July 12, 2026 • 9 mins
Today’s farmer-politician panel ponders Modi’s visit, the India FTA and Winston’s concerns over the $20 billion “cover-up”, the Greens’ Ag and fertiliser policy, Blueberry-gate, and why rugby is a young man’s game!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Poor some sugar on me, baby.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
That's not what Grant McCullum was saying after the Parliamentary
rugby game and Russell he was saying, pour some cold
water on me, or pause or put some liniment on me. Grant,
don't you think you're a bit old to be playing rugby?
Have you had your knee surgery yet?
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Yes, it's probably the first question and the second turns
of the agent. Secondly, no, I beg sitting there. It
was already a bit dodgy, just got a bit worse
after that effort. But yeah, look lowards for a great cause. Mate,
you raised fifty odd grand for a couple of great
sporting trusts out there. But yeah, it was an interesting
weekend and a lot of fun. And yes the ribbing
has continued.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Whips that was much Well.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
He's got broken ribs. I heard Andrew's Saville talking to
the Husk this morning talking about his injuries. I'm surprised
sav fronted up, but no doubt anchoring the scrum for
the Parliamentary rugby team would be our other farmer politician today,
Minister of Biosecurity Associate ag Minister Andrew Hoggart, how did
you pull up after the game, Andrew.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
No, I didn't play, mate. I've been having enough problems
this year, put my back out every time I picked
a pinup. So no, I'm hanging up the boots for good.
Quite frankly, I look being free to move.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, what loss of the game matters? Now?
Speaker 2 (01:18):
I see winstant the old buggers getting stuck into McLay
and Luckson. He's calling it now the twenty billion.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Dollar cover up.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
One at a time, boys, Okay, Andrew, away, you go.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Well, christ the wives back Patterson going on a ministerial
trip to India to the benefits of New Zealand wool
now that we've got a terrace reduction on it. So look,
I think this is there's a huge amount of benefit
for this deal for a number of New Zealand agricultural enterprises.
I wish it could have been dairy, but hey, we
(01:53):
know it's particularly troublesome for India, but you know we've
got great excess. Yeah, I think this is a bit
over the top, quite frankly.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's grant. It's plainly politicking an election year by Winston
because this twenty billion dollars. Well, let's answer this question.
Is it a commitment or is it an aspirational number.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It's an aspirational number, and the Indians have said as much.
They've said the same thing. I just think it is
so irresponsible of Winston Peters and jill On First to
run around bagging this agreement when you look at the
benefit trade has given this country and India one of
the fastest gray economies in the world. One point four
billion people, hundreds of millions come into the middle class,
(02:39):
and they don't want to do business with them. Oh
but hold on, as it's just highlighted by to Andrew,
which Mark Patterson has shot off there. I've seen this
press release to go and talk about well, no mention
the free trade agreement, the fact that's going to make
his job easier, be interesting discussions when he gets old.
They're chatting away to the various ministers and people about
what his leaders saying.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, well, Andrew, I made the comment a wee bit earlier.
It may have been earl informed. I don't know, But
why wouldn't big New Zealand agg and tech companies and
I think of Fonterra, Silver, Fern Farms, Halter and all
these sorts of outfits. Why wouldn't they invest in a
marketplace with one point four billion and counting people?
Speaker 4 (03:20):
Well, I mean, for on the dairy side, you'd obviously
want some excess in return. Obviously there might be some
future potentials there through some of the formula exports as
for Halter th less, not forget the average Indian dairy
herds only two cows, so there's probably other markets they
(03:40):
want to go to.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
It might be a bit over the top having what
a collar on your cow ones too in the backyard.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Is that what you're saying?
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Yeah, okay, pretty much.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yeah, well maybe it was an informed commentary by me.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So look, there's certainly benefits to New Zealand. Every time
we have a trade deal, there's more benefits to New Zealand.
We never want to get away from having market access.
It's so critical for this country. We export ninety to
ninety five percent of what we produce, so we've got
to have market access.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Andrew, you talked about your bad back and Grant, I
know you've got a bad knee after your rugby game. Now,
I wanted to just check that after your rugby game
your neck was okay, because no doubt you would have
had a busy weekend, nodding in the background while Luxon
was cuddling up to Mody.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I thank you for that observation, Jamie. If I was
not invited, wasn't far enough up that food Jane this
time round? But no, it was great. The Prime Minister
of the fantastic job. And relationships matter in this world.
