August 31, 2025 • 38 mins
Jamie Mackay talks to Mark de Lautour, Damien O'Connor, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, and Karin Kos.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Catch all the latest from the land. It's The Country
Podcast with Jamie McGue Thanks to Brent You're specialist in
John Deere machinery.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
For good Afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. On
(00:45):
a great day, a great day. After a great day,
great Southern Land ice house and that is for the
South and Stags, my favorite footy team taking out the
rand Philly Shield. How good was that that the rand
Philly Shield is going to the smaller provincial scent where
it's really really appreciated. Well done lads, some of you
would not disgrace an all black jersey. And I looked
(01:07):
at the two guys in the number six jersey yesterday,
Sean Withey and Samma Pennafeine. Now you tell me who
was the best number six raiser. Anyhow, you got a
big job to pick your team this week. My job's
to stay on track with this show. Big news out
moves a plenty in the dairy industry this morning, Open
(01:28):
countries on the acquisition trail. They bought out Mattawa Valley
Milk a couple of weeks ago. Today it's the turn
of me. Raker strung a deal together pretty quickly. Mark
Delatre to tell us all about it and just to
tack Damian O'Connor these days domiciled and Dunedin had a
chance to have a bear with him. We can always
(01:49):
agree to disagree, but he's not a bad bloke. He's
on the show today. He's got some thoughts on Fonterra Molesworth.
What's happened to the Labor Party's long awaited agg policy
and our Trump's tariffs illegal? How could that play out
for us? The Farmer Politician Panel both kow Koki's Andrew Hoggard,
Grant McCullum, Karran Costs, Chief executive of Aperculture and Zealand.
(02:12):
It's b aware month. One third of the food we
eat comes from pollination due to honeybees. We have to
love them because they're doing a great job. Phil Duncan
on the weather, First day of spring or is it
no time to waste up? Next? A big dairy story
of the day, Open Country taking over or buying Miraka.
(02:53):
This was big news this morning. Open Country Dairy is
really on the acquisition trail at the moment. Moves a
plenty in the dairy industry. Open Country has just announced
its finalized a deal to acquire one hundred percent of
me Ruka in the central North Island Mauri owned dairy
processing company. Mark de Latour is the chief executive. What's
(03:16):
next You can have a crack at Fonterra.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Good afternoon, Jamie. No, that might be a leap too
far for sure, but we're really excited. I mean it's
it's obviously come hot on the heels of our announcement
around purchasing Matara Valley Milk a couple of weeks back,
but it wasn't doesn't feel that way to us because
(03:39):
you know, Matara Valley pretty much took us the better
part of nine or ten months to put together and
this one's happened quite quickly actually, Jamie. So you know,
we've looked at meat Aka for quite a while and
thought what a great spot, great location it's in and
but in the opportunity came, we couldn't not look at it.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
You've got plants and other Waikato Wanganui man or two
obviously down on Southland. This fills in the middle of
the North Island really nicely. You're missing a plant and
I don't know, Mark, let's just say in a little
place like Dunsandal, I'm flying a kite here.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I'm pleading the fifth on that one. Jamie, No, but
you're right on the North Island. I mean, they's take
it back to what we're talking about. I think you're right.
I mean, if you look at that area between our
Wanganui site, which is a major site for us, and
our two plants in the Waikato, the mead Archer site
which is located Morecai near Tapo, I mean from I
(04:44):
don't want to use the word strategy really, but strategically
it does make a lot of sense, lots of efficiency
around milk collection and anything of the milk curve at
the lower end of the season when we can still
gain a bit more efficiency through that whole milk curve
with our processing sights. So, like I said, we we've
we've looked at it for a little while and said, gosh,
(05:06):
that would be that would be a great location to
have and and and you know, when the opportunity came along,
we would be silly not to look at it.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Well, this has all happened rather quickly, Like basically in
the past couple of weeks, were there other suitors. Did
Fonterra have a crack for instance?
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Oh, actually, I'm not too sure about the details of that, Jamie.
I mean, I mean, we know we were talking to
the board of Meat ocre and and you're right, it
did happen reasonably quickly. Not sure what the sale process
was from their end in total, but I mean in
this instance, we were the you know, one of our strengths,
(05:43):
Zam is we can move quickly, and I guess that
was a that was a factor in their decision making.
So you were just happy to have secured the deal.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
So the Telly brothers signed off on it, and deal's done.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Yeah, the cousins really, I guess, But that's right. So
so that that's that's that's a good opportunity for us.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Begs the question why is me rakas selling? Is it
just too hard to be like a single site process
of these days in this country?
Speaker 3 (06:15):
I guess it is one of those industries, you know,
that where the margins are very slim and and if
you don't have a level of scale, it's it's very
very hard, right, So you know what we figured, we're
not actually in the you know, one of the things
you know that I want the listeners to take away
(06:35):
I guess is we're not on the growth for growth
sake in this journey. But if you don't have some
level of scale in this industry, it makes it very,
very difficult because of the low margency. You need some
volume going through any need efficiency. So I think you know,
if you are a single site operator, it's always going
to be a hell of a lot harder to to
(06:57):
make ends meet if you haven't got the opportunity to
move milk around and take those official mind.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
You, Tartou is a single site operator that's the most
successful cooperative in the country.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, they've they've they've they've
specialized really well, and they've they've picked their markets that
align with their size and scale, and I mean I
think they're they're one out of the box for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Just finally, Fonterra is sitting at eighty percent or just
under the total milk supply that goes through their doors.
Where does this put open country? You're obviously a clear second,
But as any are you in double digits for instance,
because I'm looking at Sinlay, Westland, obviously, Tatua oh Lamb,
(07:40):
there's other players out there.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Yeah, I haven't got that those numbers in front of me.
I would estimate Jamie to take us around thirteen thirteen
and a half percent on I'd take yes, I will
need to do those numbers, but yeah, we're a clear
number two on that. And we still think of ourselves
as a small company. You know, we're a company that
started twenty one years ago now and no try to
(08:03):
know our supplies by name. But like I said, you know,
there's a level of scale that has to be at
play in this industry to give everyone security, you know,
customer security and farmer supplies with their milk checks as well.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Well. Congratulations the acquisitions. I don't know if they're going
to continue on, but two big ones in two weeks
Matara Valley Milk and now me Raka chief executive of
Open Country Dairy. He's building an empire. Mark de Latour,
thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Thanks, Jammy cheers.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Fifteen after twelve. Thank you, Mark. Yeah, interesting times in
the dairy industry. Of course, Fonterra is in the process
of selling its consumer brands. Not everybody's cup of tea.
I know our next guest is not a fan of it.
Damien O'Connor texts coming in. You haven't got that red
(08:55):
drop kicked Damien O'Connor back again. Surely not with the
thumbs down. Well, yes I have. I've got a show,
some balance on the show. And you can say what
you want about Damien, but he has experienced, he's been
around a long time and certainly in the Trade Department
he did a reasonable job for us in the last government.
(09:15):
I wouldn't say the last government did a very good
job at all when it came to agriculture, but we're
going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Before
the end of the hour, Andrew Hoggard's done a deal
around the poultry. I'm not quite sure what that one's about.
He's the Minister of bio Security, Grant McCullum. In fact,
ones from one or two, ones from Northland we got.
(09:35):
When I say we, vicariously, i'm living through the stags.
Of course we've got the shield now. I think it's
a long time since one or two or Northland I've
had the shield. But it belongs in the smaller provinces.
I've always thought that. And when I say we the Stags,
we have to play Canterbury this weekend curtain raiser to
(09:55):
the Big Test at Eden Park and Canterbury are five
from five in the end, undefeated. Clearly one of the
better teams, if not the best team. What a tragedy
it'll be if they take it off the Stags on Saturday.
They're not going to go down without one hell of
a fight. What a great game it was yesterday. Karen Coss,
(10:15):
Karen Coss, she's South African. I think one third of
the food we eat comes from pol Nation due to honeybees.
