September 5, 2025 • 40 mins
Jamie talks to Mark de Lautour, Damien O'Connor, Amber Carpenter, Emma Higgins, and Stephen "Beaver" Donald.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The best of the country with Rabobank. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agribusiness experience, Grow
with Rubbobank.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Day and good morning New Zealand. I'm Jamie McKay. This
is the best of the country. It's brought to you
by Rabobank. We're growing a better New Zealand together. This
is Europe and the Final Countdown. It is the Final Countdown.
What a day of footy we've got in front of us.
My Southland Stags defending the log of Ward against Canterbury.
You don't need it in Christchurch, keep it in the
Deep South. And then the All Blacks of course fifty
(00:49):
test winning streak on the line tonight at Eden Park.
How good. Hey, We've got to get through the best
of the country first though. Mark de Latour kicks it off.
He is the chief executive of Open Country Dairy. They've
been on the acquisition trail. Big changes a foot in
the dairy industry in New Zealand. Damien O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson,
former Minister of Ag Him and I clash swords as
(01:12):
we do on occasions. A bit earlier in the week,
it was all in good humor, of course. Amber Carpenter
this was perhaps my favorite interview of the week. She's
this month's Farmstrong Farmer on the Country South Auckland Dairy
and beef Farmer, finalist in the twenty twenty four Dairy
Woman of the Year, and she shared her emotional story
of overcoming adversity. Emma Higgins from Rabobank and Stephen Beaver
(01:35):
Donald Here's a man with happy memories from eden Park Circa.
In fact, I can tell you the year twenty eleven.
I was there for that one as well. Oh, happy
days on a huge day for rugby in this country.
Back next with Mark Delatour. Open Country Dairy.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
The best of the country with Rabobank. Choose the bank
with a huge network of progressive farming clients Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
This was big news this morning. Open Country Dairy is
really on the acquisition trail at the moment, moves a
plenty in the dairy industry. Open Country has just announced
its finalized a deal to acquire one hundred percent of
Meraka in the Central North Island, Mauri owned dairy processing company.
(02:30):
Mark de Latour is the chief executive. What's next? You
can have a crack at Fonterra.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Good afternoon, Jamie. No, that might be a leap too
far for sure, but we're really excited. I mean it's
it's obviously come hot on the heels of our announcement
around purchasing Mataravelli milk a couple of weeks back, but
it wasn't doesn't feel that way to us, because you know,
(02:56):
matara Velli pretty much took us the better part of
nine or ten months to put together and this one's
happened quite quickly, actually, Jeremy. So you know, we've looked
at meat Aka.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
For quite a while and thought what a great spot.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Great location it's in and but in the opportunity came,
we couldn't not look at it.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
You've got plants and other Waikato, Wanganui, Manawatu obviously down
on Southland. This fills in the middle of the North
Island really nicely. You're missing a plant and I don't know, Mark,
let's just say in a little place like Dunsandal, I'm
flying a kite here.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
I'm pleading the fifth on that one, Jamie. No, but
you're right on the North Island. I mean, they'd take
it back to what we're talking about I think you're right.
I mean, if you look at that area between our
Wanganui site, which is a major site for us and
had two plants in the Waikato the meat Aka site,
which is located in Morcai near Tapo. I mean from
(03:59):
a I don't want to use the word strategy really,
but strategically it does make a lot of sense, lots
of efficiency around milk collection and anything of the milk
curve at the lower end of the season when we
can still gain a bit more efficiency through that whole
milk curve with our processing site. So, like I said,
we've we've looked at it for a little while and said, gosh,
(04:21):
that would be that would be a great location to
have and and and you know, when the opportunity came along,
would be silly not to look at it.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Well, this has all happened rather quickly, like basically in
the past couple of weeks. Were there other suitors. Did
Fonterra have a crack for instance?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Actually I'm not too sure about the details of that, Jamie.
I mean, I mean, we know we were talking to
the board of meat Ocre and and you're right, it
did happen reasonably quickly, not sure what the sale process
was from their end in total, But I mean in
this instance, we were the you know, one of our
strengths is we can and move quickly, and I guess
(05:03):
that was a that was a factor in their decision making.
So you were just happy to have secured the deal.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
So the Tally brothers sign off on it and deal's done.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yeah the cousins really, I guess, okay, but that's right.
So so that that's that's that's a good opportunity for us.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Begs the question why is me Raka selling? Is it
just too hard to be like a single site process
of these days in this country?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
I guess it is one of those industries, you know,
that where the margins are very slim and and if
you don't have a level of scale, it's it's very
very hard, right, So you know what we figured we're
not actually in the you know, one of the things
of the you know that I want the listeners to
take away I guess is we're not on the growth
(05:52):
for growth's sake in this Jamie. But if you don't
have some level of scale in this industry, it makes it.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Very very difficult.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
But because of the low margency, you need some volume
going through any need deficiency. So I think you know,
if you are a single site operator, it's always going
to be a hell of a lot harder to make
ends meet if you haven't got the opportunity to move
milk around and take those official mind.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
You, Tatoo is a single site operator. That's the most
successful cooperative in the country.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, they've they've they've they've
specialized really well, and they've they've picked their markets that
align with their size and scale, and I mean, I
think they're they're one out of the box for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Just finally, Fonterra is sitting at eighty percent or just
under the total milk supply that goes through their doors.
Where does this put open country? You're obviously a clear second,
But as any are you in double digits for instance,
because I'm looking at Sinlay, Westland, obviously, tatua O Lamb,
(06:56):
there's other players out there.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Yeah, I haven't got that those numbers in front of me.
I would estimate Jamie to take us around thirteen thirteen
and a half percent on I'd take yes, I will
need to do those numbers, but yeah, we're a clear
number two on that, and we still think of ourselves
as a small company. You know, we're a company that
started twenty one years ago now and no, no, try
(07:19):
to know our supplies by name. But like I said,
you know, there's a level of scale that has to
be at play in this industry to give everyone security,
you know, customer security and farmer supplies with their milk
checks as well.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Well. Congratulations the acquisitions. I don't know if they're going
to continue on, but two big ones in two weeks
Matara Valley Milk and now me Raka, chief executive of
Open Country Dairy. He's building an empire. Mark de Latour,
thanks for your time.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Banks Jammy cheers the best of the country with Rabobank,
the bank with local agri banking experts, passionate about the
future of rural communities. Rubbo Bank.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
It was good to catch up with this gentleman. Can
I call him that? On Friday night he turned up
at the Otago Golf Club for a bear Dn Edens's
new home sort of these days, Damien O'Connor and Damon,
I think I can convert you into a golfer and
to center right voter, you seem to fit like a
hand into a glove at our golf COLBM.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
You can live and hope, Jamie, But I got more
more common sense than that. And I don't have the time,
you know, spend on the golf course. I can see
how you can become addicted to it, but it takes
quite a bit of time.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Yeah, but you spend most of your time gallivanting around
the country on your trailbike.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
Well, no, a little bit on that, mainly in cars
and planes. And it is to get from a to B,
and it is to keep an eye on what's happening around.
