Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister’s new science advisor. He also reports on how the Australian election may have dashed hopes of the continuation of the live export trade across the Tasman.

AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie says recent rain in many regions has had a big impact on the livestock markets, with some stock and buyers unable to get to the yards. The rain has also boosted grass growth in some regions and that’s reflected in buying trends.

Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre has reminded the government of its promise to alter KiwiSaver regulations to allow farmers to invest in property off-farm.

He says it’s unfair that some New Zealanders can use their fund to get ahead while farmers are unable to do the same thing.

In this week’s show:

• News Wrap | Senior reporter Richard Rennie asked senior NZ scientists whether we could benefit from the exodus of talent from the United States following Donald Trump’s cuts to science funding. The answer? Probably not.
• Market Insights | AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan that the high prices being paid for stock at the yards this year may be here to stay. She says it’s a welcome boost and will offset the big input cost hikes farmers have faced in recent years.
• Feature | Louise Gibson from The Sharefarming Consultants joins the studio to talk about their new survey on contract milking that reveals many are subjected to abuse, stress, sub-par living arrangements and requests to break the law.
• Feds Focus | Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick says duck populations are rising but farmers have their hands tied when it comes to dealing with the issue. He says changes need to be made to permitting regulations so crops can be saved from the busy beaks.

Bryan talks with Louise Gibson from The Sharefarming Consultants about their new survey on contract milking that reveals many are subjected to abuse, stress, sub-par living arrangements and requests to break the law.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie asked senior NZ scientists whether we could benefit from the exodus of talent from the United States following Donald Trump’s cuts to science funding. The answer? Probably not.

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner tells Bryan that the high prices being paid for stock at the yards this year may be here to stay. She says it’s a welcome boost and will offset the big input cost hikes farmers have faced in recent years.

Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick says duck populations are rising but farmers have their hands tied when it comes to dealing with the issue. He says changes need to be made to permitting regulations so crops can be saved from the busy beaks.

Bryan talks trade with Farmers Weekly’s trade reporter Nigel Stirling. They cover the new alliance being sought and whether New Zealand will take action against Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on it.

AgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington joins Bryan to discuss how Australian farmers are faring and what their plans are for meat exports over the next year or so. With parts of the country in drought and others recently flooded, is the era of Aussie market dominance at risk?

Federated Farmers vie-president Colin Hurst updates Bryan on the recent court case where Ngai Tahu is seeking sovereignty over freshwater in the South island. Federated Farmers gave evidence as an interested party and Colin says the case has big implications for farmers.

Bryan talks trade with Farmers Weekly’s trade reporter Nigel Stirling. They cover the new alliance being sought and whether New Zealand will take action against Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on it.