Let's be aware month we'll talk about that. And fell
Duncan on the weather ser them nights? Have you ever
(10:37):
belter ser them name? It was good to catch up
with this gentleman. Can I call him that? On Friday
night he turned up at the Otago Golf Club for
a bear Dn Edens's new home sort of these days,
Damien O'Connor, and Damon, I think I can convert you
into a golfer and a center right voter. You seem
to fit like a hand into a glove at our golf.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
You can live and hope, Jamie. But I got more
more common sense than that, and I don't have the time.
You know it's been on the golf course. I can
see who you can become addicted to it, But not hell,
it takes quite a bit of time.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yeah, but you spend most of your time gallivanting around
the country on your trailbike.
Speaker 4 (11:15):
Well, no, a little bit on that, mainly in cars
and planes. And it is to get from a to
b and it is to keep an eye on what's
happening around. I guess the benefit and I traveled to
the top to bottom of the South Island last week
just seeing what is happening, talking to people, getting a
mix of views, and I guess, you know, wigging that
(11:35):
back into the political system. We're in a process of
developing policies and ideas to be a better government.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Damen, I reckon, I'll be an old man by the
time you and Joe Luxton get around to coming out
with some ag policy.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Well just wait and see you just hold your breath
and you know you might be around. But coming up
with good innovative policy is really critical. I mean, the
prom sectors are still at the part of our economy,
but there's a lot of farmers out there saying we're
not quite sure where we're going. We've got great payouts
at the moment, you know, and dairy and beef and
(12:08):
you know, pretty good for land, But there's a whole
lot of other sectors that are struggling, and there's still
no vision for where we should be in twenty years time.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Well, I one start about the lack of vision you
had when you were in government. Talk to me about Vie. No, no, no, absolutely,
I meant that sincerely and in all honesty. Talk to
me about you had.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
To fit for a better world. Did you see what
we were attempting to do with the industry, to carry
it off and reach out and put that in place.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
You would have killed it off. Now, what about What
do you make about today's big news story, Open Country
Dairy acquiring Miraka.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
It's a little surprising, and I guess for Marie acrobusiness,
Miraca was seen as a bit of a jewel. They
had gone out, worked with Marie farmers and others, partnership
with Vietnamese and while I'm not familiar with the details
of it, I guess it's one more play that Open Country,
(13:03):
you know, a couple of weeks ago. Of course they
made a big player as well, so they're certainly strengthening
their base across New Zealand and be interesting to see
what happens from here.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
You're not a fan of Fonterra selling its consumer brands. No.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
I think there was a very good article by Sam
Stubbs over the weekend which nailed it. I think that
it might be a good play for Fonterra and its
shareholders in the short term, certainly not a good play
for New Zealand and in the long term. I mean, well,
we'll just have to wait and see. I you know,
the fact that they can use the equity better well
at a time when farmers have pretty healthy income and
(13:40):
dairy another three point two billion or more going back
to them begs the question where will that go? And
someone say, oh, they'll pay down debt. I suspect it
will go into other areas, not all of it productive,
and I'm not sure it will secure the long term
future for future generations. Of course, that's what we have
to think about, you know, the generations ahead in the
(14:03):
dairy industry, not just shareholders. At the moment, I.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Was giving you a bit of stick about riding your
trail bike because I know you're a keen biker, off roader,
dirt biker, and I know you've been through Molesworth and
I know you know Jim Ward. Well, I went to
school with him as well. Good bloke. He got the
don't come Monday from Palmu. What are your reckons going
on at Molesworth?
Speaker 4 (14:25):
Well, I think it's a play by Nightahu to take
it over quite frankly, and you know, maybe they should
explain why just sitting in your head discussions with them.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be
a bit more transparent. I think Doc have said they're
going to put the lease up for interested parties. The
risk is that, you know, it is an iconic location.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
It's quite a.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
Fragile environment, a lot of wilding pines in there. We
spent a lot of money and I know that Jim
as manager, you know, provided the flexibility in that program
wilding pines. He has done for you know, tourism purpose.
He shuts the place up when necessary, and you know,
I know that irks a lot of people. I find
him an outstanding guy who has been always straight up
(15:09):
with me. I've known him for many, many years, and
I think that Palmu shafted him, and I think that
they need to be able to front up and say
what their intent is. And I understand the pressure on
some more long term experience managers around the country. A
bunch of shiny bums in Wellington making calls, some of
(15:30):
which are ridiculous, are impacting on the way that Palmu
is operating. Now it's come out with a good profit,
I'm sure Treasury will be happy, you know. And there
are some healthy prices for dairy and for meet at
the moment, so they should be making good money. But
doesn't mean to say they shouldn't be an ethical employer
and be able to explain their long term strategy.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Just a final one. Because you were a former Minister
of Trade, you did good work to be fair in
that portfolio. Are Trump's tariffs legal? The Federal Appeals Court
has ruled that Trump does not have the authority to
use emergency economic powers to impose taxes on imports. But
let's face it, Trump will just do what he wants,
won't he.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I think he will. I don't think a legal ruling
will change match. The issue really is the uncertainty and
the fact that you know, the stock markets are, you know,
going up and down like a yo yo. Some people
are making billions of dollars over there in the US,
but ultimately there will be people losing billions as well,
and you know, all of uncertaintly just creates opportunities for
(16:36):
the wealthy, puts more pressure on the poor in not
just the US, but around the world people who depend
upon you know, just making or growing things that are traded,
and so the disruption across the globe is not good
for any of us. I'm not sure that Trump will
care about or bye by the legal ruling is. We'll
(16:56):
just have to wait and see you. I think many
of us thought that the US had a robust constitutional
legal system, but the ability of the president to president
to override that is just quite astounding.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Damien O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson, Thanks for your time. Just
hold the line there. I'll get your address details for
your nomination for membership of the Otago Golf Club.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
And hope.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Yeah, I'm not sure that'll happen, But got of them
to front up and turn up at the lions Den.
Probably we didn't have too many voters up on the
hill here in Dunedin. Um geez, some interesting feedback coming
and here's a humorous one from Stephen Jamie. Damien was
nicknamed the Mirror when he was the constituent MP on
the coast. Why well, the only answer he ever had
(17:44):
to anyone who asked him about relevant matters was I'll
look into it. That's not bad, Stephen. Some of your
other texts are less charitable. Or here's one from shortest
ranfully shield rain is sick days, awesome game yesterday, good
luck next weekend. That's a lot better than the bitter
(18:05):
and twisted MUDs from hawks Bay who said, Jamie, you
can kiss the shield goodbye this weekend. Bit of a
flukey won it, but well deserved. I suppose what do
you mean, bit of a fluke, but well deserved totally
outplayed why Kaddow absolutely did. And Old Grant and Mcnashal McCullum,
who's coming up very shortly on the show. He's a
bit of a keen rugby man like myself. He said.
(18:28):
The last time one O two had the shield was
when Northland took it off them in nineteen seventy nine.
The mn or A two team in the late seventies was
very good and it was the last time Northland's had
it as well. That was to my point earlier that
if Canterbury they're so easy to dislike, but if they
win the Ranfilly Shield against Southland on Saturday. It'll be
(18:52):
a travesty because they don't give a toss about it
up there. Seriously, they got bigger fish to fry. It's
good that I let it stay in a cargo or
Palmi North or fong Ray. That's my thoughts on it. Anyhow,
I'm a bit biased. Up next the panel, Andrew Hoggard,
Grant McCullum, no free, Yeah, not to mention the twenty
(19:25):
nine away from one year with the Country brought to
you by Brandt Southern Nights, Glenn Campbell. There would have
been a good Southern Night in Southland last night. Today's
panel is the Farmer Politician panel. They're both cowcockies, ones
from Northland, ones from one or two Andrew Hoggard and
Grant mcnational McCullum. Neither of you two losers have had
(19:47):
the shield since nineteen sec nine.
Speaker 5 (19:51):
Seventy eight mate, sorry seventy eight, but we've took it
off to my fault.
