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 27, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Cameron Bagrie, Nancy Crawshaw, Olivia Caldwell, Phil Duncan, and Andrew Whiley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/10/26: Cameron Bagrie talks to Jamie Mackay
Independent economist previews tomorrow’s OCR announcement, where a .25% rise is on the cards. Plus, do we have an issue with our exchange rate?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/10/26: Nancy Crawshaw talks to Jamie Mackay
Time is running out to enter the Zanda McDonald Award for 2027. We ask the 2024 winner why young Australasian Ag leaders (ages 21-35) should enter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/10/26: Olivia Caldwell talks to Jamie Mackay
A freelance rural agricultural journalist steps up to the plate after Jo Luxton goes AWOL on the election campaign trail. Today we discuss the “aggressive urbanisation of rural New Zealand”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/10/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weather man on a Tuesday with a temperature feast-to-famine scenario.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 27/10/26: Andrew Whiley talks to Jamie Mackay
The author of New Zealand’s Best Golf Courses joins to discuss some rural gems!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank The Best of The Country: October 24, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Nathan Stewart, Damien O'Connor, Emma Higgins, and Winston Peters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, October 23, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Rowland Smith, Steve Abel, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, and Chris Brandolino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/10/26: Rowland Smith talks to Jamie Mackay
We talk to the World Shearing Champion and Hawke’s Bay farmer about this province’s A&P Show, shearing competitions, and El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/10/26: Steve Abel talks to Jamie Mackay
The Green Party agriculture spokesman outlines his party’s rural policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/10/26: Stu Duncan and Stu Loe talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer panel talks the Big Wind one year on, the season down on the farm, the election and the NPC final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 23/10/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Friday’s Weather Guy talks about the Big Wind one year on, plus the drying effects of El Niño, especially in the North Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Professor Hamish Gow, Naomi Wilde, Hunter McGregor, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/10/26: Winston Peters talks to Jamie Mackay
The NZ First Leader is back to his belligerent best as we debate the Powerbrokers Debate, the Indian free trade agreement, agriculture in schools, strategic split voting, and whether he covets the Prime Minister’s job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/10/26: Professor Hamish Gow and Naomi Wilde talk to Jamie Mackay
Today is Lincoln University Giving Day 2026, as we encourage alumni to give back to a learning institution that gave them so much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/10/26: Hunter McGregor talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Shanghai-based correspondent discusses how El Niño is affecting China and wider Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 22/10/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks tariffs on Aussie lamb and NSW setting a new record for agricultural production off the back of beef. But he’s less forthcoming about why the Wallabies are so useless!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Craig Hickman, Duncan Humm, Emma Higgins, George Dodson and Hugh Jackson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/10/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister ponders polls, the Indian free trade agreement, agriculture in schools and whether the Greens and gangs could be a game-changer in this election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/10/26: Craig Hickman and Duncan Humm talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s first farmer panel hails from Mid Canterbury as we talk dairy, deer and politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/10/26: Emma Higgins talks to Jamie Mackay
Rabobank’s senior dairy analyst reviews last night’s Global Dairy Trade auction (up 2.5%), which continued the now well-established trend; powders strong and fats weaker. (Whole milk powder 4.4%, Skim milk powder 3.4%, anhydrous milk fat -3.4%, butter -0.4%, and cheese -7.4%.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 21/10/26: George Dodson and Hugh Jackson talk to Jamie Mackay
Our second farmer panel of the day features the 2024 and 2025 Young Farmers of the Year, a dairy farmer and a sheep/beef farmer. We discuss Halter on cows, the Young Farmer of the Year district competitions, and the NPC final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Damien O'Connor, Nigel Woodhead, Mark de Lautour, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, and John McOviney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/10/26: Damien O'Connor talks to Jamie Mackay
We book in for an argument with Labour’s trade spokesman and former Minister of Agriculture as we debate the Indian FTA, agriculture in schools, and the Greens and the gangs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/10/26: Nigel Woodhead talks to Jamie Mackay
