Show Rundown: CountryWide Connect

Tuesday 7th April 2026

In today’s episode, we navigate the corridors of power and the practicalities of the paddock, covering everything from RMA reform to "super" El Niño preparations.

• Grant McCallum (Environment Select Committee)
  An update on the Resource Management Act (RMA) and health and safety law reforms. We discuss what the committee is hearing from rural submitters and if meaningful change is finally on the horizon.
• Todd Muller (Former National Leader)
  Analysis of escalating Middle East tensions. Todd breaks down the global impacts on trade, fuel, and security, and explores the long-term strategy of the U.S. administration.
• Richard Lindroos (CEO, Fieldays)
  A barometer of sector confidence heading into Fieldays 2026. Richard discusses Mystery Creek’s $1.35 million water infrastructure upgrade and the mood of exhibitors amidst economic pressure.
• Dr. Ajmal Khan (Bioeconomy Science Institute)
  In our Animal Feed & Nutrition sweep, Dr. Khan explains how early rumen development in calves dictates lifetime performance and profit.
• Heather Sorenson (President, Rural Women NZ)
  The new President shares her vision for the iconic organization, tackling cost-of-living pressures and maintaining relevance for modern farming families.
• Hon Mark Patterson (Minister for Rural Communities)
  A deep dive into the $18 million loan for the Tukituki Water Security Project and what it signals for the future of large-scale regional water storage.
• Dairy Panel: Anne Lee & Tor Pedersen
  Expert analysis on the latest trends and challenges facing the New Zealand dairy sector.
• Weather: Tony Trewinnard (Blue Skies Weather)
  In-studio analysis of an approaching ex-tropical cyclone and the looming "super" El Niño. Tony discusses how to use this data for real-world pasture and stocking decisions.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.