Speaker 6 (19:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Well, to be fair, I'm a bit of a rugby
historian and I know that the one or two team,
as I said, they were full of great players, Mark
Donalds and Frank Olin Ken Granger but Northland also at
the time had a great rugby side as well.
Speaker 6 (20:11):
Yes we did.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
We had a great team back then, and it was
we wanted, we wanted the referee I think played about
ten minutes of each of time, we got a penalty
and won the game, and then then we took the
shield home and said, ah, because it was going to
be something like Octave, we don't have to take challenges,
so we said notice south and then Otago apparently from memory,
and but then we lost Aukland next year, so.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
I reconize this is just out out of the back annals,
anals annals, of course of my mind. Grunt it was
there a guy called Chippy Semonof who kicked the penalties.
Speaker 5 (20:43):
Correct, yes, kicked the penalty and the people of man
Or two have never forgiven.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
That referee Andrew Hoggard. Were you old enough to go
to footy in those.
Speaker 7 (20:51):
Days, uh, seventy nine? I was three and four so no, No,
first game I remember were rapper Bush versus the Lions
eighty one. I think it was eighty two, eighty three.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
It would have been Mate eighty three, Okay.
Speaker 7 (21:09):
It's yeah, yeah, it would have been Southland. Just need
to hold it on for a couple more games, drop
it to counties, and then counties hold of the game,
and then mental twos in with a chance again.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Yeah, well one of them was someone's texted and said,
be aware the counties are waiting. Well, they haven't had it.
Well they never had it for years and years and years,
and I think they have had it, haven't they? And
then they lost it quickly.
Speaker 5 (21:32):
Correct, Yeah, they have had it.
Speaker 6 (21:34):
Yeah, okay there, yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:35):
All right, okay, let's get on to the issues of
the day. You're both politician farmers, house carving going because Grant,
I got a text last week and it was remissive
me not to read it out. I just ran out
of time from a from a farmer up in north
and who said it had been really wet.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Yeah, yeah, it certainly has done. We've had a particularly
wet weat sort of cold spring. Grass grows a bit sluggish,
we fair to say, whereas we're away tighter than weather
time last year, and so yeah, everyone's are looking forward
to a spring that is a bit warmer and it's
more sunlight and we get more grass because it's a
bit tougher out here at the moment for our team.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
And I understand grass is growing slowly in the month
or two as well. Andrew.
Speaker 7 (22:17):
Yeah, it's being spit tight at the moment. But up
until I when it was the last Friday, we've had
a week of some pretty beautiful weather, so you could
just see the grass moving in front of end when
I was home.
Speaker 6 (22:28):
That was.
Speaker 7 (22:30):
But yeah, so it's starting to get better weather now,
so yeah, it feels like it's going to take off.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
What are you two making I'll stick with you, Andrew.
Of the Open Country acquisition of meat Racker.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I didn't even know that one had happened.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Al Right, well, I won't ask you then. What about you, Grant,
You've got your rolls.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
They're just announce mate, They're literally announced the day. Yeah,
I think we'll good luck to them. That's the market
at work. We can see how it all works open
country and expanditory, and I suppose they'll be There will
be competition in their own way for Fonterra, and that
keeps everyone on their toes, which is a good thing.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
You're both Fonterra farmer shareholders. What are you going to
do with all your money?
Speaker 7 (23:14):
I still have the last bit of the farm to
buy off my parents. So I'm pretty sure that'll be
the deposit for that.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Now, Andrew, here's a serious question, what do you reckon
most farmers will do? I reckon farmers are pretty sensible.
They'll pay down debt or pay off the debt surrounding
the purchase of their Fonterra shares because a lot of
them paid six or seven bucks for them anyhow, So
I don't think there's going to be yep, I don't
think there's going to be like a mass rush for
the jet boat shops. I mean, you're more likely to
(23:42):
buy a tractor than a jet boat, aren't you.
Speaker 6 (23:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (23:45):
Look, I think, look and deadly you'll get a few
people that want to go and splurge on that toy
they've never kept to own. But I think most will
be investing back into the farm, improving it or paying
down debt, whichever one works for them.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
A bit of a playboy, Grant McCallum, I bitch you
buy a toy.
Speaker 5 (24:05):
That idea from don't know why I come on this
show some days on the go to get abused by you, Jamie.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
No, No, all publicity is good publicity. You've got an
election next year, pal Is Zealand first going to be
gunning for you in Northland, Joe.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
They did last time. We had a great competition. It's
always entertaining on the Hufteans with them with old Shane Jones. Look, look,
no all seriously, we'll be investing back in the farm
and paign down some debt. We've got to do some
environmental stuff. And I just like to make a shout
out now. Let's assuming, by the way, that the Farmer
shareholders voth to go through the process. That's firstly got
(24:43):
to happen, and I think we should. As a shareholder,
I'm very keen to see. I think it's a smart move.
I disagree with Damien actually, and I just think it'll
be It'll be good for our fame business. I'd just
like to make a shout out now Jamie too. And
this is the sorts of things we can do with
this sort of money. Is it's conservation week this week
and no, farmers do a lot of good work in
(25:03):
the space and the QY two Trust is an example
of that. With farmers are best a lot in the
bensing Off land. I know you have as well, and
I just so this is what that farmers will love
to spend money on and are you watched that's what
will happen.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
I love the Q two National Trust you too. In fact,
your coalition government needs to fund them a bit better. Andrew.
You've made some.
Speaker 7 (25:25):
Working on it with those biodiversity credits. That will be
an option for them to be able to get some
extra revenue.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
It can't come soon enough. What's your announcement on the
poultry industry, So that.
Speaker 7 (25:35):
Was last week. We signed an operational agreement with both
the egg producers and the poultry industry around how we're
going to manage not only bird flu but also to
other diseases Newcastle disease and something combversal disease, infectious verstal
disease that's the one, So a range of pretty serious
(25:57):
poultry diseases, and just sort of setting out what the
cost you're in arrangements will be and around a response
and most importantly reading this because obviously if we can
do the readiness part well, that cuts down on the
need to go to the more expensive response costs.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
Andrew, We've got your boss, David Seymour on the show
tomorrow and the reason for that is there's a big
announcement coming from Act tomorrow on the Paris Accord agreement.
Are you are you going to do a New Zealand
first and kick it to touch.
Speaker 7 (26:28):
I'm sure David can tell you all about it tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
What do you reckon? They'll do?
Speaker 5 (26:32):
Grand Andrew, Come on, it's obvious Mark Cameron's been running
around saying a few things. Pretty obviously we are going,
Jamie thought, I know, I'm.
Speaker 7 (26:41):
Not going to steal the bosses thunder, so we'll take
here about it tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
We'll take it.
Speaker 7 (26:46):
I've already heard it, yeah, by various interviews with David
and myself over the last year or so.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
Anyway, So there's only the woke, cold nats who want
to stay in there, No.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
The sensible people that actually understand and how international markets
and trade work and how important our reputation is. That
is that is basically what it boils down to, Jamie. Yeah, well,
we're happy to have this debate, my friend, will it
you go formally public with it and then let's.
Speaker 7 (27:14):
Have the debate just to finish on we need something
that treats agriculture on the same footing as all the
other stuff. We've got to the moment. The Paris Acord
just does not work for agriculture. It treats it like
it's co two.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
We need to recogniz David Sema on that one to
the announcement the announcement. That's the announcement of the announcement.
Great great day for Southland rugby yesterday. Not so good
over the weekend although they did they did Southland Boys
very good. Team did finish third in the first National
First fifteen Championship. But a one or two side fielding egg?
(27:48):
Are they still called Fielding Egg or just Fielding High?
Very well? They made the finals TOEA.
