September 3, 2026 • 40 mins
Hamish McKay talks to Neville Clark, Sandra Faulkner, Chris Russell, Aaron Cruden, and Chris Brandolino.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
The Country with Jamie Mackay and Farmlands. Because rural never
grows it alone. Newstalk ZV.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Manly fairy cuts its way to surrogate.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Six minutes after midday, this is The Country. Hamish Mackay
with you on your Friday. Now, I have it on
very good authority. Cousin Bo, Luke Duke, Jamie Mackay will
be back on Monday. That good authority, you ask? The
man himself. Good on you, fella. Looking forward to you
(00:46):
being back in the chair. Has been a privilege to
be here for a week or so. 39 hours to
kick off in Soweto. Let's just call it the decider.
Looking forward to that. Whatever you're up to today, you
might have been at the fielding sale. Text us through
what's happening there as we head for Mark Warren's $ 1, 500 lamb.
5009 is our text number or anything you might want
(01:08):
to have a chat about. Coming up very shortly, we're
going to head to Taiarawhiti, Neville Clark auctioneer, rural commentator extraordinaire.
A number of topics to cover off around about that.
part of the country that I guess reflects around the
rest of the country. Federated Farmers Vice President Sandra Faulkner
on changes to our emergency management system. Aussie correspondent Chris
(01:31):
Russell has a couple of challenges for our farming counterparts
across the ditch and former All Black Aaron Cruden will
be here to preview Sunday morning's high veldt heavyweight humdinger.
Sorry about the alliteration, but, you know, that's what it is.
It's an absolute classic game in the making. But first
we head to Gizzy, Tairawhiti, East Coast, Poverty Bay, all
(01:55):
those things, all of the above, where we're joined by
Neville Clark. Good afternoon, Neville.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
G'day, Hamish, how are you?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, no, fighting fit, thank you. Very, very good indeed.
I mean, lots going on in your part of the world,
but I guess you're sort of getting into the spring
bull sales underway?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Yeah, yep, we are.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
They've started them in the Waikato. Cam Heggy does a
lot of sales there for PTG Rites and up there,
and I crank into it next week. And, yeah, you know,
I mean, the market's in good shape. I mean, the
opportunity to mate yearling cattle now with specifically bred short
gestation low birth bulls is a good one, and it's
an opportunity for a lot of farmers to take advantage
(02:36):
of that. So, yeah, no, I think, yeah, looking forward
to it.
Speaker 6 (02:39):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
I guess the general stock sales vibe is good at
the moment too, and that all flows through. But there's
a couple of things that are happening, particularly in your
area and down Marlborough way as well, with the land
use change. I mean, these vines coming out, what's happening there?
Speaker 5 (02:57):
Yeah, no, we've had a major number of vines out.
I'm not sure of the percentage, Hamish, but it's getting up.
It could be 60% or 70% of our vines on
Gisborne have come out. and, you know, we've all of
a sudden got 1,000 hectares of beautiful flat land available.
I mean, the quandary is, you know, cropping's just a
(03:18):
bit dodgy in places. But, I mean, you know, 30
years ago, we didn't have a lot of grass species
that could handle dry. We've now got your.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Chicories, your sorghums.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
You know, there's a lot more options, and I think,
you know, crisis is another invention, and our farmers up here,
we'll work our way around it, whether we provide, you know...
baled feed, I'm not sure, but, you know, or do those,
you know, those summer lambs, which are always a wee
bit tricky, but, I mean, at the end of the day,
you know, you've just got to work harder and make
(03:47):
it work.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
How many hectares did you say?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
Well, there's about a thousand hectares on the flat. All
of a sudden, it's either available or up for sale.
And Devon have been a big player here, but, I mean,
they're virtually all gone, plus a lot of other, you know, long-time,
long-time grape growers too. I mean, Some guys that you
thought have been right at the very bottom are 100% out. It's, yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Remarkable.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
If you want posts, come to Gisborne.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Yeah, exactly, exactly. And El Nino, of course, you know,
and I think the forecasting around this and the predictability
is far more reliable now. So I guess you're seeing
cockies farmers are planning with this very much in mind.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
Oh, very much so.
Speaker 5 (04:34):
I mean, it's slammed us at the media, you know,
come hell or high weather. It is only 20% of
our weather pattern. But, I mean, it is in the
back of our minds. And you're just watching things. I mean,
we're getting quite a bit of wind.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
The days are good.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
We're getting a bit of rain too.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But, I mean.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
I guess you've got to have a dollar each way,
be light on your feet and make the right moves.
The good thing about it, Hamish, is things are still
selling well. I mean, our lamb schedules are $ 12 or better.
The cattle schedules, you know, $ 10. Our store markets, you know,
they're still very tradable. I mean, the options are still good.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
And you're not going to take a flogging by.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
Selling, you know. So, you know, it's really positive for myself.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Yeah, positive all around. Now, of course, one of the
other great passengers of your life is the old rodeo.
You know, what's going on in that world?
Speaker 5 (05:30):
No, well, we crank into it at Winchester and Methven
at Labour Weekend, and they've got a pretty full season
ahead of us. We've had some young teams go to
Australia and compete over there.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
We've had some in America. So it's really good.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
It's like all our, you know, like our sports. You know,
there's plenty of things available in universities around the world. So,
I mean, you know, we Kiwis are good at most things,
and cowboying is a good one for us. So, yeah,
so that's... Yeah, so we're looking forward to that, the
start of that, you know, which is good rural entertainment
for a lot of people. The big thing for me
(06:05):
coming up, the next three big items really, is the
Gisborne A & P show, which is a classic event
for us. But before that, we've got to cut the
helicopter dues, rescue helicopter dues. And Gisborne, we have a
wonderful due here. We raise a lot of money, you know, 80, 90,
100,000 for the night, all for the rescue chopper. And
(06:27):
this year we've got one, Bailey's in Hawke's Bay, putting
together one first time. And it's a Q & A
session with some of the greats, Ian Kirkpatrick, David Kirk,
Tane Randall, Darren Shan. And it's a Q & A night.
We've got a bit of a charity auction to put
money into the chopper, into the rescue chopper. So, you know,
(06:48):
there are three big items that, you know, set spring
alight for me. And, yeah, we roll into what will
be a great summer season.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
And you know the good thing about Ty Rafferty and
the Gizmen? People are pretty social, eh, Neville? They enjoy
a night out like that, right?
Speaker 7 (07:05):
Oh, do we what?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
I mean, Christ, we're a long time in the box. So, yeah,
I mean, you've got to make it happen. And that's
what we do on those nights. And just another thing,
we had Cancer Day, Daffodil Day here last Friday. We
had 331 sheep donated by farmers. We raised $ 91, 000. They
(07:29):
went to auction. We raised $ 91, 000. We had one farmer
donated 55 magnificent.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
Money rondale lambs.
Speaker 5 (07:37):
They made $ 310. And in total donation, Dav Meat and Hastings,
they bought them. I mean, how good is that? $ 90, 000 from,
you know.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
Just so awesome.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Yeah, no, fantastic, Neville. That's just brilliant. Great community. And, look,
on a voluntary basis, I'd be more than happy to
come down and help you out with anything if you
ever need it. There's probably a local squash farmer I
could bunk down with, or if he won't have me,
I could go and stay with me mate, Kirky, if
you get him back from South Africa. I think he's
enjoying his time over there at the moment. He'd be
(08:10):
like God over there, wouldn't he, being part of the
1976 team, I reckon. Well, he is.
Speaker 5 (08:17):
He's got that, he has got that way about him,
and it's always lovely to see him.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
He supports a.
Speaker 5 (08:22):
Lot of things up here, as you well know, but
he just brings that aura into the room, and I mean,
he's just, well, he's not quite as fit as he was,
but he could still bloody go pretty good. As long
as it went with him, no, we'd just be lapping
that up.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Apparently he's nearly 80, Kirky, right? But my wife still
goes weak at the knees. But anyway, there you go. Rightio, mate.
Good to chat, Neville. Thank you very much. Thank you
very much. There he is, outstanding auctioneer, rural commentator too
as well, bringing us a great, painted a great picture
of a great part of the country here on the
(08:57):
country on your Friday. Well, here on the country, of course,
new legislation to strengthen our emergency management system passed into
(09:17):
its final reading in Parliament last week. This is pretty
good news. Look at this in some depth. We are
joined by the Vice President of Federated Farmers, Sandra Faulkner. Sandra,
you're not actually in the country at the moment, though.