And clearly he gets on well with Mody, as does
tied with the Indian Trade Minister. That stuff really matters
for us. And yeah, and the benefits of this country
(04:52):
be massive. There are many news owned companies now already
looking at your business in India because they see the opportunities.
Why wouldn't you? I mean, I just go back to it.
Very irresponsible Winston Peters, and he's on first to come
out and say the things are saying right.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
I might have an argument with Winston a bit later
in the week on the show. Hey, look, I've already
I've already fired a few shots across the bow of
the Greens. I can't believe how Andrew Hoggard, how economically
illiterate they are. And I did make the I pose
the question to doctor Jack Willnrowe it surely labor won't
(05:28):
be dumb enough to buy into this.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
Well, problem is, labor haven't put in any agricultural policies,
so we don't know what they believe. They're probably just
going to rely on at the moment. You have to
assume that the green agricultural policies would be the policies
for their coalition if it so comes to that. And
I mean it's not just economic illiteracy, it's also farming
and literacy, because if you don't put nitrogen, and they
(05:56):
seem to think agriculture is solely dairy farming, and actually,
you know, yeah, I could do easily still do gary
farming without nitrogen, but you can't do that for arable
and actually, you know, we use nitrogen to boost production
at a level that's workable and sensible. But if you're
trying to grow oats, barley, wheat, potatoes, vegetables, you've got
(06:21):
to use nitrogen otherwise we ain't producing it in this country.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Yeah, I think I think the vegetables are the ones
who are behind the green green Zagg policy, namely the people.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
And now the other thing here is i've heard Steve
Abel interviewed on this topic. It was unbelievable what he's
effectively saying is well, we his farming sisters out there
now they don't use nitrogen. But guess why he talked
about it. I'm suspecting he's talking about organics. Well that
those farmers get paid another two dollars a kilo, approximately
(06:53):
a kilo extra, So that's higher cost of food, more
to the average person of the supermarket. How are they
going to go with this up market? They're going to
go have to pay more for their food middle of
the cost. You know, that's just ridiculous. The other silly
comedy made is we currently produce enough, more than enough
food in the world, so we don't need this nitrogen.
So what is the effect to be saying is we've
(07:14):
got to spend those of us who wealthy countries eat
less and give more to those of the poor countries.
It's just fatally ridiculous.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Absolutely, Hey, Andrew, I've been watching keeping an eye on
competing radio online shows, and I note that blueberry gate
is rearing its head. You're in the sights of another
show who says you've dropped the ball and we're all
going to die of some horrid disease if we put
uncooked blueberries into our smoothies.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
Well, I'm pretty sure I did go on that show
and explain what is happening. And you know, we're just
developing an importing our standard for blueberries. It's just still
in draft form yet. I haven't seen the final version
of it, but I'm sure that when I do see it,
be looking to make sure that the controls that are
in place similar to the controls we have in place
(08:06):
for other fruits and vegetables that can be imported to
this country where they manage the same pests and diseases
from the same locations. So making sure that those strength,
those you control mechanisms are in place, because you know,
we need to if we want to be able to export.
We've got on some important all.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Right, lad say, I've got to wrap this.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
But you're both farmer or farmer politicians, you're both dairy
pharmac you're both supplying fonterra. Disappointing but not surprising. Nine
dollars twenty five can. I know you've both got good
off farm incomes, but can you make a buck at
that level?
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Well, Jamie, yes, I wish we can. But ultimately this
is normal in the dairy sector. Boss go up and
down the volatility everywhere. I'm sure my all the farmers
out there very prudent and careful about how they approach
these things, so you will survive.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
And final word for you, Andrew Haggard.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
Yeah, yes, same thing. I mean, I'm well and truly
used the prices going up and down. I mean it's
still the nine dollar payout, which you know, if I
go back a decade or more, that seemed completely unbelievable
that we ever have payouts. They're high. So look, yep,
it's disappointing, but will survive.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Yep. Farming.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, including
softies like us who sit around on around heated offices.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
I'm not accusing you to oh yeah, it's good to
be back.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
I'm not accusing you two of being softies, although Andrew
you're a bit soft and not fronting up for the team.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Yeah, at least you played the rugby. It's silly old fault.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
So yeh, there we go, Grant McCullum and Andrew Hoggard
the farmer politician panel. I must have an argument with
Winston later in the week. He's annoying me now with
his rhetoric around this Indian fdaight
Poor some sugar on me, baby.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
That's not what Grant McCullum was saying after the Parliamentary
rugby game and Russell he was saying, pour some cold
water on me, or pause or put some liniment on me. Grant,
don't you think you're a bit old to be playing rugby?