Speaker 7 (27:53):
Yeah, so technically it's Fielding High School, but the acronym
still if a h S so we still have the
egg and there sort of. But yeah, no bloody top
effort from the team, particularly given you know, it's Fieldings,
not a huge town and a lot of people to
pull from at state co ed school footing it with
(28:16):
all the named private boys schools around there, so for
them to get to the finals is a pretty awesome.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Great rugby school the White Locks Aaron Smith, you know.
But okay, I got to go lads, there we go.
That is the farmer politician panel. I'm running away behind time.
We'll take a break on the other side of Rural
news and sports news before the end of the hour
if I can track it down car and costs. It's
be aware month. Whens you welcome back to the country.
(28:53):
Seventeen way from one. Michelle's not here today, should be
here tomorrow. Poor old Michelle family pooch has died and
she's looking after that sad day in the white household. Michelle.
Our thoughts are with you. Still working from home though,
what a graft. Here's Jane Ferguson, online editor with the
latest and rural news.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
The country's world news with Cob Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on Lawnbower brand. Visit Steelford dot co dot Nz
for your local stockist.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Actually you'd go a lot better if I turn Jamicon
Oh take two Jane Taketoo, Hello and Rural News.
Speaker 8 (29:31):
Farmers are being told they're on their own when it
comes to potential breaches of the Resource Management Act. A
number of changes have been introduced as part of the
Resource Management Amendment Bill. One of them is that people
cannot claim against insurance cover for fines or infringement fees
under the RIMA. Insurers such as FMG have been contacting
farmers to advise them of the change.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
So there you go. We've got to move on. Thank you, Jane.
Here's sports news or.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Sport with AFCO visit them online and a f cood
Co Dot NZ.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
Carlos Alcaraz is through to the last eight and of
the singles at the US Tennis Open after a straight
sets win over Arthur Ryn Dirknish. The Spaniards now reached
the quarterfinals at eleven of the last twelve majors. Black
Fern's captain Rueje Dumont admits another show's slow start plagued
(30:21):
sixty two to nineteen rout of Japan and their second
World Cup match in Exeter. And Athletics New Zealand has
named a fourteen strong squad for the World Champs starting
in Tokyo in twelve days time. The group is headlined
by the return of Eliza McCartney, alongside fellow pole voter
poll voters imagen Eiris and Olivia McTaggart. There's your sport
(30:45):
up next. It's b Aware month and we're going to
talk to the Chief executive of APA Culture New Zealand,
car And Cossar. Today is the first day of September,
(31:07):
the first day of spring. I think, depending on where
you are in the country, doesn't feel spring like where
I am today. But it's also be Aware month and
we've got to thank the old honey bees. They were
introduced to New Zealand to help pollinate clover for farm
animals to eat. One third of the food we eat
comes from pollination due to honey bees. At least seventy
(31:30):
five percent of all flowering plants depend on pollinators for fertilization.
Carran Costs is the chief executive of Apiculture New Zealand. Karen,
Where would we be without the humble bee?
Speaker 6 (31:45):
Oh? Absolutely, And I think it's suffice to say that
they are critical to obviously to the food sources, but
to our agriculture and horticulture sectors as well. Pollination is
huge and it's spring, you know, starting to see beekeepers
get their hives ready for pollination. You know, we've got
(32:05):
the Kiwi fruit industry, We've got pip fruit, we've got avocados.
It's a big business for our industry as well as
obviously producing honey.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Horticulture's worth seven and a half billion dollars to us.
They're talking about getting it to ten billion shortly, we're
asking it to do quite a bit of heavy lifting.
Have we got enough bees to pollinate our crops?
Speaker 6 (32:29):
That's a very good question, and I don't know if
I can give you the answer. I know that we're
certainly seeing a lot more interest in pollination pollination services,
and our beekeepers are certainly responding to that. Obviously, it's
been really tough times for beekeepers with the contraction in
the honey industry and some of the oversupply that we've
(32:51):
seen in the past, and so pollination is a great
service and a great alternative income source for beekeepers, and
for some it is their prime and them come source.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Now, I was going to ask you, how does it
compare using bees to produce honey versus using bees to
sell to horticulture as pollinators, Which is the most profitable.
Speaker 6 (33:16):
Well, I think it depends on obviously, honey prices versus
pollination services. So it's very much dependent on how the
season goes. But I do know from talking to beekeepers
that providing and getting piths ready for pollination is quite
a lot of hard work. It's quite different and it
is quite hard work to get them ready, so very
(33:37):
important that the beekeepers are talking with the orchardists. I know,
for example that the key we fruit industry has been
going around the country now talking to beekeepers just about
what they need to do and their expectations going into
the pollination season. So yeah, they're quite different, but they can,
they can work together and they do.
Speaker 2 (33:58):
How many beekeepers a week got in this country?
Speaker 6 (34:01):
We now have about eight thousand bee just under eight
thousand beekeepers, but just remember over six probably seven thousand
are actually commerceid by sorry, hobbyist beekeepers, So we don't
have a big pool of commercial beekeepers. It's quite a
small pool, but they do a very good job.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Comveta that's the country's leading honey business. Am I right
in saying that?
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (34:25):
Yeah, okay, the only public our public owned honey business.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Yeah, I was reading net loss of one hundred and
five million dollars the slump and global in the global
honey market, we can demand changing consumer preferences with the
benefit of hindsight. Did we get carried or way carried
away with Manuka honey?
Speaker 6 (34:45):
Look, I can't comment specifically on Conveter's position, but what
I can say is that we did see obviously our
huge growth in the hives. We hit almost a million
hives in twenty nineteen. We saw corresponding to that some
very high production years. We had some record harvest seasons
(35:05):
and twenty twenty, and that combined with the post COVID
scenarios where we saw some of our biggest export markets
like China the struggle, particularly with the credit crunch. So
all of that had to impact on the supply and demand,
and so we've seen that absolute contraction over time, and
(35:28):
we've seen beekeepers have to suffer sort of lower prices
as well, So it has been really tough. I would say, though, Jamie,
that I think the underlying demand for good New Zealand honey,
particularly Marnouka honey, everyone I'm talking to is saying it's
still really strong and markets are open, they're keen to talk.
(35:52):
In recent conversations I've had with beekeepers, to have been
going around the country talking to them as there is
a sense that honey is moving again. So there are
some good signs for the year as well.
Speaker 2 (36:02):
Let's celebrate be aware months beginning today. Thank God for
the common honeybee. A third of the food we eat
comes from pollination due to honeybe's curR and costs out
of agriculture n Z. Thanks for your time today on
the country. Thank you, Thank you, Karen. Some of your
feedback coming in m a bit hypocritical of Damien to
(36:26):
talk about shiny bums and Wellington making ridiculous decisions. He's
obviously got a very short and failing memory to make
a statement like that. Muzz Fire's back. Can I just say, Jamie,
Western Heights High School was the last co ed school
to win the top four secondary schools competition. That's good trivia,
(36:49):
muzz And yes, Jamie, I was in that team and
I was a star, unlike yourself who never made the
top team. Well, not quite true. Muzz I actually was
the captain of the Saint Peter's College versus. And in
my team was James Ward as we knew him in
those days, possum Jim Ward got that don't come Monday
from Palmu as old man Ron Ward used to terrorize
(37:13):
us on the sideline, didn't like round the corner kickers,
and Ron had the distinction of playing Test match rugby
for the All Blacks a great It was a great
Southland player Test Match rugby for the All Blacks as
a Ford and a back. We're going to wrap the
show with some more of your feedback. Well the James
con chum up wrapping the Country with some of your
(37:36):
feedback will get Phil Duncan on the show tomorrow. Ran
out of time to talk about the first day of spring.
Hopefully it's good at your place, Chilli and Dunedin. Where
are we?
Speaker 6 (37:50):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (37:50):
Yes, Bryce Mackenzie from ground Sowel. The Paris Agreement has
to go finally, New Zealand political parties are waking up,
says Bryce in West Otago. Well, on the show tomorrow
we'll have David Seymour with that announcement. We'll see you
then catch all the latest from the land.
Speaker 1 (38:10):
It's the Country Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to Brent,
you're specialist in John Deere construction equipment.