I guess the benefit. And I traveled to the top
to bottom of the South Island last week just seeing
what is happening, talking to people, getting a mix of views,
and I guess, you know, wagging that back into the
(08:53):
political system. We're in a process of developing policies and
ideas to be a better government.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Damon, I reckon, I'll be an old man by the
time you and Joe Luxton get around to coming out
with some ag policy.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Well just wait and see. You just hold your breast
and you know you might be around. But coming up
with good innovative policy is really critical. I mean the
prime sectors are still at the heart of our economy,
but there's a lot of farmers out there saying we're
not quite sure where we're going. We've got great playouts
at the moment, you know, dairy and beef and you know,
(09:26):
pretty good for land, but there's a whole lot of
other sectors that are struggling, and there's still no vision
for where we should be in twenty years time.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Well, I one start about the lack of vision you
had when you were in government. Talk to me about that, Vie. No, no, no, absolutely,
I meant that sincerely and in all honesty. Talk to
me about you.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Need to fit for a better world. Did you see
what we were attempting to do with the industry, to
carry it out and reach out and put that in place.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
You would have killed it off. Now, what about what
do you make about today's big news story, Open Country
Dairy acquiring Miraka.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
Had a little surprising and I guess for Marie acrob business,
miracle was seen as a bit of a jewel. They
had gone out, worked with Marie farmers and others, partnership
with Vietnamese and while I'm not familiar with the details
of it, I guess it's one more play that open country,
(10:20):
you know. A couple of weeks ago. Of course they
made a big player as well, so they're certainly strengthening
their base across New Zealand and be interesting to see
what happens from here.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
You're not a fan of Fonterra selling its consumer brains.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
No, I think there was a very good article by
Sam Stubbs over the weekend which nailed it. I think
that it might be a good play for Fonterra and
its shareholders in the short term, certainly not a good
play for New Zealand and in the long term. I mean, well,
we'll just have to wait and see. I you know,
the fact that they can use the equity better well
at a time when farmers have pretty healthy income and
(10:58):
dairy another three point two billion or more going back
to them begs the question where will that go? And
someone say, oh, they'll pay down debt. I suspect it
will go into other areas, not all of it productive,
and I'm not sure it will secure the long term
future for future generations. Of course, that's what we have
to think about, you know, the generations ahead in the
(11:20):
dairy industry, not just shareholders at the moment I.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Was giving you a bit of stick about riding your
trail bike because I know you're a keen biker, off roader,
dirt biker, and I know you've been through Molesworth, and
I know you know Jim Ward Well I went to
school with him as well. Good bloke. He got the
don't come Monday from Palmu. What are your reckons going
on at Molesworth?
Speaker 4 (11:42):
Well, I think it's a play by nightahu to take
it over quite frankly, and you know, maybe they should
explain why I sitting. You had discussions with them. It's
not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be a
bit more transparent. I think doc have said they're going
to put the lease up for interested parties. The risk
is that, you know, it is an iconic location. It's
(12:03):
quite a fragile environment, a lot of wilding pines in there.
We spend a lot of money and I know that
Jim as manager, you know, provided the flexibility in that
program wilding pines. He has done for you know, tourism purposes.
He shuts the place up when necessary, and you know,
I know that irks a lot of people. I find
him an outstanding guy who has been always straight up
(12:27):
with me. I've known him for many, many years, and
I think that Palmus shafted him. And I think that
they need to be able to front up and say
what their intent is. And I understand the pressure on
some more long term experience managers around the country. A
bunch of shiny bums in Wellington making calls, some of
(12:47):
which are ridiculous, are impacting on the way that Palmu
is operating. Now it's come out with a good profit.
I'm sure Treasury will be happy, you know, and there
are some healthy prices for dairy and for me. At
the moment, they should be making good money. But doesn't
mean to say they shouldn't be an ethical employer and
be able to explain their long term strategy.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Just a final one. Because you were a former Minister
of Trade, you did good work to be fair in
that portfolio. Are Trump's tariffs illegal? The Federal Appeals Court
has ruled that Trump does not have the authority to
use emergency economic powers to impose taxes on imports. But
let's face it, Trump will just do what he wants,
won't he.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
I think he will. I don't think a legal ruling
more change match the issue really is the uncertainty and
the fact that you know, the stock markets are you know,
going up and down like a yo yo. Some people
are making billions of dollars over there in the US,
but ultimately there will be people losing billions as well.
And you know, all of uncertainty just creates opportunities for
(13:53):
the wealthy, puts more pressure on the poor in not
just the US, but around the world. Are people who
in the upon just making or growing things that are traded,
and so the disruption across the globe is not good
for any of us. I'm not sure that Trump will
care about or bide by the legal rulings. We'll just
(14:14):
have to wait and see you. I think many ever
thought that the US had a robust constitutional legal system,
but the ability of the president to president to override
that just quite astounding.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Damian O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson, Thanks for your time. Just
hold the line there, I'll get your address details for
your nomination for membership of the Otago Golf Club.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Live and hope the.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Best of the country with Rubbo back. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agribusiness experience Grow
with rubber Bag monthly.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Here on the country we catch up with the farm
strong farmer. They've always got a great story to tell.
Today's guest there's no exception. Her name is Amber Carpenter,
along with a husband, Fraser, the dairy and beef farmers
in South Auckland. Amber, I want to start with your story.
But pre your farming days, you had a career in fashion.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
I did, Yes, I used to be a buyer in
the fashion industry before becoming a full time dairy farmer.
I used to do both fashion and part time dairy farming.
I guess when we started Shaemilking, so I got the
best of both worlds.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
How did you turn up on the fashion catwalk if
you smelt a wee bit of the dairy shed. I'm
only joking there, Amber, But you obviously were good at
switching between codes. Yeah I was.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I think definitely. The people in my fashion life didn't
quite understand my farming life, so there was a lot
of interesting conversation. But yeah, I did. We lived and
farmed in Auckland, so I was able to have a
corporate career in the city that took me overseas and
then on my weekends or whenever I was home. I
was able to hurt Phraser on the farm as well,
so yeah, it was definitely a juggle, but there was
(15:53):
also pre kids, so it wasn't too bad.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
Tell me about your farming operation with your husband, Frazer.
Speaker 5 (15:59):
He's always a fifty sharemolkers here in Paparri. Moved South
Auckland borders northlaket Oh. We're on a three hundred and
twenty hectar farm two hundred effective hectares. We milk just
under five hundred cows and we split half and we've
got two beef blocks as well that are separate from
our dairy operation.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
I looked up your story on the farm Strong website
and they had some great stories there, but your one
was quite emotional. Really, you went through hell like a
lot of farmers did in twenty twenty three, but you
went one step further. Tell us about your Annis Horribilus.
Was that what the old queen said? I think it was.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Yeah, it was definitely one for the books and we
laugh about it now, but at the time it was.
It was quite challenging. But I think being able to
use the farm Strong five waist wellbeing and really having
a strong, farm strong mindset. It really did help us
get through. So we started off the year with a
burglary that, yeah, it was quite it was a lot.
(16:58):
They took pretty much everything that wasn't nailed down and
wasn't a big item of furniture, so they took absolutely
everything of sentimental value, any value. And then just I
think three days after that fact when Gabriel hit and
Auckland floods, and then I think it rained for the
rest of the year. So we're basically underwater for most
(17:19):
of twenty twenty three, which then puts pressure on the
farm having was really intense. Feed was hard to come by,
and we were just in knee deep mud for I
don't even remember how long. It's bit of a blur,
so anything past that, when it starts to rain, we're
quite happy that it wasn't twenty twenty three version.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Amber. I'm reading once again from the farm Strong story
on the website, and I encourage everyone to read it.
You talk about the burglary, you say they took everything
right down to my shoes, all our computers and hard drives.
They took our wet weather gear, all of our torches,
every piece of warm clothing possible. So when the Auckland
floods hit two days later, we were out moving stock
(18:01):
and T shirts and jandles. How soul destroying, Yeah it was.
Speaker 5 (18:07):
We cut well, yeah, we were. I think we were
laughing at the time because what I elked could you do?
Were our kids were out and they were cold, and
We're like, look, just run, that's all we can do.
We can just run to keep warm. We yeah, we
just had nothing. And because the cyclone and the floods
hit so quickly, we didn't really have a chance to
go out and regroup and get gear and get sheets
(18:31):
and powels. Our community rallied around us and dropped us
so much stuff food because I'd taken everything from the
freezers and the fridges. And yeah, the community support was amazing,
but you don't have time to stop. We had to
keep going. The farm is important, our animals well being
is most important. So we just had to get out
(18:53):
there and do it. And we just made a game
out of it for the kids and for us, And yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
You're right, we were emotionally exhausted, physically exhausted. And then
just after that I did my back and.
Speaker 5 (19:05):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, that definitely was one that might have
possibly tipped my husband over the edge a little bit.
He's very very understanding of my situations. But it was
Easter weekend, we house team, We're on leave. I was
meant to be feeding calves in milking. We had really
(19:28):
no support staff and all of a sudden I was bedridden.
I had done my back. I actually couldn't walk for
a good two weeks. Yeah, I don't recommend it at all,
So that resilience and just being able to get through
I felt terrible, but I couldn't. I couldn't do anything.
