May 11, 2025 • 8 mins
Today’s farmer/politician panel ponders the methane survey conducted by Groundswell, NZ Farming and the Methane Science Accord. And has the government got it wrong or right when it comes to pay equity?
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Today's Farmer Politician Panel. Grant McCullum, National MP for Northland
and Andrew Hogart, of course former President of Federated Farmers
these days Associate AG and Minister for BO Security and
act MP and we'll talk about acting national and ask
if they are the new Pakistan and India and just
a tick. But Grant, can I just start with you?
(00:22):
Have you seen the results of the Groundswell methane science
are called ENZ farming survey. Ninety five percent of farmers
are rejecting or slamming methane madness.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Now, now how scientific was this survey? Jamie? I just wonder,
I mean, I just speact. They've been asking all their
own echo chamber what they think, and I could have
probably predicted that's what they'd say. And I think it's
very sad because you've got to have a sensible discussion
about this stuff, not just not just focus on talking
to yourselves. You need to take the bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Okay, Well, to be fair, I would expect these results
from groundswale supporters and from methane Science Accord supporters. But
to be fair, Andrew Hoggard to NZ Farming the Facebook page,
they've got a huge following. They may perhaps I don't know,
be a bit more centrist than the other two groups.
It is a bit of a kick in the pants
(01:17):
for what the government's doing around methane.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Well, I mean, look, there's been a response and I think,
you know, you've got to take into account what people
have to say. And I know there's a lot of
concern from farmers around what this all might be. I
think key things people need to think about are you know,
actually there's all this stuff happening, but what actually affects
me on farm? And so we're looking at things like
(01:42):
making sure the target is correct and quite frankly, if
we get the correct science target in there, and what
actually changes on farm, I would say, based on my
under scene what that report said last year, actually we're
well on track. Nothing changes on farm. Everything's so in
day to day cents, you know, if we get that
(02:04):
target right, nothing's going to happen, no changes.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
You might not like hearing people talk about it, but
who cares?
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah, But hang on, let's just look at some of
these numbers, some of these key findings. Ninety three percent
Andrew Hoggard of the farmers that responded to this pole,
albeit perhaps unscientific, refuse to use methane inhibitors on their animals.
Eighty eight percent wouldn't eat meat or dairy from treated stock.
Could that be an issue off shore as we market
(02:33):
our clean green.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Products, Well, that'll be people's choice, and my argument would be, well,
let's make sure the market Besides, so you know, if
someone comes to me and says, look, if you use
this vaccine, you know, we'll pay an extra ten cents
for your milk, hete sweet as I'll be. I'll look
at doing that unless the vaccine's going to cost me
(02:54):
a shitload more than that, in which case I won't.
If they say, hey, if you put these ballases in,
well Jesus is going to have to be several bucks
worth to put bosses because it's a bloody job I
absolutely hate doing. And so you know, let's rather than
us having big arguments on Facebook or in the media,
just leave it to the market. Market's pretty good at
(03:15):
deciding these things.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
Well, they're good at driving farmer behavior and business behavior.
I do agree with that, Grant, do you and the
NAT's risk alienating the farmer vote because you've already got
Winston saying he wants out of Paris, and you know
Andrew want admit it, but I think David Seymour was
going to go that way as well.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, I think John, I think that approach is very
responsible because ultimately, we as a trading nation rely on
our reputation. I was sticking to what we say we're
going to do when it comes as deals we sign,
and if science changes or things change, then sure, let's
renegotiate and reapproach things. I think that's smart. But we
(03:53):
have to remember we trade on our reputation. And if
the market, if the deals we sign will like the
UK and Europe for example, require us to meet these
certain standards environmentally and also so we can sell our
products and trade, then that's what we have to do.
If we see it. If science moves, which Andrew indicated,
(04:14):
then we have to be prepared to relook at it
and then make our case. That's what we do as
a responsible country. Otherwise we just pull out of agreements.
Will suddenly find, as was alluded to me, the payout
we'll go from ten dollars to somewhere near a five,
and people just need to reflect on that. Customers will
drive this because part of those customers of the countries
(04:36):
who trade with.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Andrew is a former president of Federated Farmers Groundswell, saying
in fact that the accord of the three of them
Groundswell and Z Farming and Methane Science accord as saying
Beef and Lamb are New zealandiryan Z and Federated Farmers
are not representing the majority view on this issue.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Well, I have no idea what has been discussed with
between Brian Z and Fred Farmers and Beef and Lamb
on this topic, because that's all been handled by Minister
McQuay and Minister Watts. So I can't tell you whether
they're arguing for or against because I haven't been involved
in those discussions. I you know I know both, or
(05:22):
you know I can speak solely from Freed's point Previously,
from Freed's point of viewers, I always said what I
thought in those meetings and no one was left in
any uncertain terms as to what my thoughts on the
subject were. So I'm assuming Wayne's folkwing in that footsteps.
