The Country

The NZ First leader comments on bird flu, celebrity candidates, being called a clown by a former Prime Minister, and we have our obligatory argument over the Indian Free Trade Agreement.

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Our Australian correspondent tells us everything you need to know about bird flu but were afraid to ask. Plus, we talk about Winston Peters and lamb access to the US.

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The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate updates a buoyant rural market and puts on his livestock division hat to talk about the threat of a Super El Niño.

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A flood-affected Wairarapa farmer has headed down to Kaikōura to help with the clean-up of a bigger mess on his son’s dairy farm.

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On this episode of The Country Podcast, brought to you by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Hamish McKay catches up with Michelle and Tony Roberts of Top Deck Trading in Southland, winners of the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming & Growing and the prestigious Gordon Stevenson Trophy. 

Together, they discuss their farming journey, the innovations helping drive sustainable outcomes on farm.

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Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Jane Smith, Tracy Brown, Jim Hopkins, and Lindy Nelson.

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The Minister of Agriculture and Trade is sitting in for the Prime Minister this week, and again, he has to defend the Indian Free Trade Agreement from Winston Peters’ criticism.

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A North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist has plenty to say about climate change, methane, Top and the colourful candidates in the Waitaki electorate. 

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DairyNZ chair says margins are being squeezed on-farm with a forecast milk price of $9.25 offset by a breakeven milk price of $8.79. We also compare cows and countries, following her recent trip to Ireland.

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An old hand in local body politics comments on what can be done about escalating rural rates. Plus, he has a wonderful ’60s tale to tell about his pirate radio connection with the late great Sir Sam Neill.

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