Catch all the latest from the land. It's The Country
Podcast with Jamie McGue Thanks to Brent You're specialist in
John Deere machinery.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
For good Afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. On
(00:45):
a great day, a great day. After a great day,
great Southern Land ice house and that is for the
South and Stags, my favorite footy team taking out the
rand Philly Shield. How good was that that the rand
Philly Shield is going to the smaller provincial scent where
it's really really appreciated. Well done lads, some of you
would not disgrace an all black jersey. And I looked
(01:07):
at the two guys in the number six jersey yesterday,
Sean Withey and Samma Pennafeine. Now you tell me who
was the best number six raiser. Anyhow, you got a
big job to pick your team this week. My job's
to stay on track with this show. Big news out
moves a plenty in the dairy industry this morning, Open
(01:28):
countries on the acquisition trail. They bought out Mattawa Valley
Milk a couple of weeks ago. Today it's the turn
of me. Raker strung a deal together pretty quickly. Mark
Delatre to tell us all about it and just to
tack Damian O'Connor these days domiciled and Dunedin had a
chance to have a bear with him. We can always
(01:49):
agree to disagree, but he's not a bad bloke. He's
on the show today. He's got some thoughts on Fonterra Molesworth.
What's happened to the Labor Party's long awaited agg policy
and our Trump's tariffs illegal? How could that play out
for us? The Farmer Politician Panel both kow Koki's Andrew Hoggard,
Grant McCullum, Karran Costs, Chief executive of Aperculture and Zealand.
(02:12):
It's b aware month. One third of the food we
eat comes from pollination due to honeybees. We have to
love them because they're doing a great job. Phil Duncan
on the weather, First day of spring or is it
no time to waste up? Next? A big dairy story
of the day, Open Country taking over or buying Miraka.
(02:53):
This was big news this morning. Open Country Dairy is
really on the acquisition trail at the moment. Moves a
plenty in the dairy industry. Open Country has just announced
its finalized a deal to acquire one hundred percent of
me Ruka in the central North Island Mauri owned dairy
processing company. Mark de Latour is the chief executive. What's
(03:16):
next You can have a crack at Fonterra.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Good afternoon, Jamie. No, that might be a leap too
far for sure, but we're really excited. I mean it's
it's obviously come hot on the heels of our announcement
around purchasing Matara Valley Milk a couple of weeks back,
but it wasn't doesn't feel that way to us because
(03:39):
you know, Matara Valley pretty much took us the better
part of nine or ten months to put together and
this one's happened quite quickly actually, Jamie. So you know,
we've looked at meat Aka for quite a while and
thought what a great spot, great location it's in and
but in the opportunity came, we couldn't not look at it.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
You've got plants and other Waikato Wanganui man or two
obviously down on Southland. This fills in the middle of
the North Island really nicely. You're missing a plant and
I don't know, Mark, let's just say in a little
place like Dunsandal, I'm flying a kite here.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I'm pleading the fifth on that one. Jamie, No, but
you're right on the North Island. I mean, they's take
it back to what we're talking about. I think you're right.
I mean, if you look at that area between our
Wanganui site, which is a major site for us, and
our two plants in the Waikato, the mead Archer site
which is located Morecai near Tapo, I mean from I
(04:44):
don't want to use the word strategy really, but strategically
it does make a lot of sense, lots of efficiency
around milk collection and anything of the milk curve at
the lower end of the season when we can still
gain a bit more efficiency through that whole milk curve
with our processing sights. So, like I said, we we've
we've looked at it for a little while and said, gosh,
(05:06):
that would be that would be a great location to
have and and and you know, when the opportunity came along,
we would be silly not to look at it.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Well, this has all happened rather quickly, Like basically in
the past couple of weeks, were there other suitors. Did
Fonterra have a crack for instance?
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Oh, actually, I'm not too sure about the details of that, Jamie.
I mean, I mean, we know we were talking to
the board of Meat ocre and and you're right, it
did happen reasonably quickly. Not sure what the sale process
was from their end in total, but I mean in
this instance, we were the you know, one of our strengths,
(05:43):
Zam is we can move quickly, and I guess that
was a that was a factor in their decision making.
So you were just happy to have secured the deal.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
So the Telly brothers signed off on it, and deal's done.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Yeah, the cousins really, I guess, But that's right. So
so that that's that's that's a good opportunity for us.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Begs the question why is me rakas selling? Is it
just too hard to be like a single site process
of these days in this country?
Speaker 3 (06:15):
I guess it is one of those industries, you know,
that where the margins are very slim and and if
you don't have a level of scale, it's it's very
very hard, right, So you know what we figured, we're
not actually in the you know, one of the things
you know that I want the listeners to take away
(06:35):
I guess is we're not on the growth for growth
sake in this journey. But if you don't have some
level of scale in this industry, it makes it very,
very difficult because of the low margency. You need some
volume going through any need efficiency. So I think you know,
if you are a single site operator, it's always going
to be a hell of a lot harder to to
(06:57):
make ends meet if you haven't got the opportunity to
move milk around and take those official mind.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
You, Tartou is a single site operator that's the most
successful cooperative in the country.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, they've they've they've they've
specialized really well, and they've they've picked their markets that
align with their size and scale, and I mean I
think they're they're one out of the box for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Just finally, Fonterra is sitting at eighty percent or just
under the total milk supply that goes through their doors.
Where does this put open country? You're obviously a clear second,
But as any are you in double digits for instance,
because I'm looking at Sinlay, Westland, obviously, Tatua oh Lamb,
(07:40):
there's other players out there.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Yeah, I haven't got that those numbers in front of me.
I would estimate Jamie to take us around thirteen thirteen
and a half percent on I'd take yes, I will
need to do those numbers, but yeah, we're a clear
number two on that. And we still think of ourselves
as a small company. You know, we're a company that
started twenty one years ago now and no try to
(08:03):
know our supplies by name. But like I said, you know,
there's a level of scale that has to be at
play in this industry to give everyone security, you know,
customer security and farmer supplies with their milk checks as well.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Well. Congratulations the acquisitions. I don't know if they're going
to continue on, but two big ones in two weeks
Matara Valley Milk and now me Raka chief executive of
Open Country Dairy. He's building an empire. Mark de Latour,
thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Thanks, Jammy cheers.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Fifteen after twelve. Thank you, Mark. Yeah, interesting times in
the dairy industry. Of course, Fonterra is in the process
of selling its consumer brands. Not everybody's cup of tea.
I know our next guest is not a fan of it.
Damien O'Connor texts coming in. You haven't got that red
(08:55):
drop kicked Damien O'Connor back again. Surely not with the
thumbs down. Well, yes I have. I've got a show,
some balance on the show. And you can say what
you want about Damien, but he has experienced, he's been
around a long time and certainly in the Trade Department
he did a reasonable job for us in the last government.
(09:15):
I wouldn't say the last government did a very good
job at all when it came to agriculture, but we're
going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Before
the end of the hour, Andrew Hoggard's done a deal
around the poultry. I'm not quite sure what that one's about.
He's the Minister of bio Security, Grant McCullum. In fact,
ones from one or two, ones from Northland we got.
(09:35):
When I say we, vicariously, i'm living through the stags.
Of course we've got the shield now. I think it's
a long time since one or two or Northland I've
had the shield. But it belongs in the smaller provinces.
I've always thought that. And when I say we the Stags,
we have to play Canterbury this weekend curtain raiser to
(09:55):
the Big Test at Eden Park and Canterbury are five
from five in the end, undefeated. Clearly one of the
better teams, if not the best team. What a tragedy
it'll be if they take it off the Stags on Saturday.
They're not going to go down without one hell of
a fight. What a great game it was yesterday. Karen Coss,
(10:15):
Karen Coss, she's South African. I think one third of
the food we eat comes from pol Nation due to honeybees.
