Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect: Thursday 2nd April 2026

Today we explore the shifting landscapes of rural leadership, innovative wool technology, and the personal crossroads facing the next generation of farmers.

• Rob Scott (Southland District Mayor) Is Southland a test case for New Zealand? Mayor Rob Scott discusses why local councils are inviting the Local Government Commission to review their structure and what this means for rural ratepayer representation.

• Luke & Nicole Kane (Otago Ballance Farm Environment Award Winners) The Kanes share practical insights on balancing high dairy production with environmental performance and the reality of winning one of the sector's most prestigious awards.

• Tom Hooper (CEO, Wool Source) Strong wool meets high fashion. Tom explains a new partnership with Kathmandu that turns wool into pigments for screen-printing, moving the fibre from a "waste product" to a high-value biobased carbon source.

• George Dodson (Former FMG Young Farmer of the Year) Following the sale of the farm he contracted on, George discusses the "career crossroads" facing young farmers and how he's using social media to spark a conversation about industry pathways.

• Zellara Holden (Meet the Need) A look at the critical shortfall in protein donations and how the rural community can help fill the gap for over 150 charities.

• Craig Carr (Carrfields) Industry insights on current market dynamics.

• Tony Leggett A celebration of CountryWide's evolution since Sarah Perriam-Lampp purchased the business from Tony in 2023 as legacy print publications.

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Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect: Wednesday 1st April 2026

In today’s episode, we examine the lifelines of rural New Zealand—from fuel resilience and regulatory bottlenecks to hunter safety and the trans-Tasman supply crisis.

• Chris Gourley (CEO, Fern Energy)
  An essential look at rural fuel distribution. Chris discusses the resilience of our supply chains and what farmers should (and shouldn't) be doing to prepare for potential disruptions.
• Fenton Hazelwood (WestAg Trading)
  Breaking down the new trans-Tasman approvals pilot for agri-chemicals. Is this a meaningful reform or just a workaround for the MPI process that ignores the EPA bottleneck?
• Ewan Kelsall (Firearms Safety Authority)
  As "The Roar" kicks off, we discuss why target misidentification remains a fatal risk and the non-negotiable rules for a safe hunting season.
• Chloe Walker (CEO, Precision Farming)
  The tech evolution: How the acquisition of NuPoint is streamlining on-farm connectivity, vehicle management, and digital compliance.
• Eldon & Roseanne Megaw (Canterbury Dairy Farmers)
  A DAIRY Country podcast discussion with Anne Lee on growing equity within the dairy sector.
• Butch Patterson (Rural Directions)
  Introducing a new real-time salary calculator designed to bring transparency to rural pay scales and help farmers retain top talent.
• Libby Price (Australian Correspondent) A report from our international correspondent about Australia’s fuel excise cuts and whether New Zealand is destined for the same supply shortages.

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Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect

Tuesday 31st March 2026

Join Andy and Sarah as we celebrate a special 87th birthday for Andy’s mum and dive into the critical issues of trade fairness, economic shifts, and innovative farm ownership.

• Walt Cavendish (Fair for Farmers)
  Waikato dairy farmer Walt Cavendish discusses the "Fair for Farmers" campaign, questioning why New Zealand imports products that don't meet the high animal welfare standards required of our own farmers.
• Doug Steel (BNZ Senior Economist)
  An analysis of how Middle Eastern instability is hitting home—from fuel supply risks and freight pressure to the return of "higher for longer" interest rate forecasts.
• Tangaroa Walker (Farm4Life)
  The popular rural educator shares his journey of achieving farm ownership through crowdfunding and explores whether this offers a genuine new pathway for the next generation.
• Cam Clayton (FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Winner)
  Fresh from his victory in the Waikato Bay of Plenty regional final, sheep and beef farmer Cam Clayton discusses the grit required to compete at the national level.
• Daryl Thompson (Rural Contractors NZ)
  A look at how contractors are navigating rising diesel costs and what farmers can do—from earlier bookings to better communication—to keep essential work moving.
• Tony Trewinnard (Blue Skies Weather) Weather Update: What does the next 6-weeks look like across the country.

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Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect Monday 30th March 2026

Welcome to the premiere of CountryWide Connect, your bridge to rural New Zealand. Today, we tackle the volatility facing our primary sector, from energy security to the future of food processing. 