I hear you've been passing through places like Dubbo.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Yeah, that's right. Yeah, no, out in central New South Wales,
calling you from Parks today.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah, OK, sounds great. Now, this development with this, not
before time, I would say.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
No, not at all, but the result of a... A
lot of work and I have to give a big
shout out to Minister Mark Mitchell for some foresight into
how emergencies are going to be managed in this country,
particularly with a focus on our rural communities going forward.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
Yeah, great to have this rural representation. I mean, what
would it change though?
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Okay, so what it actually mandates is that somebody with
rural expertise will sit on what they call a coordinating
executive group. They're great for acronyms. It's called KEG, which
in turn support and advise the emergency management team around
strategy development. So there's a whole lot of work involved
(10:33):
in planning. so before Mother Nature throws her toys out
or whatever happens. It means that in the depths of
a response, we rural communities are always fantastic. We all
know that everybody just picks up the tools, pulls on
the gumboots, and goes out to look after one another.
We've always been really good and strong in response, and
(10:55):
that comes down a lot to relationships, particularly with a
local CDM group controller. But then more importantly, again, flowing
into recovery, which is where it starts to get really
hard because we're talking long-term recovery, particularly when it comes
to those events that cause damage to our infrastructure, flooding,
(11:16):
fire and the likes of that. So really exciting that
somebody with rural expertise will sit at those tables now
to do the planning, work through a response and still
be there going through recovery. That's key. But also it
means that within our organisations that are on any rural
advisory group up and down the links of the country,
(11:38):
they can now feel that they're part of a system,
they understand the timeframes, the rollovers, and they can refresh
people in and out of those roles as needed as well.
Because remembering that in our rural communities, when we have
a big event, usually those rural leaders are just as
impacted as the next person over the boundary. But they're
(11:58):
trying to do what they can for their community at
the same time.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
Yeah, absolutely. See, it's only six or eight weeks ago
since the events down in the southern Wairarapa there where...
It kind of felt like there'd been a major event,
but I don't think that anybody was that aware of
it until suddenly somebody got a TV camera over there.
And three or four days later, we were sort of
aware of the size of what had happened. So, you know,
this can only be good in terms of getting that
(12:23):
response sorted and on the ground much quicker.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Oh, absolutely. And just having that visibility, but also being
able to utilise the relationships and the connections that our
rural communities have. It's so important, not only from the
point of view of who can get boots on the
ground or a digger or whatever, helicopter in the air,
groceries delivered, whatever it is, but also who they can
(12:50):
be leveraging support and encouragement from to within their wider networks.
Our rural communities are really well connected. So it's actually
giving them a place at the table to be able
to use all of those connections and all of those relationships.
So yeah, it's pretty exciting. I mean, long time coming,
but pretty exciting.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Yeah, it is. It is indeed. The bill also includes
new powers to help animals during emergencies. How significant is
that as a change? Oh, massive.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
We all know that people will happily put themselves, their
own lives at risk in order to protect their animals,
be they companion animals where people won't leave their homes
if they can't bring their companion animals with them, their
cats and their dogs. right through to farmers who, you know,
we've all seen usually shots from helicopters of farmers doing
(13:44):
some pretty crazy stuff when it comes to getting, you know,
mobs of stock out of floodwaters or out of harm's way.
But I think, again, it comes back to the fact
that for those of us who are out on farm,
recovery starts the minute it stops raining. You know, if
it's a flooding event or whatever. So we're out checking
(14:05):
for feed, checking water reticulation, needing milking sheds stood up,
making sure the irrigation, we can get back to irrigating
and all that sort of stuff. So this is right
at the heart of how we respond to these big events.
And we all know that the weather is becoming less predictable.
(14:28):
Our forecasting, I have to say, is getting better and better,
but we're getting these big events coming through that we
need to be able to respond to and understand that
people will respond with a view to protecting their animals.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Yeah, fabulous. Thank you very much for joining us, Sandra,
from over there in sort of central New South Wales.
Are you having a bit of a break or are
you working? Here to.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Catch up with the family and just for the weekend. So, yeah,
quite literally a flying visit.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Flying visit. You enjoy that. Thank you very much for
joining us.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Thanks so much, Amish. Bye.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Also coming up, former All Black first 5'8, 19, well, no,
not 19, it was 2011, wasn't it? Winning first 5'8,
in that final against France on Sunday mornings. High Veldt
heavyweight humdinger. That's coming up on The Country. Well, we
(15:53):
head across the old Tasman now here on the country
to catch up with our Aussie correspondent, which is always
great to do. Chris Russell, how are you, sir?
Speaker 6 (16:01):
I am awesome. How are you going?
Speaker 3 (16:03):
Oh, look, the word awesome, that really encapsulates a good vibe. Now,
talking of good vibes, and I'm good, thank you, Chris,
is the price our farmers are getting for lamb, and
you've been getting some good ones, but it's pretty, you know,
not much between the two sides of the Tasman now
with the old lamb prices.
Speaker 6 (16:22):
Yeah, so, I mean, what's happening really is it's interesting, really,
because I'm not quite sure I understand why it is.
But if you look at our lamb prices, they're actually
receding a little bit. New Zealand ones are going up.
So we're getting closer and closer. So currently in Australian cents,
we look at about 1173 cents a kilo, whereas New
(16:43):
Zealand has grown up to 960 cents. And of course,
both of us well below, you know, if you look
at the European figures, they're running around about 1420 cents
in the US, 1750. So they're the ones who are
grizzling about us putting lamb into their markets. But of course,
Australia and New Zealand created the US market. So it's
(17:06):
ridiculous that the farmers now cry poor to Australia. To Trump,
they wouldn't have any market at all. When I lived
in America, I never saw any lamb on the shelves
at all. We only had a very big. But there
is a change happening, and I'm sure that we're going
to see that. We're looking at our lamb prices eased
around about 3.5% for the month, whereas your prices have
(17:29):
actually gone in the opposite direction. From $ 0. 920 in July
up to $ 0. 960 in August, which is up about 4.3%.
It's interesting to see how that's happening.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Yeah, it is indeed. I mean, here in New Zealand,
we've got one of our leaders in terms of having
a strong voice in the economy. Ag sector, Mark Warren
says we've got to chase the $ 1, 500 lamb. I see
we had a couple of $ 500 pens. I think mine
had been the case last week. But yeah, interesting old times. Okay,
(18:01):
this landmark ruling, where the court has ruled there is
no obligation on the Murray-Darling Water Authority to protect profits
for irrigation farmers. I mean, this is huge. And talk
about a swathe of countryside.
Speaker 6 (18:19):
Yes, well, I mean, I would say that the New
South Wales Supreme Court, and particularly this judge, is not
very popular amongst the farmers at the moment, but there
were 28,000 irrigators who took the MDBA, which is called
Murray-Darling Basin Authority, to court. Now, the Murray-Darling Basin basically
stretches from southern Queensland all the way down through western
(18:42):
New South Wales, through Victoria and to South Australia. And
for all of the water, the irrigation water is then shared. Now,
number one priority is the environment. Number two priority is
towns and so on. Then there's stock water. Then there's
high security water for trees that are in all the time.
And then final allocation goes for general crops that you
(19:04):
can grow every year, like cotton and rice and so on.
And anyway, they were claiming in their action that In fact,
the authority really mucked up its management, its whole river operations.
They caused lower water allocations, loss of profits, and higher
temporary water prices, such that some farmers were not able
(19:26):
to actually meet their supply contracts. But the judge in
this case, a bloke called Judge Faulkner, found that they
had no duty of care to avoid pure economic loose
loss to one group of people over another. And then
they ordered the plaintiffs, the 28,000 farmers, to pay all
the costs of the MDBA. So I think people are saying, well,
(19:47):
that's an unusual ruling. We always talk about the three
Ps of products, profitable productivity and then principles and provenance.
And really, if we don't encourage profitable production in Australian agriculture,
we're in all sorts of trouble in terms of having
a viable agricultural industry, aren't we?
Speaker 3 (20:07):
28,000 plaintiffs, 28,000 farmers. That says it all, doesn't it, Chris? Yeah, incredible. Roddy,
alternatives to supplement Paraquat in desperate times because the limits
on the use of this is a reality.