Let's be aware month we'll talk about that. And fell
Duncan on the weather ser them nights? Have you ever
(10:37):
belter ser them name? It was good to catch up
with this gentleman. Can I call him that? On Friday
night he turned up at the Otago Golf Club for
a bear Dn Edens's new home sort of these days,
Damien O'Connor, and Damon, I think I can convert you
into a golfer and a center right voter. You seem
to fit like a hand into a glove at our golf.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
You can live and hope, Jamie. But I got more
more common sense than that, and I don't have the time.
You know it's been on the golf course. I can
see who you can become addicted to it, But not hell,
it takes quite a bit of time.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yeah, but you spend most of your time gallivanting around
the country on your trailbike.
Speaker 4 (11:15):
Well, no, a little bit on that, mainly in cars
and planes. And it is to get from a to
b and it is to keep an eye on what's
happening around. I guess the benefit and I traveled to
the top to bottom of the South Island last week
just seeing what is happening, talking to people, getting a
mix of views, and I guess, you know, wigging that
(11:35):
back into the political system. We're in a process of
developing policies and ideas to be a better government.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Damen, I reckon, I'll be an old man by the
time you and Joe Luxton get around to coming out
with some ag policy.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Well just wait and see you just hold your breath
and you know you might be around. But coming up
with good innovative policy is really critical. I mean, the
prom sectors are still at the part of our economy,
but there's a lot of farmers out there saying we're
not quite sure where we're going. We've got great payouts
at the moment, you know, and dairy and beef and
(12:08):
you know, pretty good for land, But there's a whole
lot of other sectors that are struggling, and there's still
no vision for where we should be in twenty years time.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Well, I one start about the lack of vision you
had when you were in government. Talk to me about Vie. No, no, no, absolutely,
I meant that sincerely and in all honesty. Talk to
me about you had.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
To fit for a better world. Did you see what
we were attempting to do with the industry, to carry
it off and reach out and put that in place.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
You would have killed it off. Now, what about What
do you make about today's big news story, Open Country
Dairy acquiring Miraka.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
It's a little surprising, and I guess for Marie acrobusiness,
Miraca was seen as a bit of a jewel. They
had gone out, worked with Marie farmers and others, partnership
with Vietnamese and while I'm not familiar with the details
of it, I guess it's one more play that Open Country,
(13:03):
you know, a couple of weeks ago. Of course they
made a big player as well, so they're certainly strengthening
their base across New Zealand and be interesting to see
what happens from here.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
You're not a fan of Fonterra selling its consumer brands. No.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
I think there was a very good article by Sam
Stubbs over the weekend which nailed it. I think that
it might be a good play for Fonterra and its
shareholders in the short term, certainly not a good play
for New Zealand and in the long term. I mean, well,
we'll just have to wait and see. I you know,
the fact that they can use the equity better well
at a time when farmers have pretty healthy income and
(13:40):
dairy another three point two billion or more going back
to them begs the question where will that go? And
someone say, oh, they'll pay down debt. I suspect it
will go into other areas, not all of it productive,
and I'm not sure it will secure the long term
future for future generations. Of course, that's what we have
to think about, you know, the generations ahead in the
(14:03):
dairy industry, not just shareholders. At the moment, I.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Was giving you a bit of stick about riding your
trail bike because I know you're a keen biker, off roader,
dirt biker, and I know you've been through Molesworth and
I know you know Jim Ward. Well, I went to
school with him as well. Good bloke. He got the
don't come Monday from Palmu. What are your reckons going
on at Molesworth?
Speaker 4 (14:25):
Well, I think it's a play by Nightahu to take
it over quite frankly, and you know, maybe they should
explain why just sitting in your head discussions with them.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be
a bit more transparent. I think Doc have said they're
going to put the lease up for interested parties. The
risk is that, you know, it is an iconic location.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
It's quite a.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
Fragile environment, a lot of wilding pines in there. We
spent a lot of money and I know that Jim
as manager, you know, provided the flexibility in that program
wilding pines. He has done for you know, tourism purpose.
He shuts the place up when necessary, and you know,
I know that irks a lot of people. I find
him an outstanding guy who has been always straight up
(15:09):
with me. I've known him for many, many years, and
I think that Palmu shafted him, and I think that
they need to be able to front up and say
what their intent is. And I understand the pressure on
some more long term experience managers around the country. A
bunch of shiny bums in Wellington making calls, some of
(15:30):
which are ridiculous, are impacting on the way that Palmu
is operating. Now it's come out with a good profit,
I'm sure Treasury will be happy, you know. And there
are some healthy prices for dairy and for meet at
the moment, so they should be making good money. But
doesn't mean to say they shouldn't be an ethical employer
and be able to explain their long term strategy.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Just a final one. Because you were a former Minister
of Trade, you did good work to be fair in
that portfolio. Are Trump's tariffs legal? The Federal Appeals Court
has ruled that Trump does not have the authority to
use emergency economic powers to impose taxes on imports. But
let's face it, Trump will just do what he wants,
won't he.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I think he will. I don't think a legal ruling
will change match. The issue really is the uncertainty and
the fact that you know, the stock markets are, you know,
going up and down like a yo yo. Some people
are making billions of dollars over there in the US,
but ultimately there will be people losing billions as well,
and you know, all of uncertaintly just creates opportunities for
(16:36):
the wealthy, puts more pressure on the poor in not
just the US, but around the world people who depend
upon you know, just making or growing things that are traded,
and so the disruption across the globe is not good
for any of us. I'm not sure that Trump will
care about or bye by the legal ruling is. We'll
(16:56):
just have to wait and see you. I think many
of us thought that the US had a robust constitutional
legal system, but the ability of the president to president
to override that is just quite astounding.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Damien O'Connor, Labour's trade spokesperson, Thanks for your time. Just
hold the line there. I'll get your address details for
your nomination for membership of the Otago Golf Club.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
And hope.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Yeah, I'm not sure that'll happen, But got of them
to front up and turn up at the lions Den.
Probably we didn't have too many voters up on the
hill here in Dunedin. Um geez, some interesting feedback coming
and here's a humorous one from Stephen Jamie. Damien was
nicknamed the Mirror when he was the constituent MP on
the coast. Why well, the only answer he ever had
(17:44):
to anyone who asked him about relevant matters was I'll
look into it. That's not bad, Stephen. Some of your
other texts are less charitable. Or here's one from shortest
ranfully shield rain is sick days, awesome game yesterday, good
luck next weekend. That's a lot better than the bitter
(18:05):
and twisted MUDs from hawks Bay who said, Jamie, you
can kiss the shield goodbye this weekend. Bit of a
flukey won it, but well deserved. I suppose what do
you mean, bit of a fluke, but well deserved totally
outplayed why Kaddow absolutely did. And Old Grant and Mcnashal McCullum,
who's coming up very shortly on the show. He's a
bit of a keen rugby man like myself. He said.
(18:28):
The last time one O two had the shield was
when Northland took it off them in nineteen seventy nine.
The mn or A two team in the late seventies was
very good and it was the last time Northland's had
it as well. That was to my point earlier that
if Canterbury they're so easy to dislike, but if they
win the Ranfilly Shield against Southland on Saturday. It'll be
(18:52):
a travesty because they don't give a toss about it
up there. Seriously, they got bigger fish to fry. It's
good that I let it stay in a cargo or
Palmi North or fong Ray. That's my thoughts on it. Anyhow,
I'm a bit biased. Up next the panel, Andrew Hoggard,
Grant McCullum, no free, Yeah, not to mention the twenty
(19:25):
nine away from one year with the Country brought to
you by Brandt Southern Nights, Glenn Campbell. There would have
been a good Southern Night in Southland last night. Today's
panel is the Farmer Politician panel. They're both cowcockies, ones
from Northland, ones from one or two Andrew Hoggard and
Grant mcnational McCullum. Neither of you two losers have had
(19:47):
the shield since nineteen sec nine.
Speaker 5 (19:51):
Seventy eight mate, sorry seventy eight, but we've took it
off to my fault.