Have you had your knee surgery yet?
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Yes, it's probably the first question and the second turns
of the agent. Secondly, no, I beg sitting there. It
was already a bit dodgy, just got a bit worse
after that effort. But yeah, look lowards for a great cause. Mate,
you raised fifty odd grand for a couple of great
sporting trusts out there. But yeah, it was an interesting
weekend and a lot of fun. And yes the ribbing
has continued.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Whips that was much Well.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
He's got broken ribs. I heard Andrew's Saville talking to
the Husk this morning talking about his injuries. I'm surprised
sav fronted up, but no doubt anchoring the scrum for
the Parliamentary rugby team would be our other farmer politician today,
Minister of Biosecurity Associate ag Minister Andrew Hoggart, how did
you pull up after the game, Andrew.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
No, I didn't play, mate. I've been having enough problems
this year, put my back out every time I picked
a pinup. So no, I'm hanging up the boots for good.
Quite frankly, I look being free to move.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, what loss of the game matters? Now?
Speaker 2 (01:18):
I see winstant the old buggers getting stuck into McLay
and Luckson. He's calling it now the twenty billion.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Dollar cover up.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
One at a time, boys, Okay, Andrew, away, you go.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Well, christ the wives back Patterson going on a ministerial
trip to India to the benefits of New Zealand wool
now that we've got a terrace reduction on it. So look,
I think this is there's a huge amount of benefit
for this deal for a number of New Zealand agricultural enterprises.
I wish it could have been dairy, but hey, we
(01:53):
know it's particularly troublesome for India, but you know we've
got great excess. Yeah, I think this is a bit
over the top, quite frankly.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's grant. It's plainly politicking an election year by Winston
because this twenty billion dollars. Well, let's answer this question.
Is it a commitment or is it an aspirational number.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It's an aspirational number, and the Indians have said as much.
They've said the same thing. I just think it is
so irresponsible of Winston Peters and jill On First to
run around bagging this agreement when you look at the
benefit trade has given this country and India one of
the fastest gray economies in the world. One point four
billion people, hundreds of millions come into the middle class,
(02:39):
and they don't want to do business with them. Oh
but hold on, as it's just highlighted by to Andrew,
which Mark Patterson has shot off there. I've seen this
press release to go and talk about well, no mention
the free trade agreement, the fact that's going to make
his job easier, be interesting discussions when he gets old.
They're chatting away to the various ministers and people about
what his leaders saying.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, well, Andrew, I made the comment a wee bit earlier.
It may have been earl informed. I don't know, But
why wouldn't big New Zealand agg and tech companies and
I think of Fonterra, Silver, Fern Farms, Halter and all
these sorts of outfits. Why wouldn't they invest in a
marketplace with one point four billion and counting people?
Speaker 4 (03:20):
Well, I mean, for on the dairy side, you'd obviously
want some excess in return. Obviously there might be some
future potentials there through some of the formula exports as
for Halter th less, not forget the average Indian dairy
herds only two cows, so there's probably other markets they
(03:40):
want to go to.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
It might be a bit over the top having what
a collar on your cow ones too in the backyard.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Is that what you're saying?
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Yeah, okay, pretty much.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yeah, well maybe it was an informed commentary by me.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So look, there's certainly benefits to New Zealand. Every time
we have a trade deal, there's more benefits to New Zealand.
We never want to get away from having market access.
It's so critical for this country. We export ninety to
ninety five percent of what we produce, so we've got
to have market access.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Andrew, you talked about your bad back and Grant, I
know you've got a bad knee after your rugby game. Now,
I wanted to just check that after your rugby game
your neck was okay, because no doubt you would have
had a busy weekend, nodding in the background while Luxon
was cuddling up to Mody.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I thank you for that observation, Jamie. If I was
not invited, wasn't far enough up that food Jane this
time round? But no, it was great. The Prime Minister
of the fantastic job. And relationships matter in this world.