Speaker 6 (20:23):
Yes, well, I think I reported, Jamie, a few weeks
ago that the APVMA, the Australian... Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority which is like the ruling body for deciding what
we can and can't use and said that we continue
to be able to use Paraquat. Now some of the
(20:47):
plaintiffs in this had claimed that Paraquat was indicated as
being a cause of Parkinson's disease particularly in a full
pocket area in Victoria where they had a lot of
occurrences but the The AVMA rule that providing used according
instructions is completely safe, but they did reduce the maximum
rates that could be used, and they also reduced the
(21:09):
amount that could be put on in total, and you
had to have special license as well. So it's a
kind of a midpoint type decision. But now they're saying, well,
the problem is that there's no sugarcoating the fact that
By dropping the allowable application rate for board spectrum herbicide
by 80%, it's going to be very hard to manage weeds,
(21:33):
particularly in crops like sugar. And there is nothing on
the horizon at the moment that can actually take its place.
Of course, we've got glyphosate, but glyphosate depended on paraquat
as being the backup alternative when you started seeing resistance
in the weeds to roundable glyphosate. So this is presenting
(21:55):
them with a dilemma, although they're pleased that it has
been completely barred. You know, some of the broadleaf weeds,
like what we over here call milk thistle and fleabane,
are very difficult to control without the full range of
ammunition in the armoury to be able to do that.
And so this is going to be a good task,
I think, for the researchers and for the companies to
(22:16):
come up with something that's going to be able to
replace that, which is still going to be inherently safe
to use.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Yeah, gee, the challenge is, eh, on a daily basis
for the ag sector, for the farming world, they keep
popping up, don't they, Chris? Hey, let's talk a little
bit of footy. The All Blacks should expect them to,
you know, you Aussies will be keeping an eye on us.
We'll go up against the box and go 2-1 up,
I would think.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
Well, yeah, probably.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
We beat Argentina just, which was good. So these kids
have still got an unbeaten record. So he's sitting pretty
at the moment. And it wasn't a bad game. Always interesting.
The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in those games
is amazing. So it'll be fascinating to see when we
(23:02):
get to the Blizzlo Cup game each time just exactly
how that runs, Homish.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Always looking forward to that. Aussie correspondent Chris Russell, as always,
thank you very much for joining us here on The Country.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
No worries, Homish.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
Get your, get your, get your, get your feathers.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Top man he is. Top man indeed. Chris Russell, our
Aussie correspondent. Bit of pink flamingos in there. Get your
feather away from my nose. Early 1980s. Righty-o, standing by.
News and sport here on the country.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
The country's rural news with Cub Cadet. It's one thing
to talk innovation, another to back it up.
Speaker 5 (23:45):
Drive it. We dare you.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Visit steelfort.co.nz for your local stockist.
Speaker 8 (23:52):
And yes, in rural news, the sun is shining down
here in Dunedin today. It's a beautiful day. We had
a bit of rain overnight, but it looks like there's
wild weather happening across the rest of the country. Part
of State Highway 7 in Lewis passes down to one
lane south of Rahu Saddle with fallen trees affecting the road.
An area warning is in place for State Highway 73
at Arthur's Pass from Kumara Junction to Arthur's Pass Village
(24:14):
due to slips and flooding. And an orange strong wind
watch is in place for Wellington and Wairarapa, which is
absolutely crazy to think looking outside here today. Beautiful sunny day.
We've got Chris Brandolino up near the end of the
hour to discuss the weather more and a bit more
about our Nino and what they've found out with their modelling.
And right now, here is Hamish with sport.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Sport on the country with AFCO. Business well done.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Counting down to the third test in Soweto. Do not
play Dave Rennie in poker. I have never seen, Michelle,
the mass media in New Zealand get it so wrong
when predicting an all-black match day 23. Everybody missed out
by a country mile. In fact, five or six wrong
(24:59):
in most people's predictions for the four-pack. So that says
to me that Dave Rennie's doing a magnificent job, just
as he is in playing the game of few words
up against Rassi Erasmus. In case you missed that, all-black team,
Sam Dowry in there, Jacobson stays, Peter Lack, I get
to start on the blind side, or Moa starting at hooker,
George Bauer staying at loose head prop, among a number
(25:22):
of other changes. There you go, Cody Taylor, of course, the...
The big news dropping out of the match day 23 altogether.
Speaker 8 (25:31):
And who do you think is going to win this series? Hamish,
who's your pick?
Speaker 3 (25:36):
Look, I tell you what. It will be one of
the greatest achievements in All Black history if the All
Blacks can get up and win this one in Soweto.
So I think we've got the back line to do it,
and I like the new blood that's in there. 5009.
5009 is our text number. So let's get some statistical analysis.
Let's do some research. What do you think? Text us through.
(25:58):
Do the All Blacks get it? 2-1 will become effectively
unbeatable in the series, even though the fourth test is
in Baltimore. So if you say it's a South African
series and it's three, and Soweto, early hours of Sunday morning,
is the decider. Here you go. Sound like a good idea?
Speaker 8 (26:14):
I think so, yeah. And are you going to ask
Aaron Cruden who he thinks?
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Oh, I'll put young Azza Cruden. Beautiful first 5-8. He
was a Manawatu boy. We'll put him on the line very,
very shortly coming up on the show, as well as
Chris Brandolino with a look at the weather that's coming
on the country.
Speaker 7 (26:36):
Prepares to play like an execution victoria what do you
want from.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Him 90 minutes away from one on the country on
your friday well it is sunday morning's high veldt heavyweight
humdinger one of the expecting to be one of the
great games uh in the incredible sequence of matches that
seem to have gone on forever between the all blacks
and south africa And, of course, well, Sunday morning, around
(27:10):
about 3 o'clock, I know this guy will be, his
eyes will be peeled on the screen, All Black First 5-8,
Aaron Cruden, of course, a man who knows Dave Rennie
very well. Azza, how are you?
Speaker 6 (27:23):
Yes, very good.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Thank you, Hamish.
Speaker 7 (27:26):
As you said, mate, very excited about Sunday morning and
this upcoming test, a pivotal one in the context of
the series, which is awesome.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Yeah, it is. It is fantastic that it is coming
to this. The back line remains intact in terms of selection.
But I was just saying a few minutes ago, I
can't believe how many of the pundits were wide of
the mark when it came to selecting the team. You
don't want to play Dave Rennie in poker because he
kept this pretty close to his chest. With Dowry coming in,
Bauer starting, Ormoa starting, Lackey on the Brian side, Jacobson starting.
(27:56):
There were lots who were predicting a very different looking
lineup to that.
Speaker 7 (28:01):
Yeah, it's funny. Obviously, knowing Renz really well, he's his
own man as well.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
He doesn't get swayed too easily.
Speaker 7 (28:10):
In regards to any outside noise. But him and his
coaching group, they're obviously very astute, they're very experienced, and
they've decided to make a few changes in the forward
pack that they believe can go out there and make
an impact, make a little bit of a difference in
regards to And I guess, yeah, the result that they
(28:31):
conceded in the end in Test 2.
Speaker 6 (28:34):
Yeah, it's exciting.
Speaker 7 (28:35):
Like anything, when there's sort of new players into the
starting 15, it just brings that level of excitement.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
There's always expectation.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
But for me, now it makes South Africa have to
prepare for something a little bit different, possibly, than what
they've faced in the first couple of Tests.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
Yeah, that's interesting, isn't it? Because... we had the change
at blindside flanker, we go away from sort of more
of a physical approach to Lackey. He's just got that
bit more ball carry, doesn't he? I think he'll be
exciting in that sixth jersey.
Speaker 7 (29:07):
Yeah, I agree, Hamish. I think for me, he's been
one of the constant performers for the All Blacks throughout
the season so far. You know, it hasn't always come
in the starting lineup, but whenever he's he's come on
he's added impact he's possibly not as big of a
body as Simon Parker and look Simon played really well
last week but the coaches of the All Blacks have
(29:29):
obviously decided to make a change and gone for something.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
A little bit different and he is very.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Dynamic with ball in hand and I'm excited to see
him combine with both our and Luke Jacobson and the
loose forward trio and yeah when I look at that
selection as well he's probably a little bit more of
a threat at the breakdown possibly for me as well
his ability to put his head in those dark places
and come away with those jackal turnovers I think hopefully
(29:55):
that might really compliment what Artie can do at the
breakdown area as well.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
Yeah, I think it's been one of the successful combinations
so far this season is Jacobson and Savia. And I
think Lakai will add to the mix. But I think
you make a good point. Parker did nothing wrong in
that test and, you know, might feel a little bit
hard done by. But then again, within this group that
Dave Rennie has got, there isn't a lot of that
bottom lip dragging, is it? It's actually getting in there
(30:21):
and everybody's competing for a place and staying positive. I
like that about this team.