So it was making a plan, regrouping and just what
(19:48):
do we do and how can we how do we
get through this?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
And I guess at this time of the very stressful
time on a dairy farm with carving, you won't be
the only one out there who's done their back. And
let's just finish on this one. If you you could
picture just one farm strong skill to use on a
daily basis and the carpenter, what would it be.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
For me? It's definitely connection, especially through carving. So during carving,
it can be really easy to just kind of put
head down, bum up. But if you're not having that
connection on a regular basis, and that it may not
be every day. We prioritize getting out to the rugby
club and getting our kids through sport and playing our
(20:28):
own sport during calving because that gives us to connection
to the outside world. When you're having a really bad day,
just sitting down and having a chat to people about
maybe something different or even just Mulley Night thought's been
going on can make everything seem so much better and
can get you out of whatever kind of maybe slump
you might be in or give you a perspective about
(20:48):
what's going on. So connection for us is really important
during carving. And as much as it is really easy
to just sprints and repeat every day, go home, go
to bed, get up, fee calves milkhows, sometimes it's not
good for the soul as well. You need to get
out checked people.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Variety is the spice of life. And b Carpenter, I've
loved talking to you and I've loved your life story
and I'm glad things have come right for you and Fraser,
thanks for being the farm strong farmer this month.
Speaker 1 (21:16):
Great story, awesome, thank you, good to check you the
best of the Country with Rabobank Choose the Bank with
a huge network of progressive farming clients.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Rabobank Giddy and good morning New Zealand. I'm Jamie McKay.
You're listening to the best of the country here on
News Talk z'd be brought to you by Rabobank. We're
growing a better New Zealand together. It's the final countdown,
no more sleeps to go go the Stags at Rugby
(21:48):
Parking in the cargo this afternoon. Believe it or not.
On a past life, I spent sixteen years along with
mcgod mate Lee Piper as the screen team rugby commentary
team and what a lot of fun we had back
in the day. And of course tonight tonight we've got
the test to end all tests, certainly the best one
between Rugby World Cups spring Box up against the All
(22:10):
Blacks at Eden Park. Can they keep that fifty test
winning streak running? Up next Emma Higgins on the show,
We're going to wrap it with a It is a
bit of a footy theme today. Stephen Beaver Donald, Hey,
just a quick word from Rabobank. This is really good.
You don't even have to be a Rabobank client. They're
running succession planning workshops. Would you like to better understand
(22:31):
the process of passing on control and ownership of your
farming business well. Rabobank's free one day succession workshop will
improve your understanding of business transition and succession, giving you
the confidence to start and progress your farm succession plan.
To find out more about these free succession planning workshops,
(22:52):
head to the rabobank website rabobank dot co dot nz.
Speaking of which, Emma Higgins up next on the Best
of the Country, The Best.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Of the Country with Rabobank, the bank with local agribanking
experts passionate about the future of rural communities Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
It is hot off the press, so hot it's burning
my fingers and so hot. I haven't even had time
to read it thoroughly, but I'll wing it because that's
what you have to do with live radio. It is
the Rabobank September Agribusiness Report. One of the authors is
Emma Higgins, senior ag analyst, and Emma, I just want
to start before we talk about that, and we've already
(23:37):
talked to Richard Allen obviously from Fonterra. Are you surprised
by that big drop overnight?
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Not particularly just in the sense that right now, Jamie,
we're in a really critical part of the season, as
every farmer will know out there, whether it's theory or
whether it's actually what's technical in the sheep and beef space,
where you know, we're starting to hit our straps when
it comes to milk production, or we're starting to see
lambs drop on the ground, and weather is such a
(24:03):
critical situation. But also as part of that, overall supply
volumes are really critical for the GDT right now. So
what we've seen is volumes start to lift as what
normally happens at this stage, and it's testing demand a
little bit as we speak, so not super surprised. I
think that we're likely to see record production volumes this year.
(24:27):
I've been talking about this for a while. I think
we're likely to see growth of about two percent and
we're likely to have new records. So we'll just see
how things go in the short term. And going back
to my earlier weather comment, a lot of that two
percent forecast will be underpinned by the weather that may
or may not happen in the next sort of.
Speaker 5 (24:44):
Six weeks or so.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
Yes, And that's like trying to pick your nose, isn't it.
Very difficult. Well, actually, not picking your nose is easier
than picking the weather radio. When we look at the
commodity outlooks, we've kind of covered off dry. It's not unusual,
as we discussed with Richard Allen, to have season or
drops at this time of the year. One thing or
one segmental sector that seems to be defying gravity, as
(25:06):
beef soaring to new heights.
Speaker 6 (25:09):
Really is the scene there for beef, and look, it's
actually a similar situation for sheep. We can get to
that soon. But look, what we're seeing is a record
prices for this time of the year. It is great
news for our beef farmers. A lot of it comes
down to a supply story along with the demand story
that we've been talking about for a long time now
(25:29):
our of the US, but locally we've got less cattle
around and then globally it's a similar story as well.
So excellent news. And you know, the chances of elevated
prices continuing to hold are certainly quite found in the
short term. Again, we're waiting to see what happens in
the short term when it comes to weather, but things
(25:51):
are looking good on that front.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Is it ditto for sheep meat.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
Yeah, she meet is very interesting because we've seen the
average farm gate prices hit ten bucks for the first
time in August, that is forty percent higher than this
time last year. Similar around the drivers right, so we've
got tight supply of lambs, particularly with the challenges that
Suthman had this time last year, which has resulted in
(26:17):
a decline of over a million head of lamb, like
one point two million head of lamb short when it
comes to processing. So ultimately China are paying more over
the last quarter, which is great news, but it really
is at northern hemisphest three around strong demand coming from
the EU also the UK mixed with that type supplay.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
People can read your September agribusiness report on the website
rabobank dot co dot and said, but I just want
to touch on one more of your commodity outlooks, and
that is interested in exchange rates, particularly interest rates. I
was interested to hear Stephan Vogel out of your Australia
office last week saying or suggesting that Rabobank thinks the
(26:59):
zone one more cut coming to the ocr That's not
what the Reserve Bank signaled, Emma, No.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
It is a little bit different. But you know what,
we've we've always marched to our own beat in terms
of our forecast. We've for a long time talked about
perhaps the terminal rate sitting around that three percent mark
for a very long time. We're there now. We've had
multiple cuts already and that's the reason that we have
revised our forecast to expecting one more cut at the
(27:27):
November meeting. We've potentially got a lot of stimulus to
wash through the economy thanks to those rate cuts that
we've had so far. And then on top of that,
there's a lot of homeowners out there that are going
to be refixing, resetting their mortgages and the next six
months from July, so you know, hopefully consumers out there
(27:49):
New Zealand people out there will have slightly more cash
flow then maybe what's been suggested out there. So let's
hope that's the case. But we're pigging one more cut
in November.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Well, Emma Higgins, I hate to say this to your face,
but I hope you're wrong. I think the economy needs
an OCR at two and a half percent.
Speaker 6 (28:09):
And look, it's not the first time that they might
have been wrong as well. So look, we'll see when
we next catch up.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Emma Higgins always good the chat on the country.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Thanks so much, Jamie.
Speaker 1 (28:19):
The best of the Country with Rubbobank. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agri business experience.
Grow with Rubbobank.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Right, he's chomping at the bit to get on the
radio because he's riding around in Auckland somewhere in his
high lux gr sport from Toyota, the Monica Toyota brand
Ambassador Stephen Beaver Donald, what did you make of that team?
Speaker 7 (28:42):
Yeah, it's not one that I don't think many people
would have got leading into twelve o'clock today, But I
like it. I'm excited by it. It's you said, it's
got a bit of every spect I like the Ford pack.
I like what they've got on the bench too, So
now I think it's a team we can all get
excited about.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
As far as said day goes, do you think Raiser
was ever tempted to go with a six' two split
on the bench and to fuse the bomb squad that,
way because it looks like The South africans will do.
Speaker 7 (29:12):
That NOW i look as far as and this is
my person BUT i think so much is. Made it
was bomb, squad you, know and, yep it works for,
Them but there's no reason for us to go down that.
Route you've got to appreciate the style of football they.