I would hope.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I remember. I still remember your face the day you
had to sit up on the stage with Josina around. Heywalker, KNOA,
that was priceless. Okay, let's just sorry, Graun Jamie.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
One other thing I'd just like to say on the
Saturday night, I wasn't to wrong at the dairy industry
of wards right, and that roots overset. Tons of people
in there, the farming leaders, people righting their businesses, doing
amazing things. It's just inspirational being in that room. These
are people that get the big picture. They're out there
running really good business. They understand we are part of
(06:14):
a bigger picture and they want to run successful businesses.
They just want the rules to be fair, which is
what we're focused on doing for them and and that's
what will deliver the good results and provide a certainty
for our industry going forward.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And you sound like you're happy to be the MP
for tarang Hey, look, I haven't got time to talk
about act and national being the new Pakistan and India
over social media. No, but but I just want to
finish on pay equity or the pay equity overhaul. Is
this Grant McCullum overdew or over egged by U nats.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
No, actually this is actually this is a complete failure
of the last government that those of these pay equity
claims came in under their watch, they did actually nothing
with them. We got left for the situation where you
had where you had the where the unions were using
it as a backdoor way to actually negotiate the pay
writers treat of bargaining, and that was a real problem.
(07:12):
So what we've all we've done is made sure that
actually you're not going to go start right comparing admin
workers with engineers. When you try and get that right.
Pay equity is still there, you can still apply pay
of quality is absolutely has not changed. And I think
that's what we've got to remember. We're just trying to
get the balance right so that the we and so
we can respect all the people involved in and the
(07:34):
hard working women out there who do a great job.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Okay, Andrew Hoggard, final word from you. Has the coalition
government alienated half of the voting population. You need to
get your messaging right on this because I can tell
you it's going down like a cup of cold sick
with my greeny sisters.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Look all i'd say, adding on to what Granted said,
you know, totally on board with what he had said.
The other thing is this was going to end up
in a situation where effectively the government, the taxpayer was
going to end up paying up, you know, having to
pay extra private businesses to list their wages and you know,
(08:10):
still one hundred percent there if any of my daughters
get a job in any sector that they won't get
treated any differently in that sector to a male if
they're doing exactly the same job, to the same standard
and meeting the same KPIs. The previous system was just
absolute unionists type rubbish that didn't reflect market demand for
(08:32):
certain jobs.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
There we go got to go okay, that is Imran
Kahn McCullum and Capel dev Hoguard from the Country Sea
Boys
Today's Farmer Politician Panel. Grant McCullum, National MP for Northland
and Andrew Hogart, of course former President of Federated Farmers
these days Associate AG and Minister for BO Security and
act MP and we'll talk about acting national and ask
if they are the new Pakistan and India and just
a tick. But Grant, can I just start with you?
(00:22):
Have you seen the results of the Groundswell methane science
are called ENZ farming survey. Ninety five percent of farmers
are rejecting or slamming methane madness.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Now, now how scientific was this survey? Jamie? I just wonder,
I mean, I just speact. They've been asking all their
own echo chamber what they think, and I could have
probably predicted that's what they'd say. And I think it's
very sad because you've got to have a sensible discussion
about this stuff, not just not just focus on talking
to yourselves. You need to take the bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Okay, Well, to be fair, I would expect these results
from groundswale supporters and from methane Science Accord supporters. But
to be fair, Andrew Hoggard to NZ Farming the Facebook page,
they've got a huge following. They may perhaps I don't know,
be a bit more centrist than the other two groups.
It is a bit of a kick in the pants
(01:17):
for what the government's doing around methane.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Well, I mean, look, there's been a response and I think,
you know, you've got to take into account what people
have to say. And I know there's a lot of
concern from farmers around what this all might be. I
think key things people need to think about are you know,
actually there's all this stuff happening, but what actually affects
me on farm? And so we're looking at things like
(01:42):
making sure the target is correct and quite frankly, if
we get the correct science target in there, and what
actually changes on farm, I would say, based on my
under scene what that report said last year, actually we're
well on track. Nothing changes on farm. Everything's so in
day to day cents, you know, if we get that
(02:04):
target right, nothing's going to happen, no changes.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
You might not like hearing people talk about it, but
who cares?
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah, But hang on, let's just look at some of
these numbers, some of these key findings. Ninety three percent
Andrew Hoggard of the farmers that responded to this pole,
albeit perhaps unscientific, refuse to use methane inhibitors on their animals.
Eighty eight percent wouldn't eat meat or dairy from treated stock.
Could that be an issue off shore as we market
(02:33):
our clean green.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Products, Well, that'll be people's choice, and my argument would be, well,
let's make sure the market Besides, so you know, if
someone comes to me and says, look, if you use
this vaccine, you know, we'll pay an extra ten cents
for your milk, hete sweet as I'll be. I'll look
at doing that unless the vaccine's going to cost me
(02:54):
a shitload more than that, in which case I won't.