Speaker 6 (30:26):
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 7 (30:27):
I really like what you've said there. And even like
I'm big on listening to a lot of the messages
that come out of certain camps and, you know, the
All Blacks coaches, even the players, they clearly say that.
I think it was only a couple of weeks ago,
you know, it was Simon Parker was the one that
came out and said, you know, the All Blacks, it's
not a charity. You have to earn your spot. And
(30:47):
whether that's in the starting lineup or on the bench
or possibly not even in the match day 23, but
you all have a role to play. And to me,
that's clear and obvious. Everyone's understanding what their role is,
preparing the team as best as they can. And yes,
although we didn't get the result in Test 2, I
still think there were a lot of aspects that I
really liked. And if we can just tidy up a
(31:09):
few areas and get those right this coming weekend, you know,
we can easily turn that result around.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
Yeah. Right, something that you will enjoy is a running
first 5-8. I mean, that was your mantra. And young
Reuben Love, he just goes from strength to strength. I'm
not sure he's quite getting the plaudits that he deserves,
but that's not a bad thing when a young guy's
starting out. But I like a first 5-8 who actually
(31:37):
comes onto the ball and challenges, leaves the defence completely
in two minds and then can just throw an absolute
pearl or a cut-out pass wide.
Speaker 4 (31:47):
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 7 (31:48):
I think I've really been impressed what Ruben's been able
to do in this international season so far. Obviously, he
got more time in the saddle for the Hurricanes this
year at 10, which was fantastic. And we all saw,
I guess, the influence that he was able to have.
But yeah, I agree.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
I think he.
Speaker 7 (32:06):
Probably hasn't had the impact in regards to his running
game that people might have thought in the first couple
of tests. I am hopeful and possibly expect that we're
going to see the best of Ruben Love in regards
to his attacking prowess this week because similar to Cam
Roygard and even when I think of Geordie Barrett, you know,
that Hurricane 9, 10, 12 combination, they're all, to me,
(32:29):
at their best when they're thinking run first and then
they get their skill set, their decision making, fall off
the back of that. So I think if Ruben can
sort of just get a few touches early, you know, like,
Just challenge the line and make South Africa's defence think
a little bit more about him as well. I think
it's just going to set him up so well. I'm
(32:49):
excited to see it happen, hopefully.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
Yeah, it'll be brilliant. Aaron Cruden, thank you for joining
us on The Country. You have a good day and
enjoy the match. It is coming up to 12 minutes
away from one. We're going to check out the weather
with our expert Chris Brandolino. That's coming up next here
on The Country. Well, it's that time of the week
(33:15):
here on The Country where we catch up with one
of our fine array of experts that we have, and
that's Chris Prandolino, Chief Scientist, Earth Science NZ. G'day, Chris.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (33:27):
Oh, I'm busier than a one-legged man in a bum-kicking contest.
Speaker 5 (33:30):
How are you?
Speaker 3 (33:33):
I hope you're not going to come second then, yeah. Gee,
that does sound busy. Yeah, no, no, no, all good
in my part of the world, but hey, it's been
an erratic old start to spring down south, that cold blast,
and pretty windy in the north.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Yeah, this is El Nino, and El Nino, I guess
an El Nino-fueled spring, and this is basically a summary
or a snapshot what I think spring will feature. Yes,
there'll be periods that certainly differ from the theme, but
the theme is wind. Some of that wind is going
to be quite strong. It'll be in the westerly quarter,
(34:07):
so sometimes north of west, sometimes south of west, and
that direction will obviously inform or influence temperature. But it's
going to be a westerly quarter, more persistently, more intensely.
So we are going to find wind as a theme
for the spring season, and some of that wind will
be quite strong, as I say. And in addition to that,
it's going to be rain. So wind coming off the
(34:33):
areas in the western and lower South Island most exposed
to those westerly winds. And so we're looking at wet
conditions basically over the next several days. There'll be waves
of rain. Some of that will fall heavily. And as
we go through time, we'll have to watch the risk
for things like flooding. And certainly they'll have impacts on
beef and lamb in the coming season getting underway, particularly
(34:53):
or as it does get underway if it's not already
across the lower portions of the South Island.
Speaker 3 (34:58):
Yeah, so look, there's plenty to be wary of, isn't it?
But do you think that this amount of information that
you are now able to provide is being, I mean,
is it on the uptake? Are people actually taking notice?
Speaker 2 (35:13):
I sure hope so. I mean, look, it's certainly been
in the media. We've certainly done our best to... make
people aware to give some early indications. We've been talking
about this for the past few months now about this,
you know, basically things starting to go in a direction
or a certain El Nino direction come spring. Spring is
here now, and that's what we're seeing. So I think
(35:33):
generally speaking, it's quite early, of course, but things have
worked out for the most part. And so I certainly
hope so. I do think while wetness and wind is
a concern for the western lower South Island area, We're
going to have to watch for, I guess, on the
other side of the spectrum, that's too little rain over
eastern and northern parts of both islands, especially the north island.
(35:55):
That's where potentially the dryness, Hawke's Bay, Gizzy, Guadarapa, eastern parts,
especially of Northland, Auckland, eastern parts, northern parts of the
South Island as well. Because of that wind coming from
the west, it dries as it gets to the other
side of the divide area. Look, it's one thing, dryness
can obviously develop, Hamish, from a lack of rain. No duh, right?
(36:19):
But it's not just that. As our days get longer,
as the sun gets stronger, and we see these warmer
temperatures coinciding with wind, look, wind and warm temperatures, like
the bathroom hand dryers, are really good at removing moisture.
And so you combine a reduction of rainfall, you combine
the wind in these days of higher temperatures, Where those
(36:40):
three things kind of come together, that's where we're going
to find the most trouble. Exactly where that is, hard
to say, but that's where we're speaking in these sort
of broad strokes of northern and eastern parts of both.
It'll take some time for dryness or the effects of
dryness to emerge, probably until we get deeper into spring.
But once it does start to emerge, it kind of
(37:00):
becomes a bit sticky, and it's hard to get rid
of even if you do get a bit of rain.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
Sensational. As I say, if you are listening to Chris Brandolino,
Chief Scientist, Earth Science NZ, on the country, then you
can't say you haven't been warned. Chris, thank you very
much as always. Much appreciated.
Speaker 5 (37:19):
Likewise, Hamish.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
You have a good day, sir.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
The country. Hamish McKay on your Friday. Jamie back Monday.
Farm Strong is all about making your well-being a priority
in a mentally and physically demanding job. Ain't that the truth?
To find out more about the daily habits and mental
skills that increase performance and help keep your head in
the game, visit the Farm Strong website this weekend. Beside
(37:49):
watching the footy, of course, as well. That's farmstrong.co.nz to
live well and farm well. farmstrong.co.nz to live well and
farm well. Another little thing for you to do over
the weekend, too, that I'll mention here is, and it's
a shame it's not on. It should be on TV
of some description, but it's the Diamond League in Brussels,
(38:12):
the big, you know, the yearly athletics tour. We've got
our own Tom Walsh. Big Tommy in the shot put,
early hours of Sunday, wee hours of Sunday morning. Perfectly
probably just during the rugby, I think it is. And
then Zoe Hobbs in the 100 metres and Imogen Eris
in the pole vault, our Commonwealth Games medalist in that
(38:33):
event there. So that'll be cool to look forward to
on the weekend as well. But of course, the big
one is the high belt heavyweight humdinger in Soweto. Be
watching out for that one. The All Blacks against South Africa.
the line tells us that you're 70-30. So we're reasonably confident. 70%
(38:54):
saying that the All Blacks will win this one. And
I'm making it a three-test series because the fourth test
is in Baltimore. It just doesn't feel quite right, you know.
It should really be at Kings Park in Durban, shouldn't it?
That would have the right sort of ring about it.
But great to hear from Aaron Cruden to get his
thoughts on this All Black team and the very fine
(39:15):
environment that has been created by that man, Dave Rennie.
Thanks to all our guests. A great spotlight on the
Terawhiti region with Neville Clark and all the good things
that happen in that part of the world. Our Aussie correspondent,
Chris Russell as well. Federated Farmers. Vice President Sandra Faulkner
and the overdue changes thankfully to our emergency management system
(39:37):
which means we're going to be able to do a
lot better when events like happened in Marlborough and the
South Wairarapa sort of six weeks ago which is just
evidence of how times are a-changing. We're going to go
out with Dave McCartney, the late, great Dave McCartney. Here
we go. Pink Flamingo.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
The Country with Jamie Mackay and Farmlands. Because rural never
grows it alone. Newstalk ZV.