Play you've also got to appreciate the athletes they've got
and of the athletes we've. Got and if you start
(29:34):
telling me the guys Like scott Ar, At Artie Savia,
whilse it's feeding in there can't go eighty minutes of
high level, MAN i think you're an, idiot you, know
to be honest of YOUR. I bomb squad works for,
them we don't need. IT i think it would be
a waste of our athletes to start going six to
two just because you, know there's this thing that works
(29:54):
For South. Africa we've got great backs that we have
the ability to add impact with and, versatility and that
might be something that we have over the rest of the.
World But, david we started doing six twos and seven One's,
JAMIE i would have big. Concern, well good on, You.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Beaver i've spoken like a true. Back we've got we
have got power on the. Bench when you consider To
Mighty williams And Terryrol lomax were effectively our first choice,
props so we're going to lose nothing by bringing them.
On but to be fair To, ethan To, grout Good
South london And fletcher and you'll they've been very.
Speaker 7 (30:27):
Good oh, yeah, Absolutely AND i think again going back
to your bomb squad, COMMENT i think when you look
at impact off the, bench you don't necessarily have to
think the greatest athletes or what have. You you can
think As South, africa but it's scrum penalties and what's
a drop's job really in those final twenty minutes of
(30:47):
Big test matches is to do his. Job it's not
to run eighty. Meters BUT i guess in the likes
OF tossi we're a little bit blessed of guys who
can do. Both but, yeah what a luxury to Have
lomax coming back and sitting on the. Bench and as
you've Mentioned nell and The, GROUT i think The grout's
had a almost a second. COMING i know his career
(31:09):
is probably young by the time it'll be all wrapped,
up but he's he's kicked, again which is great to.
See obviously a bit of a setback last, year which
you know he probably didn't foresee. Coming but he's kicked.
Again he's looking. Great And yu'll who's had a Wonderful
super rugby and now carrying on it at.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
International Can, Rico, Yuani Amoni naro And Will jordan diffuse
what's coming their, way i. E The pollard.
Speaker 7 (31:34):
Bombs of course they, can BUT i mean, AGAIN i
think what's been lost a little bit is there's so
much more TO i guess taking high walls than just to.
CATCH i mean at the end of the, day but
catches these days if you don't do your job up,
front which is kicked, pressure which is negating. Chases, legally
(31:57):
it becomes a fifty to fifty contest and squared a
fifty to fifty contest because it can go either. Way
So i've found a little. BIT i just got a
little bit tiredsome Of august carry on that it's just
about to. Catch it's not just about to catch when
it comes to the high, ball AND i mean an. Isolation, rico,
Well jordan and the morning At ahwa can easily do,
(32:20):
that but it's going to be whether or not they're
going to be up in the. Air With South africa
is also. Challenging and then AS i say, it then
it becomes a hand here or body idea and cage.
It so it's a full team thing now.
Speaker 2 (32:33):
And Jamie, Okay Rico. Juannie he's copped a lot of
criticism back in the day when he first started in
The All. BLACKS i thought he was going to be
our greatest. Wing ever he's taking his time to transition
back to the. Wing but he's a berg, strong powerful.
MAN i reckon he's.
Speaker 7 (32:49):
Due, yes. Absolutely rico's as OFTEN i, guess a bit
of a whipping boy and but a you know where he's. Laying,
jamie he's in the top seven backs in this country
without a shadow of a, doubt So i'm not surprised
(33:10):
that he's obviously. STARTING i was wondering whether before the
pressure on in this, game they would be tended to
put him back at thirteen because he's, defensively very, sound very.
QUICK i guess, laterally which you're going to have to
be at times On saturday night With Cheslyn colby and
the likes going around the back of, plays but he'll
(33:32):
be there and energy to, say he probably is due
one of those special. Performances and you know he's somebody
who when you look at him and you, know even
historically Through Super, rugby he doesn't shy away from, things you,
know and it's a massive challenge AND i guess you
know what you're going to get From. Rico he's not
(33:52):
going to die, wondering is?
Speaker 2 (33:53):
He On Saturday NIGHT i introduced you as a former
all black, broadcaster world's most famous White beata and of
course The Monaco Toyota Group, ambassador which includes your Beloved
Poka coe. Branch.
Speaker 7 (34:07):
Yeah, Absolutely i've gone on board presently With america To.
Group as you mentioned they have they have four stores
in the in the southern part Of auckland and the
branch has had a major major facelift and as she,
shifted so it's now right next to another beloved part
of my life and childhood And Poker Coo. Stadium so
(34:30):
great to be on board with. Them are funny and
Us JAMIE i got foreign a little bit of the
hospital pass is my first gig for her crew and
they had TO mc the opening the new the new
site In Poka Co so that was a that was
an experience to start, with but prevent its still here
as their, Ambassador.
Speaker 2 (34:49):
JAMIE i must have done something right well AS i said,
earlier you're driving the top of the Line sport high.
Lucks you, see because you AND i have got a
bit in, Common. Beaver we're both great former rugby. Player
as some people would argue, otherwise in my, case we're
Both toyota brand. Ambassadors And i'm a big And i'm
a big disciple of the food chain in, life AND
(35:10):
i you, know AND i quote the food chain all
the time here at. Work but even when it comes
To toyota brand, ambassadors some people are Not all animals are.
EQUAL i, MEAN i get the S r Five, cruiser
which is. Fantastic you're one step up with the Gr.
Sport but you Realize richie gets a Land. Cruiser, yeah,
WELL i.
Speaker 7 (35:30):
Mean where Does richie live? Now he's probably in the
middle Of, auckland does He.
Speaker 4 (35:33):
Or he's In.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
Monica oh that's, right that's.
Speaker 7 (35:37):
Right, well depending on how much off off off roading
he does with the. Family, Now i'm not sure he
needed the. Accident i'm lucky enough to have so Log
i'm very grateful for. MINE i GUESS i got. IT
i got a little bit. Wit we're not too, WEIRD
i must. Say On tuesday and putting in the boat
(35:58):
for the star of the white season up here and
on first. Day you know what it's, Like. Jamie you
always throw back to your catch on the first, day
which is good because there's only one white. Bait but
second day round not only did the white bait, come
But i'm strong believer at the G highluks help me get.
Speaker 2 (36:15):
Them good on. You you're a great, Brand Am. Besson
i'll let you carry on driving Around auckland and the
traffic jams and your Gr Highluks. Sport Hey, beaver thanks
for some of that some knowledge and giving us some
good advice on that All black side which has just been.
Speaker 7 (36:31):
NAMED i can't, wait, mate and, yeah just can't wait
to See Eden park On saturday night with the whole
country and behind. Them it's gonna it's gonna be. Special
and go The.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
Stags, ah you're going to back The. STAGS i love The.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
Stags, look they had to take it off my former.
Team but like AS i said on Our breakdown, SHOW
i love footy and we know that they'll be sold
Out Rugby park there in South and On saturday, afternoon
which will the most important game for people in The
South and area On saturday and the whole country behind,
(37:07):
them i'd, say apart from a very small part in Christ,
church hope they defend.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
It, yeah Well i've had the shield long. Enough let's keep.
It be good on you, Mate thank you very much
for joining us.
Speaker 7 (37:18):
Today all, Right jamie The best.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
Of The country With. Rabobank choose the bank with a
huge network of progressive farming. Clients Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Stephen donald wrapping The best of The. Country good. Morning
my Name's jamie. McKai the show's brought to you each
and Every saturday morning here On News. Talk si'd be By.
Rabobank we're growing a Better New zealand. Together what a
Great New. ZEALAND a beaver is fate intervened by the
coat by a coat of, paint SHOULD i? Say At
Eden park in twenty, eleven the bloke's been a dead
set legend ever. SINCE i hope you enjoy your. Weekend
(37:53):
i'm going to love seeing The stags Beat canterbury and
The All blacks beat the Spring. Box and if you're
working on the farms Of New, ZEALAND i know you're
flat out at the. Moment head, down bump, up please
try and take a wee bit of a, break have
a cup of, tea a, beer watch the, footy, whatever
just give yourself a bit of a. Break we'll catch you,
back same, time same, place Next saturday. Morning how good
is today going to? Be the one thing that.