Speaker 6 (19:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Well, to be fair, I'm a bit of a rugby
historian and I know that the one or two team,
as I said, they were full of great players, Mark
Donalds and Frank Olin Ken Granger but Northland also at
the time had a great rugby side as well.
Speaker 6 (20:11):
Yes we did.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
We had a great team back then, and it was
we wanted, we wanted the referee I think played about
ten minutes of each of time, we got a penalty
and won the game, and then then we took the
shield home and said, ah, because it was going to
be something like Octave, we don't have to take challenges,
so we said notice south and then Otago apparently from memory,
and but then we lost Aukland next year, so.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
I reconize this is just out out of the back annals,
anals annals, of course of my mind. Grunt it was
there a guy called Chippy Semonof who kicked the penalties.
Speaker 5 (20:43):
Correct, yes, kicked the penalty and the people of man
Or two have never forgiven.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
That referee Andrew Hoggard. Were you old enough to go
to footy in those.
Speaker 7 (20:51):
Days, uh, seventy nine? I was three and four so no, No,
first game I remember were rapper Bush versus the Lions
eighty one. I think it was eighty two, eighty three.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
It would have been Mate eighty three, Okay.
Speaker 7 (21:09):
It's yeah, yeah, it would have been Southland. Just need
to hold it on for a couple more games, drop
it to counties, and then counties hold of the game,
and then mental twos in with a chance again.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Yeah, well one of them was someone's texted and said,
be aware the counties are waiting. Well, they haven't had it.
Well they never had it for years and years and years,
and I think they have had it, haven't they? And
then they lost it quickly.
Speaker 5 (21:32):
Correct, Yeah, they have had it.
Speaker 6 (21:34):
Yeah, okay there, yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:35):
All right, okay, let's get on to the issues of
the day. You're both politician farmers, house carving going because Grant,
I got a text last week and it was remissive
me not to read it out. I just ran out
of time from a from a farmer up in north
and who said it had been really wet.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Yeah, yeah, it certainly has done. We've had a particularly
wet weat sort of cold spring. Grass grows a bit sluggish,
we fair to say, whereas we're away tighter than weather
time last year, and so yeah, everyone's are looking forward
to a spring that is a bit warmer and it's
more sunlight and we get more grass because it's a
bit tougher out here at the moment for our team.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
And I understand grass is growing slowly in the month
or two as well. Andrew.
Speaker 7 (22:17):
Yeah, it's being spit tight at the moment. But up
until I when it was the last Friday, we've had
a week of some pretty beautiful weather, so you could
just see the grass moving in front of end when
I was home.
Speaker 6 (22:28):
That was.
Speaker 7 (22:30):
But yeah, so it's starting to get better weather now,
so yeah, it feels like it's going to take off.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
What are you two making I'll stick with you, Andrew.
Of the Open Country acquisition of meat Racker.
Speaker 7 (22:41):
I didn't even know that one had happened.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Al Right, well, I won't ask you then. What about you, Grant,
You've got your rolls.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
They're just announce mate, They're literally announced the day. Yeah,
I think we'll good luck to them. That's the market
at work. We can see how it all works open
country and expanditory, and I suppose they'll be There will
be competition in their own way for Fonterra, and that
keeps everyone on their toes, which is a good thing.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
You're both Fonterra farmer shareholders. What are you going to
do with all your money?
Speaker 7 (23:14):
I still have the last bit of the farm to
buy off my parents. So I'm pretty sure that'll be
the deposit for that.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Now, Andrew, here's a serious question, what do you reckon
most farmers will do? I reckon farmers are pretty sensible.
They'll pay down debt or pay off the debt surrounding
the purchase of their Fonterra shares because a lot of
them paid six or seven bucks for them anyhow, So
I don't think there's going to be yep, I don't
think there's going to be like a mass rush for
the jet boat shops. I mean, you're more likely to
(23:42):
buy a tractor than a jet boat, aren't you.
Speaker 6 (23:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (23:45):
Look, I think, look and deadly you'll get a few
people that want to go and splurge on that toy
they've never kept to own. But I think most will
be investing back into the farm, improving it or paying
down debt, whichever one works for them.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
A bit of a playboy, Grant McCallum, I bitch you
buy a toy.
Speaker 5 (24:05):
That idea from don't know why I come on this
show some days on the go to get abused by you, Jamie.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
No, No, all publicity is good publicity. You've got an
election next year, pal Is Zealand first going to be
gunning for you in Northland, Joe.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
They did last time. We had a great competition. It's
always entertaining on the Hufteans with them with old Shane Jones. Look, look,
no all seriously, we'll be investing back in the farm
and paign down some debt. We've got to do some
environmental stuff. And I just like to make a shout
out now. Let's assuming, by the way, that the Farmer
shareholders voth to go through the process. That's firstly got
(24:43):
to happen, and I think we should. As a shareholder,
I'm very keen to see. I think it's a smart move.
I disagree with Damien actually, and I just think it'll
be It'll be good for our fame business. I'd just
like to make a shout out now Jamie too. And
this is the sorts of things we can do with
this sort of money. Is it's conservation week this week
and no, farmers do a lot of good work in
(25:03):
the space and the QY two Trust is an example
of that. With farmers are best a lot in the
bensing Off land. I know you have as well, and
I just so this is what that farmers will love
to spend money on and are you watched that's what
will happen.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
I love the Q two National Trust you too. In fact,
your coalition government needs to fund them a bit better. Andrew.
You've made some.
Speaker 7 (25:25):
Working on it with those biodiversity credits. That will be
an option for them to be able to get some
extra revenue.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
It can't come soon enough. What's your announcement on the
poultry industry, So that.
Speaker 7 (25:35):
Was last week. We signed an operational agreement with both
the egg producers and the poultry industry around how we're
going to manage not only bird flu but also to
other diseases Newcastle disease and something combversal disease, infectious verstal
disease that's the one, So a range of pretty serious
(25:57):
poultry diseases, and just sort of setting out what the
cost you're in arrangements will be and around a response
and most importantly reading this because obviously if we can
do the readiness part well, that cuts down on the
need to go to the more expensive response costs.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
Andrew, We've got your boss, David Seymour on the show
tomorrow and the reason for that is there's a big
announcement coming from Act tomorrow on the Paris Accord agreement.
Are you are you going to do a New Zealand
first and kick it to touch.
Speaker 7 (26:28):
I'm sure David can tell you all about it tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
What do you reckon? They'll do?
Speaker 5 (26:32):
Grand Andrew, Come on, it's obvious Mark Cameron's been running
around saying a few things. Pretty obviously we are going,
Jamie thought, I know, I'm.
Speaker 7 (26:41):
Not going to steal the bosses thunder, so we'll take
here about it tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
We'll take it.
Speaker 7 (26:46):
I've already heard it, yeah, by various interviews with David
and myself over the last year or so.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
Anyway, So there's only the woke, cold nats who want
to stay in there, No.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
The sensible people that actually understand and how international markets
and trade work and how important our reputation is. That
is that is basically what it boils down to, Jamie. Yeah, well,
we're happy to have this debate, my friend, will it
you go formally public with it and then let's.
Speaker 7 (27:14):
Have the debate just to finish on we need something
that treats agriculture on the same footing as all the
other stuff. We've got to the moment. The Paris Acord
just does not work for agriculture. It treats it like
it's co two.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
We need to recogniz David Sema on that one to
the announcement the announcement. That's the announcement of the announcement.
Great great day for Southland rugby yesterday. Not so good
over the weekend although they did they did Southland Boys
very good. Team did finish third in the first National
First fifteen Championship. But a one or two side fielding egg?
(27:48):
Are they still called Fielding Egg or just Fielding High?
Very well? They made the finals TOEA.
Speaker 7 (27:53):
Yeah, so technically it's Fielding High School, but the acronym
still if a h S so we still have the
egg and there sort of. But yeah, no bloody top
effort from the team, particularly given you know, it's Fieldings,
not a huge town and a lot of people to
pull from at state co ed school footing it with
(28:16):
all the named private boys schools around there, so for
them to get to the finals is a pretty awesome.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Great rugby school the White Locks Aaron Smith, you know.
