance of having a strong support team on the day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/09/26: Alec Astle talks to Hamish McKay
Former New Zealand cricketer, and author Alec Astle discusses the history of the Hawke Cup and the special place it holds in rural New Zealand sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 01/09/26: James Blair talks to Hamish McKay
James Blair, the Pukekohe regional champion, was crowned Young Grower of the Year 2026 in Cromwell. He talks about the competition, the challenges faced throughout the programme, and what the national title means for his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, August 31, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Pat Coogan, Stu Duncan and Stu Loe, Elena Duter, and Phil Duncan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 31/08/26: David Seymour talks to Hamish McKay
David Seymour Deputy PM and ACT Party Leader, shares ACT's position on the Paris Agreement, advocates for a separate approach to methane emissions, and outlines the party's efforts to reduce red tape for farmers and rural businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 31/08/26: Pat Coogan talks to Hamish McKay
Pat Coogan Team Manager of the Trans-Tasman Wayleggo New Zealand Dog Trial Team, following New Zealand's hard-fought victory over Australia in the latest Trans-Tasman competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 31/08/26: Stu Duncan and Stu Loe talk to Hamish McKay
Stu Duncan from the Maniototo and Stu Loe from North Canterbury look at conditions on the ground as winter gives way to spring. The pair discuss recent weather challenges, prospects for a dry summer under El Niño conditions, strong livestock markets, and the current mood among farmers. They also share their thoughts on the latest All Blacks performance against South Africa,See omnystu
The Country 31/08/26: Elena Duter talks to Hamish McKay
Elena Duter Head of Agronomy at Farmlands, shares practical advice on feed planning, fertiliser timing, pasture and crop management, water security, and the importance of building resilience ahead of potential El Niño conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 31/08/26: Phil Duncan talks to Hamish McKay
Phil Duncan from weatherwatch.co.nz gives forecast for the week ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank The Best of The Country: August 29, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Ben Picton, Jane Smith, Paul Henry, and Sir Wayne "Buck" Shelford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, August 28, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Chris Brandolino, Mark Warren, Jane Smith, Rachel Shearer, and Buck Shelford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/08/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Hamish McKay
Earth Sciences New Zealand chief scientist outlines a wet and windy spring outlook for the lower and western South Island as El Niño conditions strengthen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/08/26: Mark Warren talks to Hamish McKay
Waipari Station farmer discusses his ambitious “$1500 super lamb” concept, combining premium meat, pelts and pharmaceutical by-products to maximise value from individual animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/08/26: Jane Smith talks to Hamish McKay
North Otago farmer and rural commentator discusses a new saliva-based sheep breeding test aimed at improving natural worm resistance and reducing drench reliance. We also hear her views on methane policy, agricultural research funding, taxation, and the upcoming election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/08/26: Rachel Shearer talks to Hamish McKay
PGG Wrightson Wool GM discusses a strong rebound in wool prices, driven by Australian buyer demand and increased competition across all wool types.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 28/08/26: Buck Shelford talks to Hamish McKay
Former All Blacks captain discusses the upcoming second test against South Africa and the team’s progress under the current coaching setup. Plus, life after rugby with his car wash business, Blue September cancer awareness work, and reflections on his own cancer battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Shane Jones, Kate Acland, Paul Henry, Chris Russell, and Jack Cocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/08/26: Shane Jones talks to Hamish McKay
NZ First MP and Resources Minister on why he wants New Zealand out of the Paris Agreement and supports expanding mining through the fast-track process. Plus, the Santana gold mine, Dolly Parton, and his thoughts on the All Blacks under Scott Robertson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/08/26: Kate Acland talks to Hamish McKay
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairwoman on concerns that the ETS is still driving productive farmland into carbon forestry and why further reforms are needed. She also discusses the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report, the Climate Change Commission, rural jobs, and calving through this week’s storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/08/26: Paul Henry talks to Hamish McKay
Act Party candidate makes his debut on The Country to talk about shrinking government, abolishing the Climate Change Commission, and the party’s election priorities. Plus, tax policy, support for the primary sector, coalition ambitions, and campaigning around regional New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/08/26: Chris Russell talks to Hamish McKay
Our Aussie correspondent on bird flu, strong South Australian crop prospects, dry conditions in New South Wales, and global food supply challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/08/26: Jack Cocks talks to Hamish McKay
Farmstrong champion and Mt Nicholas Station farmer on recovering from a life-threatening brain injury and why focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, supports wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday August 26, 2026
Hamish McKay talks to Ben Picton, Blair McLean, and Todd McClay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 26/08/26: Ben Picton talks to Hamish McKay
Senior macro strategist at RaboResearch says New Zealand’s economic recovery remains on track despite a dip in retail spending and ongoing global supply chain risks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 26/08/26: Blair McLean talks to Hamish McKay
PGG Wrightson Wine’s viticulture specialist says vineyard removals are accelerating as global wine consumption falls, with up to 1000ha of vines coming out in Marlborough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 26/08/26: Todd McClay talks to Hamish McKay
The Agriculture and Trade Minister says the Government is focused on replacing the RMA, supporting the wine sector through current challenges and advancing New Zealand’s trade deal with India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday August 25, 2026
Rowena Duncum talks to Nathan Guy, Richard Dawkins, Cameron Bagrie, Sarah Bell, and Ray Roberts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 25/08/26: Nathan Guy talks to Rowena Duncum
We catch up with New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy and Meat Industry Association chairman to discuss Trump’s surprise tariff-free beef import quota and the opportunities presented by the India trade deal. Also, the importance of China as an export market, seasonal conditions on his Horowhenua dairy farm, and Horowhenua Kapiti’s rugby prospects.See omnystudio.com/list
