CountryWide CONNECT's weekly weather update by Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather, New Zealand’s trusted independent weather forecaster.

Key topics

• Cyclone Vianu forecast and potential impact on the North Island
• The role of warm ocean temperatures in cyclone development
• The 2026 El Nino super event and drought implications
• Warm Autumn weather patterns supporting pasture growth
• Farmers' strategic responses to cyclone and weather forecasts

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CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

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This episode is our weekly DAIRY Country panel featuring insights from the Dairy Environment Leaders Group, the importance of community catchment groups, with insights from Waikato dairy farmer Tor Peterson, winner of the Waikato Supreme Award for the Ballance Farm Environment.

"It's about what we can all do together - both the Dairy Environment Leaders group as well as the sheep and beef sector," says Tor Pedersen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Dairy Panel and Guest
01:09 Meet Tor Peterson: Farm Location and Operations
02:38 Contract Milking and Farm Heritage
04:04 Family Values and Environmental Philosophy
05:26 Moving Waterways for Better Water Quality
06:19 Long-Term Farm Improvements and Rewards
07:37 Winning the Waikato Supreme Award
08:23 Insights from the Dairy Environment Leaders Group
09:20 Managing Water Quality with Neighbors
10:52 Science in Waterway Management: eDNA Testing
12:17 The Future of Catchment Groups and Farmer Collaboration
13:08 The Value of Learning and Industry Engagement

Resources

Dairy Environment Leaders Group (DELG) - https://www.dairynz.co.nz/environment/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An insightful discussion with former NZ politican and USA politics pundit, Todd Muller, on the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, US foreign policy, and the implications for global stability, featuring expert analysis on Trump's strategies, Iran's response, and New Zealand's diplomatic positioning.

"I think that Winston Peters being able to get a meeting at this tense time with Marco Rubio is extraordinary," says Todd Muller.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:29 Current Middle East Tensions and Potential Ceasefire
01:25 Back-Channel Diplomacy and Regional Facilitators
02:16 Trump's Motivation and Geopolitical Goals in the Middle East
03:12 US and Iran's Military Strategies and Escalation Risks
04:05 Ground Troops and European Responses
05:29 US Escalation Threats and Iran's Capabilities
06:52 Trump's Domestic Support and Public Opinion
08:45 Winston Peters' Diplomatic Mission in Washington
10:03 New Zealand's Position in Global Geopolitics
11:30 The Importance of Rules-Based International Institutions
12:25 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

 CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores the governments $18 million loan for pre-construction work for the ambitious water storage and irrigation projects Hawke's Bay which would unlock a potential $700 million in value. Mark discusses the Tukituki project's being an example of how the coalition government is fast-tracking legislation is being used to accelerate regional development.

"Investors want certainty in environmental approvals so hopefully this fast track legislation helps unlocks the investment to get this project off the ground," says Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hawke's Bay Water Initiatives
01:29 Details of the $18 Million Loan for Rurotanafa
02:25 Lessons from the Ruatanawha Project
03:21 Projected Costs and Economic Impact of the Dam
04:21 Addressing Water Shortages and Future Needs
05:09 Funding Mechanisms and Investment Strategies
06:05 Political Support and Regional Development Policies
07:33 Role of Fast Track Legislation in Project Acceleration
08:33 Other Water Storage Projects in New Zealand
09:02 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources

Tukituki Water Security Project - https://www.tukitukiwater.co.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview with Heather Sorensen, the new president of Rural Woman New Zealand, explores her vision for the organisation as it celebrates it's Centennial in July 2026. She talks about the duplication of rural women leadership and her thoughts on the change of guard following former president Sandra Matthews sudden departure.

"We need to connect more with our grassroots members," says Heather.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather Sorensen and Rural Woman New Zealand
03:43 Heather's Vision for Rural Women
06:39 Leadership Development for Rural Women

Resources

Rural Women New Zealand Official Website - https://ruralwomennz.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this interview, Richard Lindross, CEO of the New Zealand Fielddays Society, discusses the recent  loan from the Government to improve the infrastructure at the Mystery Creek site. He also shares about the increase in international presence in 2026, particularly from India and how the private business done at Fieldays is often overlooked.