But okay, I got to go lads, there we go.
That is the farmer politician panel. I'm running away behind time.
We'll take a break on the other side of Rural
news and sports news before the end of the hour
if I can track it down car and costs. It's
be aware month. Whens you welcome back to the country.
(28:53):
Seventeen way from one. Michelle's not here today, should be
here tomorrow. Poor old Michelle family pooch has died and
she's looking after that sad day in the white household. Michelle.
Our thoughts are with you. Still working from home though,
what a graft. Here's Jane Ferguson, online editor with the
latest and rural news.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
The country's world news with Cob Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on Lawnbower brand. Visit Steelford dot co dot Nz
for your local stockist.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Actually you'd go a lot better if I turn Jamicon
Oh take two Jane Taketoo, Hello and Rural News.
Speaker 8 (29:31):
Farmers are being told they're on their own when it
comes to potential breaches of the Resource Management Act. A
number of changes have been introduced as part of the
Resource Management Amendment Bill. One of them is that people
cannot claim against insurance cover for fines or infringement fees
under the RIMA. Insurers such as FMG have been contacting
farmers to advise them of the change.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
So there you go. We've got to move on. Thank you, Jane.
Here's sports news or.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Sport with AFCO visit them online and a f cood
Co Dot NZ.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
Carlos Alcaraz is through to the last eight and of
the singles at the US Tennis Open after a straight
sets win over Arthur Ryn Dirknish. The Spaniards now reached
the quarterfinals at eleven of the last twelve majors. Black
Fern's captain Rueje Dumont admits another show's slow start plagued
(30:21):
sixty two to nineteen rout of Japan and their second
World Cup match in Exeter. And Athletics New Zealand has
named a fourteen strong squad for the World Champs starting
in Tokyo in twelve days time. The group is headlined
by the return of Eliza McCartney, alongside fellow pole voter
poll voters imagen Eiris and Olivia McTaggart. There's your sport
(30:45):
up next. It's b Aware month and we're going to
talk to the Chief executive of APA Culture New Zealand,
car And Cossar. Today is the first day of September,
(31:07):
the first day of spring. I think, depending on where
you are in the country, doesn't feel spring like where
I am today. But it's also be Aware month and
we've got to thank the old honey bees. They were
introduced to New Zealand to help pollinate clover for farm
animals to eat. One third of the food we eat
comes from pollination due to honey bees. At least seventy
(31:30):
five percent of all flowering plants depend on pollinators for fertilization.
Carran Costs is the chief executive of Apiculture New Zealand. Karen,
Where would we be without the humble bee?
Speaker 6 (31:45):
Oh? Absolutely, And I think it's suffice to say that
they are critical to obviously to the food sources, but
to our agriculture and horticulture sectors as well. Pollination is
huge and it's spring, you know, starting to see beekeepers
get their hives ready for pollination. You know, we've got
(32:05):
the Kiwi fruit industry, We've got pip fruit, we've got avocados.
It's a big business for our industry as well as
obviously producing honey.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Horticulture's worth seven and a half billion dollars to us.
They're talking about getting it to ten billion shortly, we're
asking it to do quite a bit of heavy lifting.
Have we got enough bees to pollinate our crops?
Speaker 6 (32:29):
That's a very good question, and I don't know if
I can give you the answer. I know that we're
certainly seeing a lot more interest in pollination pollination services,
and our beekeepers are certainly responding to that. Obviously, it's
been really tough times for beekeepers with the contraction in
the honey industry and some of the oversupply that we've
(32:51):
seen in the past, and so pollination is a great
service and a great alternative income source for beekeepers, and
for some it is their prime and them come source.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
Now, I was going to ask you, how does it
compare using bees to produce honey versus using bees to
sell to horticulture as pollinators, Which is the most profitable.
Speaker 6 (33:16):
Well, I think it depends on obviously, honey prices versus
pollination services. So it's very much dependent on how the
season goes. But I do know from talking to beekeepers
that providing and getting piths ready for pollination is quite
a lot of hard work. It's quite different and it
is quite hard work to get them ready, so very
(33:37):
important that the beekeepers are talking with the orchardists. I know,
for example that the key we fruit industry has been
going around the country now talking to beekeepers just about
what they need to do and their expectations going into
the pollination season. So yeah, they're quite different, but they can,
they can work together and they do.
Speaker 2 (33:58):
How many beekeepers a week got in this country?
Speaker 6 (34:01):
We now have about eight thousand bee just under eight
thousand beekeepers, but just remember over six probably seven thousand
are actually commerceid by sorry, hobbyist beekeepers, So we don't
have a big pool of commercial beekeepers. It's quite a
small pool, but they do a very good job.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Comveta that's the country's leading honey business. Am I right
in saying that?
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (34:25):
Yeah, okay, the only public our public owned honey business.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Yeah, I was reading net loss of one hundred and
five million dollars the slump and global in the global
honey market, we can demand changing consumer preferences with the
benefit of hindsight. Did we get carried or way carried
away with Manuka honey?
Speaker 6 (34:45):
Look, I can't comment specifically on Conveter's position, but what
I can say is that we did see obviously our
huge growth in the hives. We hit almost a million
hives in twenty nineteen. We saw corresponding to that some
very high production years. We had some record harvest seasons
(35:05):
and twenty twenty, and that combined with the post COVID
scenarios where we saw some of our biggest export markets
like China the struggle, particularly with the credit crunch. So
all of that had to impact on the supply and demand,
and so we've seen that absolute contraction over time, and
(35:28):
we've seen beekeepers have to suffer sort of lower prices
as well, So it has been really tough. I would say, though, Jamie,
that I think the underlying demand for good New Zealand honey,
particularly Marnouka honey, everyone I'm talking to is saying it's
still really strong and markets are open, they're keen to talk.
(35:52):
In recent conversations I've had with beekeepers, to have been
going around the country talking to them as there is
a sense that honey is moving again. So there are
some good signs for the year as well.
Speaker 2 (36:02):
Let's celebrate be aware months beginning today. Thank God for
the common honeybee. A third of the food we eat
comes from pollination due to honeybe's curR and costs out
of agriculture n Z. Thanks for your time today on
the country. Thank you, Thank you, Karen. Some of your
feedback coming in m a bit hypocritical of Damien to
(36:26):
talk about shiny bums and Wellington making ridiculous decisions. He's
obviously got a very short and failing memory to make
a statement like that. Muzz Fire's back. Can I just say, Jamie,
Western Heights High School was the last co ed school
to win the top four secondary schools competition. That's good trivia,
(36:49):
muzz And yes, Jamie, I was in that team and
I was a star, unlike yourself who never made the
top team. Well, not quite true. Muzz I actually was
the captain of the Saint Peter's College versus. And in
my team was James Ward as we knew him in
those days, possum Jim Ward got that don't come Monday
from Palmu as old man Ron Ward used to terrorize
(37:13):
us on the sideline, didn't like round the corner kickers,
and Ron had the distinction of playing Test match rugby
for the All Blacks a great It was a great
Southland player Test Match rugby for the All Blacks as
a Ford and a back. We're going to wrap the
show with some more of your feedback. Well the James
con chum up wrapping the Country with some of your
(37:36):
feedback will get Phil Duncan on the show tomorrow. Ran
out of time to talk about the first day of spring.
Hopefully it's good at your place, Chilli and Dunedin. Where
are we?
Speaker 6 (37:50):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (37:50):
Yes, Bryce Mackenzie from ground Sowel. The Paris Agreement has
to go finally, New Zealand political parties are waking up,
says Bryce in West Otago. Well, on the show tomorrow
we'll have David Seymour with that announcement. We'll see you
then catch all the latest from the land.
Speaker 1 (38:10):
It's the Country Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to Brent,
you're specialist in John Deere construction equipment.
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