The Country with Jamie Mackay and Farmlands. Because rural never
grows it alone. Newstalk ZV.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Manly fairy cuts its way to surrogate.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Six minutes after midday, this is The Country. Hamish Mackay
with you on your Friday. Now, I have it on
very good authority. Cousin Bo, Luke Duke, Jamie Mackay will
be back on Monday. That good authority, you ask? The
man himself. Good on you, fella. Looking forward to you
(00:46):
being back in the chair. Has been a privilege to
be here for a week or so. 39 hours to
kick off in Soweto. Let's just call it the decider.
Looking forward to that. Whatever you're up to today, you
might have been at the fielding sale. Text us through
what's happening there as we head for Mark Warren's $ 1, 500 lamb.
5009 is our text number or anything you might want
(01:08):
to have a chat about. Coming up very shortly, we're
going to head to Taiarawhiti, Neville Clark auctioneer, rural commentator extraordinaire.
A number of topics to cover off around about that.
part of the country that I guess reflects around the
rest of the country. Federated Farmers Vice President Sandra Faulkner
on changes to our emergency management system. Aussie correspondent Chris
(01:31):
Russell has a couple of challenges for our farming counterparts
across the ditch and former All Black Aaron Cruden will
be here to preview Sunday morning's high veldt heavyweight humdinger.
Sorry about the alliteration, but, you know, that's what it is.
It's an absolute classic game in the making. But first
we head to Gizzy, Tairawhiti, East Coast, Poverty Bay, all
(01:55):
those things, all of the above, where we're joined by
Neville Clark. Good afternoon, Neville.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
G'day, Hamish, how are you?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, no, fighting fit, thank you. Very, very good indeed.
I mean, lots going on in your part of the world,
but I guess you're sort of getting into the spring
bull sales underway?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Yeah, yep, we are.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
They've started them in the Waikato. Cam Heggy does a
lot of sales there for PTG Rites and up there,
and I crank into it next week. And, yeah, you know,
I mean, the market's in good shape. I mean, the
opportunity to mate yearling cattle now with specifically bred short
gestation low birth bulls is a good one, and it's
an opportunity for a lot of farmers to take advantage
(02:36):
of that. So, yeah, no, I think, yeah, looking forward
to it.
Speaker 6 (02:39):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
I guess the general stock sales vibe is good at
the moment too, and that all flows through. But there's
a couple of things that are happening, particularly in your
area and down Marlborough way as well, with the land
use change. I mean, these vines coming out, what's happening there?
Speaker 5 (02:57):
Yeah, no, we've had a major number of vines out.
I'm not sure of the percentage, Hamish, but it's getting up.
It could be 60% or 70% of our vines on
Gisborne have come out. and, you know, we've all of
a sudden got 1,000 hectares of beautiful flat land available.
I mean, the quandary is, you know, cropping's just a
(03:18):
bit dodgy in places. But, I mean, you know, 30
years ago, we didn't have a lot of grass species
that could handle dry. We've now got your.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Chicories, your sorghums.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
You know, there's a lot more options, and I think,
you know, crisis is another invention, and our farmers up here,
we'll work our way around it, whether we provide, you know...
baled feed, I'm not sure, but, you know, or do those,
you know, those summer lambs, which are always a wee
bit tricky, but, I mean, at the end of the day,
you know, you've just got to work harder and make
(03:47):
it work.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
How many hectares did you say?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
Well, there's about a thousand hectares on the flat. All
of a sudden, it's either available or up for sale.
And Devon have been a big player here, but, I mean,
they're virtually all gone, plus a lot of other, you know, long-time,
long-time grape growers too. I mean, Some guys that you
thought have been right at the very bottom are 100% out. It's, yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Remarkable.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
If you want posts, come to Gisborne.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Yeah, exactly, exactly. And El Nino, of course, you know,
and I think the forecasting around this and the predictability
is far more reliable now. So I guess you're seeing
cockies farmers are planning with this very much in mind.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
Oh, very much so.
Speaker 5 (04:34):
I mean, it's slammed us at the media, you know,
come hell or high weather. It is only 20% of
our weather pattern. But, I mean, it is in the
back of our minds. And you're just watching things. I mean,
we're getting quite a bit of wind.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
The days are good.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
We're getting a bit of rain too.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But, I mean.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
I guess you've got to have a dollar each way,
be light on your feet and make the right moves.
The good thing about it, Hamish, is things are still
selling well. I mean, our lamb schedules are $ 12 or better.
The cattle schedules, you know, $ 10. Our store markets, you know,
they're still very tradable. I mean, the options are still good.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
And you're not going to take a flogging by.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
Selling, you know. So, you know, it's really positive for myself.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Yeah, positive all around. Now, of course, one of the
other great passengers of your life is the old rodeo.
You know, what's going on in that world?
Speaker 5 (05:30):
No, well, we crank into it at Winchester and Methven
at Labour Weekend, and they've got a pretty full season
ahead of us. We've had some young teams go to
Australia and compete over there.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
We've had some in America. So it's really good.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
It's like all our, you know, like our sports. You know,
there's plenty of things available in universities around the world. So,
I mean, you know, we Kiwis are good at most things,
and cowboying is a good one for us. So, yeah,
so that's... Yeah, so we're looking forward to that, the
start of that, you know, which is good rural entertainment
for a lot of people. The big thing for me
(06:05):
coming up, the next three big items really, is the
Gisborne A & P show, which is a classic event
for us. But before that, we've got to cut the
helicopter dues, rescue helicopter dues. And Gisborne, we have a
wonderful due here. We raise a lot of money, you know, 80, 90,
100,000 for the night, all for the rescue chopper. And
(06:27):
this year we've got one, Bailey's in Hawke's Bay, putting
together one first time. And it's a Q & A
session with some of the greats, Ian Kirkpatrick, David Kirk,
Tane Randall, Darren Shan. And it's a Q & A night.
We've got a bit of a charity auction to put
money into the chopper, into the rescue chopper. So, you know,
(06:48):
there are three big items that, you know, set spring
alight for me. And, yeah, we roll into what will
be a great summer season.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
And you know the good thing about Ty Rafferty and
the Gizmen? People are pretty social, eh, Neville? They enjoy
a night out like that, right?
Speaker 7 (07:05):
Oh, do we what?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
I mean, Christ, we're a long time in the box. So, yeah,
I mean, you've got to make it happen. And that's
what we do on those nights. And just another thing,
we had Cancer Day, Daffodil Day here last Friday. We
had 331 sheep donated by farmers. We raised $ 91, 000. They
(07:29):
went to auction. We raised $ 91, 000. We had one farmer
donated 55 magnificent.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
Money rondale lambs.
Speaker 5 (07:37):
They made $ 310. And in total donation, Dav Meat and Hastings,
they bought them. I mean, how good is that? $ 90, 000 from,
you know.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
Just so awesome.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Yeah, no, fantastic, Neville. That's just brilliant. Great community. And, look,
on a voluntary basis, I'd be more than happy to
come down and help you out with anything if you
ever need it. There's probably a local squash farmer I
could bunk down with, or if he won't have me,
I could go and stay with me mate, Kirky, if
you get him back from South Africa. I think he's
enjoying his time over there at the moment. He'd be
(08:10):
like God over there, wouldn't he, being part of the
1976 team, I reckon. Well, he is.
Speaker 5 (08:17):
He's got that, he has got that way about him,
and it's always lovely to see him.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
He supports a.
Speaker 5 (08:22):
Lot of things up here, as you well know, but
he just brings that aura into the room, and I mean,
he's just, well, he's not quite as fit as he was,
but he could still bloody go pretty good. As long
as it went with him, no, we'd just be lapping
that up.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Apparently he's nearly 80, Kirky, right? But my wife still
goes weak at the knees. But anyway, there you go. Rightio, mate.
Good to chat, Neville. Thank you very much. Thank you
very much. There he is, outstanding auctioneer, rural commentator too
as well, bringing us a great, painted a great picture
of a great part of the country here on the
(08:57):
country on your Friday. Well, here on the country, of course,
new legislation to strengthen our emergency management system passed into
(09:17):
its final reading in Parliament last week. This is pretty
good news. Look at this in some depth. We are
joined by the Vice President of Federated Farmers, Sandra Faulkner. Sandra,
you're not actually in the country at the moment, though.