"Exhibitors talking to each other is the vital heartbeat of Fieldays," says Richard Lindross.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sector Outlook
00:29 Current Support and Occupancy at Fieldays
01:25 International Delegations and Global Interest
02:21 India's Role and Tech Focus at Fieldays
03:13 Trade Opportunities and Private Events
04:12 Political Engagement and Media Presence
04:41 Government Funding and Infrastructure Needs
05:08 Future Infrastructure Projects and Water Resilience
06:07 Energy Resilience and Strategic Location
07:04 Community Resilience and Civil Defence
08:03 Energy Efficiency Initiatives
08:31 Leadership and Future Vision
09:23 The Significance of Fieldays for New Zealand
10:19 Rural and Urban Community Connection
11:17 Closing Remarks and Outlook

Resources

New Zealand Field Days Society - https://www.fieldays.co.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores the recent submissions and discussions around New Zealand's proposed Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, local government reform, and the integration of environmental and indigenous rights considerations. Grant McCallum, Deputy Chair of the Environment Select Committee, provides insights into the legislative process, stakeholder concerns, and future implications.

"Most people support the intent of the bill," say Grant McCallum. "We need to tidy up some of the permitted activities but National Policy Statements will set the real standards in the end."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of RMA Reforms
01:22 Submissions and Community Feedback on RMA Reforms
05:10 Key Issues and Concerns Raised
07:35 Local Government Reform and Its Implications

Resources

Resource Management Act (RMA) Reforms - Official Document - https://www.govt.nz/bills-and-laws/bills/proposed-resource-management-act-reforms/
New Zealand Environment Ministry - https://www.mfe.govt.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview with ruminant nutritionist Ajmal Khan explores the critical stages of rumen development in calves, the impact of early nutrition on lifetime performance, and ongoing research to optimize dairy herd longevity and productivity.

"Feed type and age influence rumen development," says Ajmal Khan, "Early development impacts lifetime milk yield."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rumen Development and Research
01:09 The Role of Microbes in Rumen Growth
02:09 Impact of Solid Feed on Rumen Maturation
03:04 Effects of Feed Type and Age on Rumen Development
04:02 Transitioning from Milk to Solid Feed
05:00 Consequences of Proper vs. Improper Rumen Development
05:58 Long-term Effects of Early Growth on Milk Yield
06:56 Longevity and Health in Dairy Cows
07:18 Future Research Directions in Rumen and Dairy Science

Resources

Sealds Winslow - https://sealeswinslow.co.nz/
Bioeconomy Sciences Institute - https://bioeconomy.org
Ajmal Khan's published studies - https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=J0H7KXUAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

This episode is in partnership with Seales Winslow.

Whatever your goals, we partner with you on-farm, helping to guide you today to drive the performance you want tomorrow. For tailored advice, talk to your local SealesWinslow Nutrition Specialist or visit https://sealeswinslow.co.nz/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful interview, author & coach Lance Burdett discussses how to manage emotions and mental resilience during times of uncertainty, with practical tools rooted in history and psychology. The former crisis negoitator shares strategies for staying grounded, controlling reactions, and fostering emotional well-being amidst uncertain times.

"Control your reactions because you cannot control external events," says Lance Burdett.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Troubling Times
02:45 The Importance of Emotional Expression
06:13 Practical Strategies for Emotional Management

Resources

Warrn International - https://warrn.com

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Campbell Parker, CEO, DairyNZ, discusses the recent levy vote results and how this will support the ongoing science and innovation efforts of the industry body. 

"Data should grow the pie on farm, not just for measuring stakes," says Campbell Parker.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:29 Recent Dairy NZ Levy Vote and Results
01:28 Voter Turnout and Farmer Engagement
02:21 Themes from Farmer Feedback and Industry Response
03:14 Focus Areas: Science, Productivity, and Environment
05:57 Current Science Initiatives in Dairy Farming
07:55 Balancing Productivity and Environmental Goals
09:23 Impact of Technology and Data in Dairy Farming
10:20 Farm Costs, Fuel Prices, and Industry Support
12:13 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources

DairyNZ Official Website - https://www.dairynz.co.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.