Speaker 8 (40:00):
It's the final, countdown the final, countdown the final. Countdown
(40:24):
it's the
The best of the country with Rabobank. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agribusiness experience, Grow
with Rubbobank.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Day and good morning New Zealand. I'm Jamie McKay. This
is the best of the country. It's brought to you
by Rabobank. We're growing a better New Zealand together. This
is Europe and the Final Countdown. It is the Final Countdown.
What a day of footy we've got in front of us.
My Southland Stags defending the log of Ward against Canterbury.
You don't need it in Christchurch, keep it in the
Deep South. And then the All Blacks of course fifty
(00:49):
test winning streak on the line tonight at Eden Park.
How good. Hey, We've got to get through the best
of the country first though. Mark de Latour kicks it off.
He is the chief executive of Open Country Dairy. They've
been on the acquisition trail. Big changes a foot in
the dairy industry in New Zealand. Damien O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson,
former Minister of Ag Him and I clash swords as
(01:12):
we do on occasions. A bit earlier in the week,
it was all in good humor, of course. Amber Carpenter
this was perhaps my favorite interview of the week. She's
this month's Farmstrong Farmer on the Country South Auckland Dairy
and beef Farmer, finalist in the twenty twenty four Dairy
Woman of the Year, and she shared her emotional story
of overcoming adversity. Emma Higgins from Rabobank and Stephen Beaver
(01:35):
Donald Here's a man with happy memories from eden Park Circa.
In fact, I can tell you the year twenty eleven.
I was there for that one as well. Oh, happy
days on a huge day for rugby in this country.
Back next with Mark Delatour. Open Country Dairy.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
The best of the country with Rabobank. Choose the bank
with a huge network of progressive farming clients Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
This was big news this morning. Open Country Dairy is
really on the acquisition trail at the moment, moves a
plenty in the dairy industry. Open Country has just announced
its finalized a deal to acquire one hundred percent of
Meraka in the Central North Island, Mauri owned dairy processing company.
(02:30):
Mark de Latour is the chief executive. What's next? You
can have a crack at Fonterra.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Good afternoon, Jamie. No, that might be a leap too
far for sure, but we're really excited. I mean it's
it's obviously come hot on the heels of our announcement
around purchasing Mataravelli milk a couple of weeks back, but
it wasn't doesn't feel that way to us, because you know,
(02:56):
matara Velli pretty much took us the better part of
nine or ten months to put together and this one's
happened quite quickly, actually, Jeremy. So you know, we've looked
at meat Aka.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
For quite a while and thought what a great spot.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Great location it's in and but in the opportunity came,
we couldn't not look at it.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
You've got plants and other Waikato, Wanganui, Manawatu obviously down
on Southland. This fills in the middle of the North
Island really nicely. You're missing a plant and I don't know, Mark,
let's just say in a little place like Dunsandal, I'm
flying a kite here.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
I'm pleading the fifth on that one, Jamie. No, but
you're right on the North Island. I mean, they'd take
it back to what we're talking about I think you're right.
I mean, if you look at that area between our
Wanganui site, which is a major site for us and
had two plants in the Waikato the meat Aka site,
which is located in Morcai near Tapo. I mean from
(03:59):
a I don't want to use the word strategy really,
but strategically it does make a lot of sense, lots
of efficiency around milk collection and anything of the milk
curve at the lower end of the season when we
can still gain a bit more efficiency through that whole
milk curve with our processing site. So, like I said,
we've we've looked at it for a little while and said, gosh,
(04:21):
that would be that would be a great location to
have and and and you know, when the opportunity came along,
would be silly not to look at it.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Well, this has all happened rather quickly, like basically in
the past couple of weeks. Were there other suitors. Did
Fonterra have a crack for instance?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Actually I'm not too sure about the details of that, Jamie.
I mean, I mean, we know we were talking to
the board of meat Ocre and and you're right, it
did happen reasonably quickly, not sure what the sale process
was from their end in total, But I mean in
this instance, we were the you know, one of our
strengths is we can and move quickly, and I guess
(05:03):
that was a that was a factor in their decision making.
So you were just happy to have secured the deal.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
So the Tally brothers sign off on it and deal's done.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yeah the cousins really, I guess, okay, but that's right.
So so that that's that's that's a good opportunity for us.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Begs the question why is me Raka selling? Is it
just too hard to be like a single site process
of these days in this country?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
I guess it is one of those industries, you know,
that where the margins are very slim and and if
you don't have a level of scale, it's it's very
very hard, right, So you know what we figured we're
not actually in the you know, one of the things
of the you know that I want the listeners to
take away I guess is we're not on the growth
(05:52):
for growth's sake in this Jamie. But if you don't
have some level of scale in this industry, it makes it.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Very very difficult.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
But because of the low margency, you need some volume
going through any need deficiency. So I think you know,
if you are a single site operator, it's always going
to be a hell of a lot harder to make
ends meet if you haven't got the opportunity to move
milk around and take those official mind.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
You, Tatoo is a single site operator. That's the most
successful cooperative in the country.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, they've they've they've they've
specialized really well, and they've they've picked their markets that
align with their size and scale, and I mean, I
think they're they're one out of the box for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Just finally, Fonterra is sitting at eighty percent or just
under the total milk supply that goes through their doors.
Where does this put open country? You're obviously a clear second,
But as any are you in double digits for instance,
because I'm looking at Sinlay, Westland, obviously, tatua O Lamb,
(06:56):
there's other players out there.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Yeah, I haven't got that those numbers in front of me.
I would estimate Jamie to take us around thirteen thirteen
and a half percent on I'd take yes, I will
need to do those numbers, but yeah, we're a clear
number two on that, and we still think of ourselves
as a small company. You know, we're a company that
started twenty one years ago now and no, no, try
(07:19):
to know our supplies by name. But like I said,
you know, there's a level of scale that has to
be at play in this industry to give everyone security,
you know, customer security and farmer supplies with their milk
checks as well.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Well. Congratulations the acquisitions. I don't know if they're going
to continue on, but two big ones in two weeks
Matara Valley Milk and now me Raka, chief executive of
Open Country Dairy. He's building an empire. Mark de Latour,
thanks for your time.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Banks Jammy cheers the best of the country with Rabobank,
the bank with local agri banking experts, passionate about the
future of rural communities. Rubbo Bank.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
It was good to catch up with this gentleman. Can
I call him that? On Friday night he turned up
at the Otago Golf Club for a bear Dn Edens's
new home sort of these days, Damien O'Connor and Damon,
I think I can convert you into a golfer and
to center right voter, you seem to fit like a
hand into a glove at our golf COLBM.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
You can live and hope, Jamie, But I got more
more common sense than that. And I don't have the time,
you know, spend on the golf course. I can see
how you can become addicted to it, but it takes
quite a bit of time.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Yeah, but you spend most of your time gallivanting around
the country on your trailbike.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
Well, no, a little bit on that, mainly in cars
and planes. And it is to get from a to B,
and it is to keep an eye on what's happening around.