If they say, hey, if you put these ballases in,
well Jesus is going to have to be several bucks
worth to put bosses because it's a bloody job I
absolutely hate doing. And so you know, let's rather than
us having big arguments on Facebook or in the media,
just leave it to the market. Market's pretty good at
(03:15):
deciding these things.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
Well, they're good at driving farmer behavior and business behavior.
I do agree with that, Grant, do you and the
NAT's risk alienating the farmer vote because you've already got
Winston saying he wants out of Paris, and you know
Andrew want admit it, but I think David Seymour was
going to go that way as well.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, I think John, I think that approach is very
responsible because ultimately, we as a trading nation rely on
our reputation. I was sticking to what we say we're
going to do when it comes as deals we sign,
and if science changes or things change, then sure, let's
renegotiate and reapproach things. I think that's smart. But we
(03:53):
have to remember we trade on our reputation. And if
the market, if the deals we sign will like the
UK and Europe for example, require us to meet these
certain standards environmentally and also so we can sell our
products and trade, then that's what we have to do.
If we see it. If science moves, which Andrew indicated,
(04:14):
then we have to be prepared to relook at it
and then make our case. That's what we do as
a responsible country. Otherwise we just pull out of agreements.
Will suddenly find, as was alluded to me, the payout
we'll go from ten dollars to somewhere near a five,
and people just need to reflect on that. Customers will
drive this because part of those customers of the countries
(04:36):
who trade with.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Andrew is a former president of Federated Farmers Groundswell, saying
in fact that the accord of the three of them
Groundswell and Z Farming and Methane Science accord as saying
Beef and Lamb are New zealandiryan Z and Federated Farmers
are not representing the majority view on this issue.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Well, I have no idea what has been discussed with
between Brian Z and Fred Farmers and Beef and Lamb
on this topic, because that's all been handled by Minister
McQuay and Minister Watts. So I can't tell you whether
they're arguing for or against because I haven't been involved
in those discussions. I you know I know both, or
(05:22):
you know I can speak solely from Freed's point Previously,
from Freed's point of viewers, I always said what I
thought in those meetings and no one was left in
any uncertain terms as to what my thoughts on the
subject were. So I'm assuming Wayne's folkwing in that footsteps.
I would hope.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I remember. I still remember your face the day you
had to sit up on the stage with Josina around. Heywalker, KNOA,
that was priceless. Okay, let's just sorry, Graun Jamie.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
One other thing I'd just like to say on the
Saturday night, I wasn't to wrong at the dairy industry
of wards right, and that roots overset. Tons of people
in there, the farming leaders, people righting their businesses, doing
amazing things. It's just inspirational being in that room. These
are people that get the big picture. They're out there
running really good business. They understand we are part of
(06:14):
a bigger picture and they want to run successful businesses.
They just want the rules to be fair, which is
what we're focused on doing for them and and that's
what will deliver the good results and provide a certainty
for our industry going forward.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And you sound like you're happy to be the MP
for tarang Hey, look, I haven't got time to talk
about act and national being the new Pakistan and India
over social media. No, but but I just want to
finish on pay equity or the pay equity overhaul. Is
this Grant McCullum overdew or over egged by U nats.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
No, actually this is actually this is a complete failure
of the last government that those of these pay equity
claims came in under their watch, they did actually nothing
with them. We got left for the situation where you
had where you had the where the unions were using
it as a backdoor way to actually negotiate the pay
writers treat of bargaining, and that was a real problem.
(07:12):
So what we've all we've done is made sure that
actually you're not going to go start right comparing admin
workers with engineers. When you try and get that right.
Pay equity is still there, you can still apply pay
of quality is absolutely has not changed. And I think
that's what we've got to remember. We're just trying to
get the balance right so that the we and so
we can respect all the people involved in and the
(07:34):
hard working women out there who do a great job.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Okay, Andrew Hoggard, final word from you. Has the coalition
government alienated half of the voting population. You need to
get your messaging right on this because I can tell
you it's going down like a cup of cold sick
with my greeny sisters.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Look all i'd say, adding on to what Granted said,
you know, totally on board with what he had said.
The other thing is this was going to end up
in a situation where effectively the government, the taxpayer was
going to end up paying up, you know, having to
pay extra private businesses to list their wages and you know,
(08:10):
still one hundred percent there if any of my daughters
get a job in any sector that they won't get
treated any differently in that sector to a male if
they're doing exactly the same job, to the same standard
and meeting the same KPIs. The previous system was just
absolute unionists type rubbish that didn't reflect market demand for
(08:32):
certain jobs.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
There we go got to go okay, that is Imran
Kahn McCullum and Capel dev Hoguard from the Country Sea
Boys
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