I hear you've been passing through places like Dubbo.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Yeah, that's right. Yeah, no, out in central New South Wales,
calling you from Parks today.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah, OK, sounds great. Now, this development with this, not
before time, I would say.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
No, not at all, but the result of a... A
lot of work and I have to give a big
shout out to Minister Mark Mitchell for some foresight into
how emergencies are going to be managed in this country,
particularly with a focus on our rural communities going forward.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
Yeah, great to have this rural representation. I mean, what
would it change though?
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Okay, so what it actually mandates is that somebody with
rural expertise will sit on what they call a coordinating
executive group. They're great for acronyms. It's called KEG, which
in turn support and advise the emergency management team around
strategy development. So there's a whole lot of work involved
(10:33):
in planning. so before Mother Nature throws her toys out
or whatever happens. It means that in the depths of
a response, we rural communities are always fantastic. We all
know that everybody just picks up the tools, pulls on
the gumboots, and goes out to look after one another.
We've always been really good and strong in response, and
(10:55):
that comes down a lot to relationships, particularly with a
local CDM group controller. But then more importantly, again, flowing
into recovery, which is where it starts to get really
hard because we're talking long-term recovery, particularly when it comes
to those events that cause damage to our infrastructure, flooding,
(11:16):
fire and the likes of that. So really exciting that
somebody with rural expertise will sit at those tables now
to do the planning, work through a response and still
be there going through recovery. That's key. But also it
means that within our organisations that are on any rural
advisory group up and down the links of the country,
(11:38):
they can now feel that they're part of a system,
they understand the timeframes, the rollovers, and they can refresh
people in and out of those roles as needed as well.
Because remembering that in our rural communities, when we have
a big event, usually those rural leaders are just as
impacted as the next person over the boundary. But they're
(11:58):
trying to do what they can for their community at
the same time.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
Yeah, absolutely. See, it's only six or eight weeks ago
since the events down in the southern Wairarapa there where...
It kind of felt like there'd been a major event,
but I don't think that anybody was that aware of
it until suddenly somebody got a TV camera over there.
And three or four days later, we were sort of
aware of the size of what had happened. So, you know,
this can only be good in terms of getting that
(12:23):
response sorted and on the ground much quicker.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Oh, absolutely. And just having that visibility, but also being
able to utilise the relationships and the connections that our
rural communities have. It's so important, not only from the
point of view of who can get boots on the
ground or a digger or whatever, helicopter in the air,
groceries delivered, whatever it is, but also who they can
(12:50):
be leveraging support and encouragement from to within their wider networks.
Our rural communities are really well connected. So it's actually
giving them a place at the table to be able
to use all of those connections and all of those relationships.
So yeah, it's pretty exciting. I mean, long time coming,
but pretty exciting.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Yeah, it is. It is indeed. The bill also includes
new powers to help animals during emergencies. How significant is
that as a change? Oh, massive.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
We all know that people will happily put themselves, their
own lives at risk in order to protect their animals,
be they companion animals where people won't leave their homes
if they can't bring their companion animals with them, their
cats and their dogs. right through to farmers who, you know,
we've all seen usually shots from helicopters of farmers doing
(13:44):
some pretty crazy stuff when it comes to getting, you know,
mobs of stock out of floodwaters or out of harm's way.
But I think, again, it comes back to the fact
that for those of us who are out on farm,
recovery starts the minute it stops raining. You know, if
it's a flooding event or whatever. So we're out checking
(14:05):
for feed, checking water reticulation, needing milking sheds stood up,
making sure the irrigation, we can get back to irrigating
and all that sort of stuff. So this is right
at the heart of how we respond to these big events.
And we all know that the weather is becoming less predictable.
(14:28):
Our forecasting, I have to say, is getting better and better,
but we're getting these big events coming through that we
need to be able to respond to and understand that
people will respond with a view to protecting their animals.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Yeah, fabulous. Thank you very much for joining us, Sandra,
from over there in sort of central New South Wales.
Are you having a bit of a break or are
you working? Here to.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Catch up with the family and just for the weekend. So, yeah,
quite literally a flying visit.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Flying visit. You enjoy that. Thank you very much for
joining us.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Thanks so much, Amish. Bye.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Also coming up, former All Black first 5'8, 19, well, no,
not 19, it was 2011, wasn't it? Winning first 5'8,
in that final against France on Sunday mornings. High Veldt
heavyweight humdinger. That's coming up on The Country. Well, we
(15:53):
head across the old Tasman now here on the country
to catch up with our Aussie correspondent, which is always
great to do. Chris Russell, how are you, sir?
Speaker 6 (16:01):
I am awesome. How are you going?
Speaker 3 (16:03):
Oh, look, the word awesome, that really encapsulates a good vibe. Now,
talking of good vibes, and I'm good, thank you, Chris,
is the price our farmers are getting for lamb, and
you've been getting some good ones, but it's pretty, you know,
not much between the two sides of the Tasman now
with the old lamb prices.
Speaker 6 (16:22):
Yeah, so, I mean, what's happening really is it's interesting, really,
because I'm not quite sure I understand why it is.
But if you look at our lamb prices, they're actually
receding a little bit. New Zealand ones are going up.
So we're getting closer and closer. So currently in Australian cents,
we look at about 1173 cents a kilo, whereas New
(16:43):
Zealand has grown up to 960 cents. And of course,
both of us well below, you know, if you look
at the European figures, they're running around about 1420 cents
in the US, 1750. So they're the ones who are
grizzling about us putting lamb into their markets. But of course,
Australia and New Zealand created the US market. So it's
(17:06):
ridiculous that the farmers now cry poor to Australia. To Trump,
they wouldn't have any market at all. When I lived
in America, I never saw any lamb on the shelves
at all. We only had a very big. But there
is a change happening, and I'm sure that we're going
to see that. We're looking at our lamb prices eased
around about 3.5% for the month, whereas your prices have
(17:29):
actually gone in the opposite direction. From $ 0. 920 in July
up to $ 0. 960 in August, which is up about 4.3%.
It's interesting to see how that's happening.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Yeah, it is indeed. I mean, here in New Zealand,
we've got one of our leaders in terms of having
a strong voice in the economy. Ag sector, Mark Warren
says we've got to chase the $ 1, 500 lamb. I see
we had a couple of $ 500 pens. I think mine
had been the case last week. But yeah, interesting old times. Okay,
(18:01):
this landmark ruling, where the court has ruled there is
no obligation on the Murray-Darling Water Authority to protect profits
for irrigation farmers. I mean, this is huge. And talk
about a swathe of countryside.
Speaker 6 (18:19):
Yes, well, I mean, I would say that the New
South Wales Supreme Court, and particularly this judge, is not
very popular amongst the farmers at the moment, but there
were 28,000 irrigators who took the MDBA, which is called
Murray-Darling Basin Authority, to court. Now, the Murray-Darling Basin basically
stretches from southern Queensland all the way down through western
(18:42):
New South Wales, through Victoria and to South Australia. And
for all of the water, the irrigation water is then shared. Now,
number one priority is the environment. Number two priority is
towns and so on. Then there's stock water. Then there's
high security water for trees that are in all the time.
And then final allocation goes for general crops that you
(19:04):
can grow every year, like cotton and rice and so on.
And anyway, they were claiming in their action that In fact,
the authority really mucked up its management, its whole river operations.
They caused lower water allocations, loss of profits, and higher
temporary water prices, such that some farmers were not able
(19:26):
to actually meet their supply contracts. But the judge in
this case, a bloke called Judge Faulkner, found that they
had no duty of care to avoid pure economic loose
loss to one group of people over another. And then
they ordered the plaintiffs, the 28,000 farmers, to pay all
the costs of the MDBA. So I think people are saying, well,
(19:47):
that's an unusual ruling. We always talk about the three
Ps of products, profitable productivity and then principles and provenance.
And really, if we don't encourage profitable production in Australian agriculture,
we're in all sorts of trouble in terms of having
a viable agricultural industry, aren't we?
Speaker 3 (20:07):
28,000 plaintiffs, 28,000 farmers. That says it all, doesn't it, Chris? Yeah, incredible. Roddy,
alternatives to supplement Paraquat in desperate times because the limits
on the use of this is a reality.
Speaker 6 (20:23):
Yes, well, I think I reported, Jamie, a few weeks
ago that the APVMA, the Australian... Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority which is like the ruling body for deciding what
we can and can't use and said that we continue
to be able to use Paraquat. Now some of the
(20:47):
plaintiffs in this had claimed that Paraquat was indicated as
being a cause of Parkinson's disease particularly in a full
pocket area in Victoria where they had a lot of
occurrences but the The AVMA rule that providing used according
instructions is completely safe, but they did reduce the maximum
rates that could be used, and they also reduced the
(21:09):
amount that could be put on in total, and you
had to have special license as well. So it's a
kind of a midpoint type decision. But now they're saying, well,
the problem is that there's no sugarcoating the fact that
By dropping the allowable application rate for board spectrum herbicide
by 80%, it's going to be very hard to manage weeds,
(21:33):
particularly in crops like sugar. And there is nothing on
the horizon at the moment that can actually take its place.