I guess the benefit. And I traveled to the top
to bottom of the South Island last week just seeing
what is happening, talking to people, getting a mix of views,
and I guess, you know, wagging that back into the
(08:53):
political system. We're in a process of developing policies and
ideas to be a better government.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Damon, I reckon, I'll be an old man by the
time you and Joe Luxton get around to coming out
with some ag policy.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Well just wait and see. You just hold your breast
and you know you might be around. But coming up
with good innovative policy is really critical. I mean the
prime sectors are still at the heart of our economy,
but there's a lot of farmers out there saying we're
not quite sure where we're going. We've got great playouts
at the moment, you know, dairy and beef and you know,
(09:26):
pretty good for land, but there's a whole lot of
other sectors that are struggling, and there's still no vision
for where we should be in twenty years time.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Well, I one start about the lack of vision you
had when you were in government. Talk to me about that, Vie. No, no, no, absolutely,
I meant that sincerely and in all honesty. Talk to
me about you.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Need to fit for a better world. Did you see
what we were attempting to do with the industry, to
carry it out and reach out and put that in place.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
You would have killed it off. Now, what about what
do you make about today's big news story, Open Country
Dairy acquiring Miraka.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
Had a little surprising and I guess for Marie acrob business,
miracle was seen as a bit of a jewel. They
had gone out, worked with Marie farmers and others, partnership
with Vietnamese and while I'm not familiar with the details
of it, I guess it's one more play that open country,
(10:20):
you know. A couple of weeks ago. Of course they
made a big player as well, so they're certainly strengthening
their base across New Zealand and be interesting to see
what happens from here.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
You're not a fan of Fonterra selling its consumer brains.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
No, I think there was a very good article by
Sam Stubbs over the weekend which nailed it. I think
that it might be a good play for Fonterra and
its shareholders in the short term, certainly not a good
play for New Zealand and in the long term. I mean, well,
we'll just have to wait and see. I you know,
the fact that they can use the equity better well
at a time when farmers have pretty healthy income and
(10:58):
dairy another three point two billion or more going back
to them begs the question where will that go? And
someone say, oh, they'll pay down debt. I suspect it
will go into other areas, not all of it productive,
and I'm not sure it will secure the long term
future for future generations. Of course, that's what we have
to think about, you know, the generations ahead in the
(11:20):
dairy industry, not just shareholders at the moment I.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Was giving you a bit of stick about riding your
trail bike because I know you're a keen biker, off roader,
dirt biker, and I know you've been through Molesworth, and
I know you know Jim Ward Well I went to
school with him as well. Good bloke. He got the
don't come Monday from Palmu. What are your reckons going
on at Molesworth?
Speaker 4 (11:42):
Well, I think it's a play by nightahu to take
it over quite frankly, and you know, maybe they should
explain why I sitting. You had discussions with them. It's
not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be a
bit more transparent. I think doc have said they're going
to put the lease up for interested parties. The risk
is that, you know, it is an iconic location. It's
(12:03):
quite a fragile environment, a lot of wilding pines in there.
We spend a lot of money and I know that
Jim as manager, you know, provided the flexibility in that
program wilding pines. He has done for you know, tourism purposes.
He shuts the place up when necessary, and you know,
I know that irks a lot of people. I find
him an outstanding guy who has been always straight up
(12:27):
with me. I've known him for many, many years, and
I think that Palmus shafted him. And I think that
they need to be able to front up and say
what their intent is. And I understand the pressure on
some more long term experience managers around the country. A
bunch of shiny bums in Wellington making calls, some of
(12:47):
which are ridiculous, are impacting on the way that Palmu
is operating. Now it's come out with a good profit.
I'm sure Treasury will be happy, you know, and there
are some healthy prices for dairy and for me. At
the moment, they should be making good money. But doesn't
mean to say they shouldn't be an ethical employer and
be able to explain their long term strategy.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Just a final one. Because you were a former Minister
of Trade, you did good work to be fair in
that portfolio. Are Trump's tariffs illegal? The Federal Appeals Court
has ruled that Trump does not have the authority to
use emergency economic powers to impose taxes on imports. But
let's face it, Trump will just do what he wants,
won't he.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
I think he will. I don't think a legal ruling
more change match the issue really is the uncertainty and
the fact that you know, the stock markets are you know,
going up and down like a yo yo. Some people
are making billions of dollars over there in the US,
but ultimately there will be people losing billions as well.
And you know, all of uncertainty just creates opportunities for
(13:53):
the wealthy, puts more pressure on the poor in not
just the US, but around the world. Are people who
in the upon just making or growing things that are traded,
and so the disruption across the globe is not good
for any of us. I'm not sure that Trump will
care about or bide by the legal rulings. We'll just
(14:14):
have to wait and see you. I think many ever
thought that the US had a robust constitutional legal system,
but the ability of the president to president to override
that just quite astounding.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Damian O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson, Thanks for your time. Just
hold the line there, I'll get your address details for
your nomination for membership of the Otago Golf Club.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Live and hope the.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Best of the country with Rubbo back. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agribusiness experience Grow
with rubber Bag monthly.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Here on the country we catch up with the farm
strong farmer. They've always got a great story to tell.
Today's guest there's no exception. Her name is Amber Carpenter,
along with a husband, Fraser, the dairy and beef farmers
in South Auckland. Amber, I want to start with your story.
But pre your farming days, you had a career in fashion.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
I did, Yes, I used to be a buyer in
the fashion industry before becoming a full time dairy farmer.
I used to do both fashion and part time dairy farming.
I guess when we started Shaemilking, so I got the
best of both worlds.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
How did you turn up on the fashion catwalk if
you smelt a wee bit of the dairy shed. I'm
only joking there, Amber, But you obviously were good at
switching between codes. Yeah I was.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I think definitely. The people in my fashion life didn't
quite understand my farming life, so there was a lot
of interesting conversation. But yeah, I did. We lived and
farmed in Auckland, so I was able to have a
corporate career in the city that took me overseas and
then on my weekends or whenever I was home. I
was able to hurt Phraser on the farm as well,
so yeah, it was definitely a juggle, but there was
(15:53):
also pre kids, so it wasn't too bad.
Speaker 2 (15:55):
Tell me about your farming operation with your husband, Frazer.
Speaker 5 (15:59):
He's always a fifty sharemolkers here in Paparri. Moved South
Auckland borders northlaket Oh. We're on a three hundred and
twenty hectar farm two hundred effective hectares. We milk just
under five hundred cows and we split half and we've
got two beef blocks as well that are separate from
our dairy operation.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
I looked up your story on the farm Strong website
and they had some great stories there, but your one
was quite emotional. Really, you went through hell like a
lot of farmers did in twenty twenty three, but you
went one step further. Tell us about your Annis Horribilus.
Was that what the old queen said? I think it was.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Yeah, it was definitely one for the books and we
laugh about it now, but at the time it was.
It was quite challenging. But I think being able to
use the farm Strong five waist wellbeing and really having
a strong, farm strong mindset. It really did help us
get through. So we started off the year with a
burglary that, yeah, it was quite it was a lot.
(16:58):
They took pretty much everything that wasn't nailed down and
wasn't a big item of furniture, so they took absolutely
everything of sentimental value, any value. And then just I
think three days after that fact when Gabriel hit and
Auckland floods, and then I think it rained for the
rest of the year. So we're basically underwater for most
(17:19):
of twenty twenty three, which then puts pressure on the
farm having was really intense. Feed was hard to come by,
and we were just in knee deep mud for I
don't even remember how long. It's bit of a blur,
so anything past that, when it starts to rain, we're
quite happy that it wasn't twenty twenty three version.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Amber. I'm reading once again from the farm Strong story
on the website, and I encourage everyone to read it.
You talk about the burglary, you say they took everything
right down to my shoes, all our computers and hard drives.
They took our wet weather gear, all of our torches,
every piece of warm clothing possible. So when the Auckland
floods hit two days later, we were out moving stock
(18:01):
and T shirts and jandles. How soul destroying, Yeah it was.
Speaker 5 (18:07):
We cut well, yeah, we were. I think we were
laughing at the time because what I elked could you do?
Were our kids were out and they were cold, and
We're like, look, just run, that's all we can do.
We can just run to keep warm. We yeah, we
just had nothing. And because the cyclone and the floods
hit so quickly, we didn't really have a chance to
go out and regroup and get gear and get sheets
(18:31):
and powels. Our community rallied around us and dropped us
so much stuff food because I'd taken everything from the
freezers and the fridges. And yeah, the community support was amazing,
but you don't have time to stop. We had to
keep going. The farm is important, our animals well being
is most important. So we just had to get out
(18:53):
there and do it. And we just made a game
out of it for the kids and for us, And yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
You're right, we were emotionally exhausted, physically exhausted. And then
just after that I did my back and.
Speaker 5 (19:05):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, that definitely was one that might have
possibly tipped my husband over the edge a little bit.
He's very very understanding of my situations. But it was
Easter weekend, we house team, We're on leave. I was
meant to be feeding calves in milking. We had really
(19:28):
no support staff and all of a sudden I was bedridden.
I had done my back. I actually couldn't walk for
a good two weeks. Yeah, I don't recommend it at all,
So that resilience and just being able to get through
I felt terrible, but I couldn't. I couldn't do anything.
So it was making a plan, regrouping and just what
(19:48):
do we do and how can we how do we
get through this?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
And I guess at this time of the very stressful
time on a dairy farm with carving, you won't be
the only one out there who's done their back. And
let's just finish on this one. If you you could
picture just one farm strong skill to use on a
daily basis and the carpenter, what would it be.