And clearly he gets on well with Mody, as does
tied with the Indian Trade Minister. That stuff really matters
for us. And yeah, and the benefits of this country
(04:52):
be massive. There are many news owned companies now already
looking at your business in India because they see the opportunities.
Why wouldn't you? I mean, I just go back to it.
Very irresponsible Winston Peters, and he's on first to come
out and say the things are saying right.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
I might have an argument with Winston a bit later
in the week on the show. Hey, look, I've already
I've already fired a few shots across the bow of
the Greens. I can't believe how Andrew Hoggard, how economically
illiterate they are. And I did make the I pose
the question to doctor Jack Willnrowe it surely labor won't
(05:28):
be dumb enough to buy into this.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
Well, problem is, labor haven't put in any agricultural policies,
so we don't know what they believe. They're probably just
going to rely on at the moment. You have to
assume that the green agricultural policies would be the policies
for their coalition if it so comes to that. And
I mean it's not just economic illiteracy, it's also farming
and literacy, because if you don't put nitrogen, and they
(05:56):
seem to think agriculture is solely dairy farming, and actually,
you know, yeah, I could do easily still do gary
farming without nitrogen, but you can't do that for arable
and actually, you know, we use nitrogen to boost production
at a level that's workable and sensible. But if you're
trying to grow oats, barley, wheat, potatoes, vegetables, you've got
(06:21):
to use nitrogen otherwise we ain't producing it in this country.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Yeah, I think I think the vegetables are the ones
who are behind the green green Zagg policy, namely the people.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
And now the other thing here is i've heard Steve
Abel interviewed on this topic. It was unbelievable what he's
effectively saying is well, we his farming sisters out there
now they don't use nitrogen. But guess why he talked
about it. I'm suspecting he's talking about organics. Well that
those farmers get paid another two dollars a kilo, approximately
(06:53):
a kilo extra, So that's higher cost of food, more
to the average person of the supermarket. How are they
going to go with this up market? They're going to
go have to pay more for their food middle of
the cost. You know, that's just ridiculous. The other silly
comedy made is we currently produce enough, more than enough
food in the world, so we don't need this nitrogen.
So what is the effect to be saying is we've
(07:14):
got to spend those of us who wealthy countries eat
less and give more to those of the poor countries.
It's just fatally ridiculous.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Absolutely, Hey, Andrew, I've been watching keeping an eye on
competing radio online shows, and I note that blueberry gate
is rearing its head. You're in the sights of another
show who says you've dropped the ball and we're all
going to die of some horrid disease if we put
uncooked blueberries into our smoothies.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
Well, I'm pretty sure I did go on that show
and explain what is happening. And you know, we're just
developing an importing our standard for blueberries. It's just still
in draft form yet. I haven't seen the final version
of it, but I'm sure that when I do see it,
be looking to make sure that the controls that are
in place similar to the controls we have in place
(08:06):
for other fruits and vegetables that can be imported to
this country where they manage the same pests and diseases
from the same locations. So making sure that those strength,
those you control mechanisms are in place, because you know,
we need to if we want to be able to export.
We've got on some important all.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Right, lad say, I've got to wrap this.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
But you're both farmer or farmer politicians, you're both dairy
pharmac you're both supplying fonterra. Disappointing but not surprising. Nine
dollars twenty five can. I know you've both got good
off farm incomes, but can you make a buck at
that level?
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Well, Jamie, yes, I wish we can. But ultimately this
is normal in the dairy sector. Boss go up and
down the volatility everywhere. I'm sure my all the farmers
out there very prudent and careful about how they approach
these things, so you will survive.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
And final word for you, Andrew Haggard.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
Yeah, yes, same thing. I mean, I'm well and truly
used the prices going up and down. I mean it's
still the nine dollar payout, which you know, if I
go back a decade or more, that seemed completely unbelievable
that we ever have payouts. They're high. So look, yep,
it's disappointing, but will survive.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Yep. Farming.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, including
softies like us who sit around on around heated offices.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
I'm not accusing you to oh yeah, it's good to
be back.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
I'm not accusing you two of being softies, although Andrew
you're a bit soft and not fronting up for the team.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Yeah, at least you played the rugby. It's silly old fault.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
So yeh, there we go, Grant McCullum and Andrew Hoggard
the farmer politician panel. I must have an argument with
Winston later in the week. He's annoying me now with
his rhetoric around this Indian fdaight
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