Of course, we've got glyphosate, but glyphosate depended on paraquat
as being the backup alternative when you started seeing resistance
in the weeds to roundable glyphosate. So this is presenting
(21:55):
them with a dilemma, although they're pleased that it has
been completely barred. You know, some of the broadleaf weeds,
like what we over here call milk thistle and fleabane,
are very difficult to control without the full range of
ammunition in the armoury to be able to do that.
And so this is going to be a good task,
I think, for the researchers and for the companies to
(22:16):
come up with something that's going to be able to
replace that, which is still going to be inherently safe
to use.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Yeah, gee, the challenge is, eh, on a daily basis
for the ag sector, for the farming world, they keep
popping up, don't they, Chris? Hey, let's talk a little
bit of footy. The All Blacks should expect them to,
you know, you Aussies will be keeping an eye on us.
We'll go up against the box and go 2-1 up,
I would think.
Speaker 4 (22:39):
Well, yeah, probably.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
We beat Argentina just, which was good. So these kids
have still got an unbeaten record. So he's sitting pretty
at the moment. And it wasn't a bad game. Always interesting.
The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in those games
is amazing. So it'll be fascinating to see when we
(23:02):
get to the Blizzlo Cup game each time just exactly
how that runs, Homish.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Always looking forward to that. Aussie correspondent Chris Russell, as always,
thank you very much for joining us here on The Country.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
No worries, Homish.
Speaker 6 (23:13):
Get your, get your, get your, get your feathers.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Top man he is. Top man indeed. Chris Russell, our
Aussie correspondent. Bit of pink flamingos in there. Get your
feather away from my nose. Early 1980s. Righty-o, standing by.
News and sport here on the country.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
The country's rural news with Cub Cadet. It's one thing
to talk innovation, another to back it up.
Speaker 5 (23:45):
Drive it. We dare you.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Visit steelfort.co.nz for your local stockist.
Speaker 8 (23:52):
And yes, in rural news, the sun is shining down
here in Dunedin today. It's a beautiful day. We had
a bit of rain overnight, but it looks like there's
wild weather happening across the rest of the country. Part
of State Highway 7 in Lewis passes down to one
lane south of Rahu Saddle with fallen trees affecting the road.
An area warning is in place for State Highway 73
at Arthur's Pass from Kumara Junction to Arthur's Pass Village
(24:14):
due to slips and flooding. And an orange strong wind
watch is in place for Wellington and Wairarapa, which is
absolutely crazy to think looking outside here today. Beautiful sunny day.
We've got Chris Brandolino up near the end of the
hour to discuss the weather more and a bit more
about our Nino and what they've found out with their modelling.
And right now, here is Hamish with sport.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Sport on the country with AFCO. Business well done.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Counting down to the third test in Soweto. Do not
play Dave Rennie in poker. I have never seen, Michelle,
the mass media in New Zealand get it so wrong
when predicting an all-black match day 23. Everybody missed out
by a country mile. In fact, five or six wrong
(24:59):
in most people's predictions for the four-pack. So that says
to me that Dave Rennie's doing a magnificent job, just
as he is in playing the game of few words
up against Rassi Erasmus. In case you missed that, all-black team,
Sam Dowry in there, Jacobson stays, Peter Lack, I get
to start on the blind side, or Moa starting at hooker,
George Bauer staying at loose head prop, among a number
(25:22):
of other changes. There you go, Cody Taylor, of course, the...
The big news dropping out of the match day 23 altogether.
Speaker 8 (25:31):
And who do you think is going to win this series? Hamish,
who's your pick?
Speaker 3 (25:36):
Look, I tell you what. It will be one of
the greatest achievements in All Black history if the All
Blacks can get up and win this one in Soweto.
So I think we've got the back line to do it,
and I like the new blood that's in there. 5009.
5009 is our text number. So let's get some statistical analysis.
Let's do some research. What do you think? Text us through.
(25:58):
Do the All Blacks get it? 2-1 will become effectively
unbeatable in the series, even though the fourth test is
in Baltimore. So if you say it's a South African
series and it's three, and Soweto, early hours of Sunday morning,
is the decider. Here you go. Sound like a good idea?
Speaker 8 (26:14):
I think so, yeah. And are you going to ask
Aaron Cruden who he thinks?
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Oh, I'll put young Azza Cruden. Beautiful first 5-8. He
was a Manawatu boy. We'll put him on the line very,
very shortly coming up on the show, as well as
Chris Brandolino with a look at the weather that's coming
on the country.
Speaker 7 (26:36):
Prepares to play like an execution victoria what do you
want from.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Him 90 minutes away from one on the country on
your friday well it is sunday morning's high veldt heavyweight
humdinger one of the expecting to be one of the
great games uh in the incredible sequence of matches that
seem to have gone on forever between the all blacks
and south africa And, of course, well, Sunday morning, around
(27:10):
about 3 o'clock, I know this guy will be, his
eyes will be peeled on the screen, All Black First 5-8,
Aaron Cruden, of course, a man who knows Dave Rennie
very well. Azza, how are you?
Speaker 6 (27:23):
Yes, very good.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Thank you, Hamish.
Speaker 7 (27:26):
As you said, mate, very excited about Sunday morning and
this upcoming test, a pivotal one in the context of
the series, which is awesome.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Yeah, it is. It is fantastic that it is coming
to this. The back line remains intact in terms of selection.
But I was just saying a few minutes ago, I
can't believe how many of the pundits were wide of
the mark when it came to selecting the team. You
don't want to play Dave Rennie in poker because he
kept this pretty close to his chest. With Dowry coming in,
Bauer starting, Ormoa starting, Lackey on the Brian side, Jacobson starting.
(27:56):
There were lots who were predicting a very different looking
lineup to that.
Speaker 7 (28:01):
Yeah, it's funny. Obviously, knowing Renz really well, he's his
own man as well.
Speaker 6 (28:07):
He doesn't get swayed too easily.
Speaker 7 (28:10):
In regards to any outside noise. But him and his
coaching group, they're obviously very astute, they're very experienced, and
they've decided to make a few changes in the forward
pack that they believe can go out there and make
an impact, make a little bit of a difference in
regards to And I guess, yeah, the result that they
(28:31):
conceded in the end in Test 2.
Speaker 6 (28:34):
Yeah, it's exciting.
Speaker 7 (28:35):
Like anything, when there's sort of new players into the
starting 15, it just brings that level of excitement.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
There's always expectation.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
But for me, now it makes South Africa have to
prepare for something a little bit different, possibly, than what
they've faced in the first couple of Tests.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
Yeah, that's interesting, isn't it? Because... we had the change
at blindside flanker, we go away from sort of more
of a physical approach to Lackey. He's just got that
bit more ball carry, doesn't he? I think he'll be
exciting in that sixth jersey.
Speaker 7 (29:07):
Yeah, I agree, Hamish. I think for me, he's been
one of the constant performers for the All Blacks throughout
the season so far. You know, it hasn't always come
in the starting lineup, but whenever he's he's come on
he's added impact he's possibly not as big of a
body as Simon Parker and look Simon played really well
last week but the coaches of the All Blacks have
(29:29):
obviously decided to make a change and gone for something.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
A little bit different and he is very.
Speaker 7 (29:34):
Dynamic with ball in hand and I'm excited to see
him combine with both our and Luke Jacobson and the
loose forward trio and yeah when I look at that
selection as well he's probably a little bit more of
a threat at the breakdown possibly for me as well
his ability to put his head in those dark places
and come away with those jackal turnovers I think hopefully
(29:55):
that might really compliment what Artie can do at the
breakdown area as well.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
Yeah, I think it's been one of the successful combinations
so far this season is Jacobson and Savia. And I
think Lakai will add to the mix. But I think
you make a good point. Parker did nothing wrong in
that test and, you know, might feel a little bit
hard done by. But then again, within this group that
Dave Rennie has got, there isn't a lot of that
bottom lip dragging, is it? It's actually getting in there
(30:21):
and everybody's competing for a place and staying positive. I
like that about this team.