Speaker 5 (20:08):
For me? It's definitely connection, especially through carving. So during carving,
it can be really easy to just kind of put
head down, bum up. But if you're not having that
connection on a regular basis, and that it may not
be every day. We prioritize getting out to the rugby
club and getting our kids through sport and playing our
(20:28):
own sport during calving because that gives us to connection
to the outside world. When you're having a really bad day,
just sitting down and having a chat to people about
maybe something different or even just Mulley Night thought's been
going on can make everything seem so much better and
can get you out of whatever kind of maybe slump
you might be in or give you a perspective about
(20:48):
what's going on. So connection for us is really important
during carving. And as much as it is really easy
to just sprints and repeat every day, go home, go
to bed, get up, fee calves milkhows, sometimes it's not
good for the soul as well. You need to get
out checked people.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Variety is the spice of life. And b Carpenter, I've
loved talking to you and I've loved your life story
and I'm glad things have come right for you and Fraser,
thanks for being the farm strong farmer this month.
Speaker 1 (21:16):
Great story, awesome, thank you, good to check you the
best of the Country with Rabobank Choose the Bank with
a huge network of progressive farming clients.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Rabobank Giddy and good morning New Zealand. I'm Jamie McKay.
You're listening to the best of the country here on
News Talk z'd be brought to you by Rabobank. We're
growing a better New Zealand together. It's the final countdown,
no more sleeps to go go the Stags at Rugby
(21:48):
Parking in the cargo this afternoon. Believe it or not.
On a past life, I spent sixteen years along with
mcgod mate Lee Piper as the screen team rugby commentary
team and what a lot of fun we had back
in the day. And of course tonight tonight we've got
the test to end all tests, certainly the best one
between Rugby World Cups spring Box up against the All
(22:10):
Blacks at Eden Park. Can they keep that fifty test
winning streak running? Up next Emma Higgins on the show,
We're going to wrap it with a It is a
bit of a footy theme today. Stephen Beaver Donald, Hey,
just a quick word from Rabobank. This is really good.
You don't even have to be a Rabobank client. They're
running succession planning workshops. Would you like to better understand
(22:31):
the process of passing on control and ownership of your
farming business well. Rabobank's free one day succession workshop will
improve your understanding of business transition and succession, giving you
the confidence to start and progress your farm succession plan.
To find out more about these free succession planning workshops,
(22:52):
head to the rabobank website rabobank dot co dot nz.
Speaking of which, Emma Higgins up next on the Best
of the Country, The Best.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Of the Country with Rabobank, the bank with local agribanking
experts passionate about the future of rural communities Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
It is hot off the press, so hot it's burning
my fingers and so hot. I haven't even had time
to read it thoroughly, but I'll wing it because that's
what you have to do with live radio. It is
the Rabobank September Agribusiness Report. One of the authors is
Emma Higgins, senior ag analyst, and Emma, I just want
to start before we talk about that, and we've already
(23:37):
talked to Richard Allen obviously from Fonterra. Are you surprised
by that big drop overnight?
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Not particularly just in the sense that right now, Jamie,
we're in a really critical part of the season, as
every farmer will know out there, whether it's theory or
whether it's actually what's technical in the sheep and beef space,
where you know, we're starting to hit our straps when
it comes to milk production, or we're starting to see
lambs drop on the ground, and weather is such a
(24:03):
critical situation. But also as part of that, overall supply
volumes are really critical for the GDT right now. So
what we've seen is volumes start to lift as what
normally happens at this stage, and it's testing demand a
little bit as we speak, so not super surprised. I
think that we're likely to see record production volumes this year.
(24:27):
I've been talking about this for a while. I think
we're likely to see growth of about two percent and
we're likely to have new records. So we'll just see
how things go in the short term. And going back
to my earlier weather comment, a lot of that two
percent forecast will be underpinned by the weather that may
or may not happen in the next sort of.
Speaker 5 (24:44):
Six weeks or so.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
Yes, And that's like trying to pick your nose, isn't it.
Very difficult. Well, actually, not picking your nose is easier
than picking the weather radio. When we look at the
commodity outlooks, we've kind of covered off dry. It's not unusual,
as we discussed with Richard Allen, to have season or
drops at this time of the year. One thing or
one segmental sector that seems to be defying gravity, as
(25:06):
beef soaring to new heights.
Speaker 6 (25:09):
Really is the scene there for beef, and look, it's
actually a similar situation for sheep. We can get to
that soon. But look, what we're seeing is a record
prices for this time of the year. It is great
news for our beef farmers. A lot of it comes
down to a supply story along with the demand story
that we've been talking about for a long time now
(25:29):
our of the US, but locally we've got less cattle
around and then globally it's a similar story as well.
So excellent news. And you know, the chances of elevated
prices continuing to hold are certainly quite found in the
short term. Again, we're waiting to see what happens in
the short term when it comes to weather, but things
(25:51):
are looking good on that front.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Is it ditto for sheep meat.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
Yeah, she meet is very interesting because we've seen the
average farm gate prices hit ten bucks for the first
time in August, that is forty percent higher than this
time last year. Similar around the drivers right, so we've
got tight supply of lambs, particularly with the challenges that
Suthman had this time last year, which has resulted in
(26:17):
a decline of over a million head of lamb, like
one point two million head of lamb short when it
comes to processing. So ultimately China are paying more over
the last quarter, which is great news, but it really
is at northern hemisphest three around strong demand coming from
the EU also the UK mixed with that type supplay.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
People can read your September agribusiness report on the website
rabobank dot co dot and said, but I just want
to touch on one more of your commodity outlooks, and
that is interested in exchange rates, particularly interest rates. I
was interested to hear Stephan Vogel out of your Australia
office last week saying or suggesting that Rabobank thinks the
(26:59):
zone one more cut coming to the ocr That's not
what the Reserve Bank signaled, Emma, No.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
It is a little bit different. But you know what,
we've we've always marched to our own beat in terms
of our forecast. We've for a long time talked about
perhaps the terminal rate sitting around that three percent mark
for a very long time. We're there now. We've had
multiple cuts already and that's the reason that we have
revised our forecast to expecting one more cut at the
(27:27):
November meeting. We've potentially got a lot of stimulus to
wash through the economy thanks to those rate cuts that
we've had so far. And then on top of that,
there's a lot of homeowners out there that are going
to be refixing, resetting their mortgages and the next six
months from July, so you know, hopefully consumers out there
(27:49):
New Zealand people out there will have slightly more cash
flow then maybe what's been suggested out there. So let's
hope that's the case. But we're pigging one more cut
in November.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Well, Emma Higgins, I hate to say this to your face,
but I hope you're wrong. I think the economy needs
an OCR at two and a half percent.
Speaker 6 (28:09):
And look, it's not the first time that they might
have been wrong as well. So look, we'll see when
we next catch up.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Emma Higgins always good the chat on the country.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Thanks so much, Jamie.
Speaker 1 (28:19):
The best of the Country with Rubbobank. Choose the bank
with one hundred and twenty years global agri business experience.
Grow with Rubbobank.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Right, he's chomping at the bit to get on the
radio because he's riding around in Auckland somewhere in his
high lux gr sport from Toyota, the Monica Toyota brand
Ambassador Stephen Beaver Donald, what did you make of that team?
Speaker 7 (28:42):
Yeah, it's not one that I don't think many people
would have got leading into twelve o'clock today, But I
like it. I'm excited by it. It's you said, it's
got a bit of every spect I like the Ford pack.
I like what they've got on the bench too, So
now I think it's a team we can all get
excited about.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
As far as said day goes, do you think Raiser
was ever tempted to go with a six' two split
on the bench and to fuse the bomb squad that,
way because it looks like The South africans will do.
Speaker 7 (29:12):
That NOW i look as far as and this is
my person BUT i think so much is. Made it
was bomb, squad you, know and, yep it works for,
Them but there's no reason for us to go down that.
Route you've got to appreciate the style of football they.