Hon Nicola Grigg (Associate Minister of Agriculture) The Minister discusses fuel supply guarantees for farmers, the impact of global trade instability, and the domestic risks following the closure of major processing plants like Wattie’s and McCain.

Richard Harman (Editor of Politik) A deep dive into the Beehive’s crisis management regarding Middle Eastern conflict impacts, the Prime Minister’s leadership under pressure, and the current political standing of Chris Hipkins.

Mike Casey (Rewiring Aotearoa) The 2026 Sustainability Leader of the Year explores energy resilience, the electrification of farming, and why he favors coal over imported LNG in the short term.

 Sports Panel: Brian Ashby & Dave Worsley Analysis of Liam Lawson’s F1 success, the Warriors' fluctuating form, the opening of Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium, and the new domestic T20 competition.

Milton Munroe (PGG Wrightson) Discusses his recent trip to the World Agri-Tech Forum and how fast agri-tech innovation is moving in agronomy

Jim Ward (Federated Farmers High Country Chair) A recap of the 2026 High Country Field Day at Glenaray Station and the future of high-country farming.

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Imagine eliminating hazardous chemical handling and saving time with a simple, innovative solution— no more heavy lifting, spills, or accidents. In this episode, Darren Stenning, Ecolab's Business Development Manager for Australia & NZ - Animal Health shares the inside story behind Ecolab’s new innovation - Next Gen Solids - from bulky 200-litre drums to compact, recyclable capsules that automatically dispense precise doses.

No Drums = No Drama! Interested in moving to Next Gen Solids by Ecolab in your dairy shed in New Zealand. Contact your Ecolab Rep today or enquire here: https://www.ecolab.com/solutions/dairy-farm-solutions#form

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Most farmers and growers overlook the power of precise, long-term weather insights—until now. CountryWide CONNECT's weekly weather update by Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather, New Zealand’s trusted independent weather forecaster, reveals how a nuanced understanding of six-week and seasonal forecasts can transform your farm management, crop planning, and even your soil health.

The next 6 weeks show a warming Tasman Sea influencing rain patterns, why upcoming tropical cyclones pose minimal threat, and how to leverage soil temperature insights for better planting and fertilising decisions. He says to expect changeable Easter weather, the impact of the coming westerly airflow on frost risks, and what the El Nino switch means for next season’s rainfall and drought potential.

Your weather update — brought to you by HawkEye Pro from Ravensdown. Next‑gen tech, backed by forty years of soil science, delivering insights every ten metres to lift farm efficiency and sustainability — and drive profitability. HawkEye Pro. The proof is in the paddock. For more information visit, https://www.ravensdown.co.nz/products/hawkeye-pro/

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Dairy markets are defying expectations despite global conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and logistical chaos. Stu Davison, Kiwi dairy analyst for High Ground Dairy now based in Chicago talks about what’s really driving milk prices higher in 2026 when they were predicting the opposite. He unpacks the counterintuitive forces fueling the surge in dairy prices. From China’s strategic buying and long-term food security plans to Middle Eastern panic purchases and the shifting dynamics of global trade agreements, this episode reveals the hidden factors reshaping dairy supply and demand worldwide.

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Rural contractors in New Zealand are facing an unprecedented blow: soaring diesel costs - that ultimately are being past onto farmers. Daryl Thompson, Vice President of the NZ Rural Contractors, reveals how they use 'fuel adjustment factors'. Daryl explains how contractors are trying tangible tactics like rerouting, scheduling smarter runs, and internal process tweaks that make a genuine difference. He is actively involved in daily conversations between contractors and government agencies to explain why being deemed ‘essential’ is crucial, and what future policy might look like for primary industries under pressure from global conflicts and rising fuel prices.

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Most farmers kill their best opportunities by playing it safe — but Cam Clayton's bold strategy and willingness to lean into his weaknesses took him to the top of the FMG NZ Young Farmers Waikato / BOP regional competition, winning the regional title in a nail-biting finish.

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Most farmers think buying a farm requires millions — but Tangaroa Walker defies convention with a bold, innovative approach: crowd sourcing his equity partners to buy his first dairy farm in Southland. He turned to his social media initally to crowd-fund finding his perfect two partners to raise enough capital to purchase a 300-cow operation in the Waikaka Valley. Tangaroa also reveals how he's blending his passion for the next generation with his educational initiatives, offering Level 3 NZQA qualifications through the Farm 4 Life cutting-edge app, transforming farm skills training across New Zealand.

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