Speaker 6 (30:26):
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 7 (30:27):
I really like what you've said there. And even like
I'm big on listening to a lot of the messages
that come out of certain camps and, you know, the
All Blacks coaches, even the players, they clearly say that.
I think it was only a couple of weeks ago,
you know, it was Simon Parker was the one that
came out and said, you know, the All Blacks, it's
not a charity. You have to earn your spot. And
(30:47):
whether that's in the starting lineup or on the bench
or possibly not even in the match day 23, but
you all have a role to play. And to me,
that's clear and obvious. Everyone's understanding what their role is,
preparing the team as best as they can. And yes,
although we didn't get the result in Test 2, I
still think there were a lot of aspects that I
really liked. And if we can just tidy up a
(31:09):
few areas and get those right this coming weekend, you know,
we can easily turn that result around.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
Yeah. Right, something that you will enjoy is a running
first 5-8. I mean, that was your mantra. And young
Reuben Love, he just goes from strength to strength. I'm
not sure he's quite getting the plaudits that he deserves,
but that's not a bad thing when a young guy's
starting out. But I like a first 5-8 who actually
(31:37):
comes onto the ball and challenges, leaves the defence completely
in two minds and then can just throw an absolute
pearl or a cut-out pass wide.
Speaker 4 (31:47):
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 7 (31:48):
I think I've really been impressed what Ruben's been able
to do in this international season so far. Obviously, he
got more time in the saddle for the Hurricanes this
year at 10, which was fantastic. And we all saw,
I guess, the influence that he was able to have.
But yeah, I agree.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
I think he.
Speaker 7 (32:06):
Probably hasn't had the impact in regards to his running
game that people might have thought in the first couple
of tests. I am hopeful and possibly expect that we're
going to see the best of Ruben Love in regards
to his attacking prowess this week because similar to Cam
Roygard and even when I think of Geordie Barrett, you know,
that Hurricane 9, 10, 12 combination, they're all, to me,
(32:29):
at their best when they're thinking run first and then
they get their skill set, their decision making, fall off
the back of that. So I think if Ruben can
sort of just get a few touches early, you know, like,
Just challenge the line and make South Africa's defence think
a little bit more about him as well. I think
it's just going to set him up so well. I'm
(32:49):
excited to see it happen, hopefully.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
Yeah, it'll be brilliant. Aaron Cruden, thank you for joining
us on The Country. You have a good day and
enjoy the match. It is coming up to 12 minutes
away from one. We're going to check out the weather
with our expert Chris Brandolino. That's coming up next here
on The Country. Well, it's that time of the week
(33:15):
here on The Country where we catch up with one
of our fine array of experts that we have, and
that's Chris Prandolino, Chief Scientist, Earth Science NZ. G'day, Chris.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (33:27):
Oh, I'm busier than a one-legged man in a bum-kicking contest.
Speaker 5 (33:30):
How are you?
Speaker 3 (33:33):
I hope you're not going to come second then, yeah. Gee,
that does sound busy. Yeah, no, no, no, all good
in my part of the world, but hey, it's been
an erratic old start to spring down south, that cold blast,
and pretty windy in the north.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
Yeah, this is El Nino, and El Nino, I guess
an El Nino-fueled spring, and this is basically a summary
or a snapshot what I think spring will feature. Yes,
there'll be periods that certainly differ from the theme, but
the theme is wind. Some of that wind is going
to be quite strong. It'll be in the westerly quarter,
(34:07):
so sometimes north of west, sometimes south of west, and
that direction will obviously inform or influence temperature. But it's
going to be a westerly quarter, more persistently, more intensely.
So we are going to find wind as a theme
for the spring season, and some of that wind will
be quite strong, as I say. And in addition to that,
it's going to be rain. So wind coming off the
(34:33):
areas in the western and lower South Island most exposed
to those westerly winds. And so we're looking at wet
conditions basically over the next several days. There'll be waves
of rain. Some of that will fall heavily. And as
we go through time, we'll have to watch the risk
for things like flooding. And certainly they'll have impacts on
beef and lamb in the coming season getting underway, particularly
(34:53):
or as it does get underway if it's not already
across the lower portions of the South Island.
Speaker 3 (34:58):
Yeah, so look, there's plenty to be wary of, isn't it?
But do you think that this amount of information that
you are now able to provide is being, I mean,
is it on the uptake? Are people actually taking notice?
Speaker 2 (35:13):
I sure hope so. I mean, look, it's certainly been
in the media. We've certainly done our best to... make
people aware to give some early indications. We've been talking
about this for the past few months now about this,
you know, basically things starting to go in a direction
or a certain El Nino direction come spring. Spring is
here now, and that's what we're seeing. So I think
(35:33):
generally speaking, it's quite early, of course, but things have
worked out for the most part. And so I certainly
hope so. I do think while wetness and wind is
a concern for the western lower South Island area, We're
going to have to watch for, I guess, on the
other side of the spectrum, that's too little rain over
eastern and northern parts of both islands, especially the north island.
(35:55):
That's where potentially the dryness, Hawke's Bay, Gizzy, Guadarapa, eastern parts,
especially of Northland, Auckland, eastern parts, northern parts of the
South Island as well. Because of that wind coming from
the west, it dries as it gets to the other
side of the divide area. Look, it's one thing, dryness
can obviously develop, Hamish, from a lack of rain. No duh, right?
(36:19):
But it's not just that. As our days get longer,
as the sun gets stronger, and we see these warmer
temperatures coinciding with wind, look, wind and warm temperatures, like
the bathroom hand dryers, are really good at removing moisture.
And so you combine a reduction of rainfall, you combine
the wind in these days of higher temperatures, Where those
(36:40):
three things kind of come together, that's where we're going
to find the most trouble. Exactly where that is, hard
to say, but that's where we're speaking in these sort
of broad strokes of northern and eastern parts of both.
It'll take some time for dryness or the effects of
dryness to emerge, probably until we get deeper into spring.
But once it does start to emerge, it kind of
(37:00):
becomes a bit sticky, and it's hard to get rid
of even if you do get a bit of rain.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
Sensational. As I say, if you are listening to Chris Brandolino,
Chief Scientist, Earth Science NZ, on the country, then you
can't say you haven't been warned. Chris, thank you very
much as always. Much appreciated.
Speaker 5 (37:19):
Likewise, Hamish.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
You have a good day, sir.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
The country. Hamish McKay on your Friday. Jamie back Monday.
Farm Strong is all about making your well-being a priority
in a mentally and physically demanding job. Ain't that the truth?
To find out more about the daily habits and mental
skills that increase performance and help keep your head in
the game, visit the Farm Strong website this weekend. Beside
(37:49):
watching the footy, of course, as well. That's farmstrong.co.nz to
live well and farm well. farmstrong.co.nz to live well and
farm well. Another little thing for you to do over
the weekend, too, that I'll mention here is, and it's
a shame it's not on. It should be on TV
of some description, but it's the Diamond League in Brussels,
(38:12):
the big, you know, the yearly athletics tour. We've got
our own Tom Walsh. Big Tommy in the shot put,
early hours of Sunday, wee hours of Sunday morning. Perfectly
probably just during the rugby, I think it is. And
then Zoe Hobbs in the 100 metres and Imogen Eris
in the pole vault, our Commonwealth Games medalist in that
(38:33):
event there. So that'll be cool to look forward to
on the weekend as well. But of course, the big
one is the high belt heavyweight humdinger in Soweto. Be
watching out for that one. The All Blacks against South Africa.
the line tells us that you're 70-30. So we're reasonably confident. 70%
(38:54):
saying that the All Blacks will win this one. And
I'm making it a three-test series because the fourth test
is in Baltimore. It just doesn't feel quite right, you know.
It should really be at Kings Park in Durban, shouldn't it?
That would have the right sort of ring about it.
But great to hear from Aaron Cruden to get his
thoughts on this All Black team and the very fine
(39:15):
environment that has been created by that man, Dave Rennie.
Thanks to all our guests. A great spotlight on the
Terawhiti region with Neville Clark and all the good things
that happen in that part of the world. Our Aussie correspondent,
Chris Russell as well. Federated Farmers. Vice President Sandra Faulkner
and the overdue changes thankfully to our emergency management system
(39:37):
which means we're going to be able to do a
lot better when events like happened in Marlborough and the
South Wairarapa sort of six weeks ago which is just
evidence of how times are a-changing. We're going to go
out with Dave McCartney, the late, great Dave McCartney. Here
we go. Pink Flamingo.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
The Country with Jamie Mackay and Farmlands. Because rural never
grows it alone. Newstalk ZV.
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