Play you've also got to appreciate the athletes they've got
and of the athletes we've. Got and if you start
(29:34):
telling me the guys Like scott Ar, At Artie Savia,
whilse it's feeding in there can't go eighty minutes of
high level, MAN i think you're an, idiot you, know
to be honest of YOUR. I bomb squad works for,
them we don't need. IT i think it would be
a waste of our athletes to start going six to
two just because you, know there's this thing that works
(29:54):
For South. Africa we've got great backs that we have
the ability to add impact with and, versatility and that
might be something that we have over the rest of the.
World But, david we started doing six twos and seven One's,
JAMIE i would have big. Concern, well good on, You.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Beaver i've spoken like a true. Back we've got we
have got power on the. Bench when you consider To
Mighty williams And Terryrol lomax were effectively our first choice,
props so we're going to lose nothing by bringing them.
On but to be fair To, ethan To, grout Good
South london And fletcher and you'll they've been very.
Speaker 7 (30:27):
Good oh, yeah, Absolutely AND i think again going back
to your bomb squad, COMMENT i think when you look
at impact off the, bench you don't necessarily have to
think the greatest athletes or what have. You you can
think As South, africa but it's scrum penalties and what's
a drop's job really in those final twenty minutes of
(30:47):
Big test matches is to do his. Job it's not
to run eighty. Meters BUT i guess in the likes
OF tossi we're a little bit blessed of guys who
can do. Both but, yeah what a luxury to Have
lomax coming back and sitting on the. Bench and as
you've Mentioned nell and The, GROUT i think The grout's
had a almost a second. COMING i know his career
(31:09):
is probably young by the time it'll be all wrapped,
up but he's he's kicked, again which is great to.
See obviously a bit of a setback last, year which
you know he probably didn't foresee. Coming but he's kicked.
Again he's looking. Great And yu'll who's had a Wonderful
super rugby and now carrying on it at.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
International Can, Rico, Yuani Amoni naro And Will jordan diffuse
what's coming their, way i. E The pollard.
Speaker 7 (31:34):
Bombs of course they, can BUT i mean, AGAIN i
think what's been lost a little bit is there's so
much more TO i guess taking high walls than just to.
CATCH i mean at the end of the, day but
catches these days if you don't do your job up,
front which is kicked, pressure which is negating. Chases, legally
(31:57):
it becomes a fifty to fifty contest and squared a
fifty to fifty contest because it can go either. Way
So i've found a little. BIT i just got a
little bit tiredsome Of august carry on that it's just
about to. Catch it's not just about to catch when
it comes to the high, ball AND i mean an. Isolation, rico,
Well jordan and the morning At ahwa can easily do,
(32:20):
that but it's going to be whether or not they're
going to be up in the. Air With South africa
is also. Challenging and then AS i say, it then
it becomes a hand here or body idea and cage.
It so it's a full team thing now.
Speaker 2 (32:33):
And Jamie, Okay Rico. Juannie he's copped a lot of
criticism back in the day when he first started in
The All. BLACKS i thought he was going to be
our greatest. Wing ever he's taking his time to transition
back to the. Wing but he's a berg, strong powerful.
MAN i reckon he's.
Speaker 7 (32:49):
Due, yes. Absolutely rico's as OFTEN i, guess a bit
of a whipping boy and but a you know where he's. Laying,
jamie he's in the top seven backs in this country
without a shadow of a, doubt So i'm not surprised
(33:10):
that he's obviously. STARTING i was wondering whether before the
pressure on in this, game they would be tended to
put him back at thirteen because he's, defensively very, sound very.
QUICK i guess, laterally which you're going to have to
be at times On saturday night With Cheslyn colby and
the likes going around the back of, plays but he'll
(33:32):
be there and energy to, say he probably is due
one of those special. Performances and you know he's somebody
who when you look at him and you, know even
historically Through Super, rugby he doesn't shy away from, things you,
know and it's a massive challenge AND i guess you
know what you're going to get From. Rico he's not
(33:52):
going to die, wondering is?
Speaker 2 (33:53):
He On Saturday NIGHT i introduced you as a former
all black, broadcaster world's most famous White beata and of
course The Monaco Toyota Group, ambassador which includes your Beloved
Poka coe. Branch.
Speaker 7 (34:07):
Yeah, Absolutely i've gone on board presently With america To.
Group as you mentioned they have they have four stores
in the in the southern part Of auckland and the
branch has had a major major facelift and as she,
shifted so it's now right next to another beloved part
of my life and childhood And Poker Coo. Stadium so
(34:30):
great to be on board with. Them are funny and
Us JAMIE i got foreign a little bit of the
hospital pass is my first gig for her crew and
they had TO mc the opening the new the new
site In Poka Co so that was a that was
an experience to start, with but prevent its still here
as their, Ambassador.
Speaker 2 (34:49):
JAMIE i must have done something right well AS i said,
earlier you're driving the top of the Line sport high.
Lucks you, see because you AND i have got a
bit in, Common. Beaver we're both great former rugby. Player
as some people would argue, otherwise in my, case we're
Both toyota brand. Ambassadors And i'm a big And i'm
a big disciple of the food chain in, life AND
(35:10):
i you, know AND i quote the food chain all
the time here at. Work but even when it comes
To toyota brand, ambassadors some people are Not all animals are.
EQUAL i, MEAN i get the S r Five, cruiser
which is. Fantastic you're one step up with the Gr.
Sport but you Realize richie gets a Land. Cruiser, yeah,
WELL i.
Speaker 7 (35:30):
Mean where Does richie live? Now he's probably in the
middle Of, auckland does He.
Speaker 4 (35:33):
Or he's In.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
Monica oh that's, right that's.
Speaker 7 (35:37):
Right, well depending on how much off off off roading
he does with the. Family, Now i'm not sure he
needed the. Accident i'm lucky enough to have so Log
i'm very grateful for. MINE i GUESS i got. IT
i got a little bit. Wit we're not too, WEIRD
i must. Say On tuesday and putting in the boat
(35:58):
for the star of the white season up here and
on first. Day you know what it's, Like. Jamie you
always throw back to your catch on the first, day
which is good because there's only one white. Bait but
second day round not only did the white bait, come
But i'm strong believer at the G highluks help me get.
Speaker 2 (36:15):
Them good on. You you're a great, Brand Am. Besson
i'll let you carry on driving Around auckland and the
traffic jams and your Gr Highluks. Sport Hey, beaver thanks
for some of that some knowledge and giving us some
good advice on that All black side which has just been.
Speaker 7 (36:31):
NAMED i can't, wait, mate and, yeah just can't wait
to See Eden park On saturday night with the whole
country and behind. Them it's gonna it's gonna be. Special
and go The.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
Stags, ah you're going to back The. STAGS i love The.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
Stags, look they had to take it off my former.
Team but like AS i said on Our breakdown, SHOW
i love footy and we know that they'll be sold
Out Rugby park there in South and On saturday, afternoon
which will the most important game for people in The
South and area On saturday and the whole country behind,
(37:07):
them i'd, say apart from a very small part in Christ,
church hope they defend.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
It, yeah Well i've had the shield long. Enough let's keep.
It be good on you, Mate thank you very much
for joining us.
Speaker 7 (37:18):
Today all, Right jamie The best.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
Of The country With. Rabobank choose the bank with a
huge network of progressive farming. Clients Rabobank.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
Stephen donald wrapping The best of The. Country good. Morning
my Name's jamie. McKai the show's brought to you each
and Every saturday morning here On News. Talk si'd be By.
Rabobank we're growing a Better New zealand. Together what a
Great New. ZEALAND a beaver is fate intervened by the
coat by a coat of, paint SHOULD i? Say At
Eden park in twenty, eleven the bloke's been a dead
set legend ever. SINCE i hope you enjoy your. Weekend
(37:53):
i'm going to love seeing The stags Beat canterbury and
The All blacks beat the Spring. Box and if you're
working on the farms Of New, ZEALAND i know you're
flat out at the. Moment head, down bump, up please
try and take a wee bit of a, break have
a cup of, tea a, beer watch the, footy, whatever
just give yourself a bit of a. Break we'll catch you,
back same, time same, place Next saturday. Morning how good
is today going to? Be the one thing that.
Speaker 8 (40:00):
It's the final, countdown the final, countdown the final. Countdown
(40:24):
it's the
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