The 2017 Young Farmer of the Year has his say on agriculture in schools, and we reflect on the big wind event of one year ago that ripped through his South Otago sheep and beef farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/10/26: Mark de Lautour talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Open Country Dairy talks about tonight’s GDT Auction, why organic farming is a niche industry, and we discuss the words we detest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/10/26: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth talks to Jamie Mackay
One of our leading primary sector academics and educators comments on agriculture in schools and why more science funding is critical for NZ agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 20/10/26: John McOviney talks to Jamie Mackay
From a Young Farmer of the Year to an older one - we yarn to a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Monday, October 19, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Nathan Guy, Nathan Stewart, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 19/10/26: Nathan Guy talks to Jamie Mackay
The second and final Minister for Primary Industries in John Key’s Government (serving from 2013 to 2017, after David Carter) is now chair of Apiculture New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association and New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy. Just back from India, we get his take on the state of play in the primary sector and what’s happening in Washington with sheep meat
The Country 19/10/26: Nathan Stewart talks to Jamie Mackay
Feilding High School’s principal is campaigning to keep agriculture as a standalone Year 11 subject. He explains why he believes dropping the subject is a mistake for rural students and New Zealand’s future workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 19/10/26: Andrew Hoggard and Grant McCallum talk to Jamie Mackay
Today’s farmer/politician panel ponders agriculture in schools, strategic split voting and the Greens and the gangs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 19/10/26: Phil Duncan talks to Jamie Mackay
Monday’s resident weatherman says a fine week is in store, with the usual wind expected for Labour Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rabobank Best of The Country: October 17, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to David Seymour, Jane Smith, Angus Gidley-Baird, and Chris Hipkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Friday, October 16, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Hipkins, Mike Green, Hamish McKay, Kate Acland, and Chris Brandolino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/10/26: Chris Hipkins talks to Jamie Mackay
Will he be our next Prime Minister? And will a Labour-led government be the death knell for farming? We get some yes-or-no answers from Chippy about what he potentially has in store for agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/10/26: Mike Green and Hamish McKay talk to Jamie Mackay
We talk about the Rural Support Trust and the Poverty Bay A&P Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/10/26: Kate Acland talks to Jamie Mackay
Today, we find the chairwoman of Beef + Lamb NZ putting forward NZ exporters’ case at a hearing of the US International Trade Commission in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 16/10/26: Chris Brandolino talks to Jamie Mackay
Friday’s weatherman talks about a week of extreme temperatures and the looming El Niño.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Mark Patterson, Olivia Caldwell, Loren Aberhart, Sarina Finucane, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/10/26: Mark Patterson talks to Jamie Mackay
Winston Peters has stood us up, so up to the batter's box is NZ First's agriculture spokesman and the unofficial Minister of Wool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/10/26: Olivia Caldwell talks to Jamie Mackay
Today is the International Day of Rural Women, and 2026 also marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Today we profile three rural women with wonderfully contrasting stories, courtesy of a freelance rural journalist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/10/26: Loren Aberhart and Sarina Finucane talk to Jamie Mackay
Four months on from its launch at Fieldays, we look at how the Ignite Wellbeing Platform is helping rural mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 15/10/26: Chris Russell talks to Jamie Mackay
Our Australian correspondent talks about robotic feedlots, Wagyu beef, and trying to stop Trump from imposing further tariffs on Australasian sheep meat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country Full Show: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Graeme Williams, Kevin Wickham, Campbell Parker, and Peter Newbold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/10/26: Christopher Luxon talks to Jamie Mackay
The Prime Minister talks about water storage, fertiliser, last night’s poll and whether he’s made the wrong call with the Opportunity Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/10/26: Graeme Williams talks to Jamie Mackay
An East Coast farmer/poet provides a history lesson as well as a tongue-in-cheek take on the election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/10/26: Kelvin Wickham talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of Ballance on the fertiliser challenge facing farmers - especially when it comes to price rather than supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/10/26: Campbell Parker talks to Jamie Mackay
The chief executive of DairyNZ on its AGM, annual results, and the breakeven price for milk under three El Niño modelling scenarios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Country 14/10/26: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay
The General Manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of the rural land market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
