August 27, 2025 • 38 mins
Jamie Mackay talks to Mark Leslie, Andrew Fenton, Karen Williams, Chris Russell, and Greg Millar.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Catch all the latest from the land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to Brent, You're specialist in
John Dere Construction Equipment.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Good afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. I'm Jamie McKay.
The show is brought to you by Brandt Herbs musical
theme today the drummer Tama London, a member of the
pioneering New Zealand reggae group Herbs, has died. List in
peace Okay. On the show today, the Big Story is
(00:52):
the annual result from the country's biggest farmer, a record result,
Mark Leslie. To kick off the show, Chief Executive of
Palmer or is it Land Corp Andrew Fenton recognized last
night at the Haart Industry Awards in gala dinner. He
took away the bledders Low Cup. Got a great background story.
(01:15):
This bloke. Karen Williams was there also at the Hort
Industry Awards last night. Everyone was there apart from me,
it would seem the chief executive of Irrigation News Zealand.
She's off to the US, I think tomorrow or the
next day to look at Damn's I'm so jealous and
we're hearing word that there's a big or a damn
(01:35):
big announcement on the horizon. Shane Jones on the show
tomorrow maybe to talk about that one. Chris Russell's our
Ossie correspondent. Some amazing statistics around the value of the
Australian working dog industry. We all know that dog is
man's and woman's best friend, but the value of dogs
(01:57):
to farmers was unbelievable. And Greg mull he's the national
fundraising manager for the IHC, We're going to encourage you
to give to a wonderful cause. It's all on the
country today Mark Leslie to kick off the show. Today's
(02:19):
big news story, New Zealand's biggest farmer has come up
with a record result. Palmu, the artist formerly known as Landcorp.
A record result. Look at this. A net operating profit
up one hundred and forty five percent, net profit after
tax up five hundred and sixty one percent, a seven
point three percent return on equity income three hundred and
(02:42):
forty eight million, up twenty three percent. Livestock revenue one
hundred and forty million, thirty six million more than the
year before. In milk revenue. Similar story, Mark Leslie is
the chief executive of Palmu or it was Winstant making
you guys call yourself off Landcorp these days. Mark, congratulations
(03:03):
on the result by the way.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Thanks Jamie, Palming Landcorp all fine with me. No, it
has been good to get that result out there and
it recognizes all the hardware our farm teams do every
day out there, but also really starting to see the
fruits of the labor around getting the new team in
pace and getting really back to those basics around focusing
on core farming principles.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
You've faced a lot of heat for heading down the
wrong track farming wise. I guess this has this silenced
the critics.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
I think this should go a long way to start that,
Jim Jamie in terms of I think for me positively,
as you talked about the livestock revenue up to thirty
six million, yes, strong, strong pricing has supported it as
all agriculture is seeing. But equally we've had a twenty
per cent uplift in farm production, So a good combination
of driving that farm performance as well as the uplift
(03:56):
and pricing, and I think positively looking to the year
we're now in signaling another improved performance sort of currently
talking about a enough of sixty nine to seventy nine
million dollars, so really positive to be able to set
that journey in motion and see the results coming through
and seeing some really positive outlook to the next two years.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So Mark Leslie, Chief Executive of palmu Landcorp. I'm still
confused on that one. What's turned the ship around?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, and I think a lot of things Jamie in
my time now he had gone three years, we've brought
in fresh leadership and really focused back on the basics
of core farming and improving efficiency to that. So that's
that's been the real focus of the.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
Last few years.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
As you and your listeners will know, farming systems don't
change overnight. We've made a number of changes in their
dairy operations, in our livestock operations, and that is what
we're now starting to see come through in terms of
the productivity improvements that are driving this year's this year's performance.
But equally, as we saw in the results of the
year have just done.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
You were accused of being too woke and getting off
tra Have you sorted all that out?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I think we're well on track in terms of the
core farming principles. Absolutely and if you look at some
of the numbers in there about lambing percentages around getting
gary cow six week in calf right, which we're now
seeing the benefit of that in the season we're now in,
we're sitting seventeen percent up on milk production.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
For the year.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
So note we are well on to focus on productivity well.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
To give credit to Land Corp lambing percentage one hundred
and thirty five percent above the industry average of one
hundred and twenty nine percent, it would be remissive me
Mark Leslie not to talk to you about Molesworth Wilding
Pines and my old school rugby mate Jim Ward. What
went on there or is that still the subject of
a court case?
Speaker 5 (05:46):
No.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
I think if you look for our broader Palm network
of farms, we have changes at farm manager level right
across the network. And I think if you look at
Molesworth and that specific example, we've had a long period
of time of a lot of un on that property
in terms of extension of leases. The lease has been
extended out to June twenty twenty six. Again that uncertainty,
(06:09):
the uncertainty of how the farm was going to be
farmed from a what livestock, how many livestock you could carry.
That uncertainty is created uncertainty in the minds of those
who have all been involved. So it's an unfortunate circumstances
that's occurred.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Let's just look at the wilding pines at Molesworth. It's
a real issue. Reports suggest that was one of the
reasons why Jim Ward left. But I'll put that to
one side, and I'm not going to talk to you
about planting pine trees on Molesworth Station. It's our biggest
farm in the country. You're not going to hand over
the ownership to dock and let them plant the whole
(06:46):
lot of trees, are you now?
Speaker 3 (06:48):
I think to be clear on Molesard from our perspective,
we are the lease the of it. It is Department
of Conservation who are the owner of it. They, as
I understand, will be making the announcement soon around the
future terms and conditions of how that will be operated. So,
as you said right up front, Widen Pines are on
(07:09):
an nursue there and the Widen conn of for control
programmers had a heavy focus in that area. That's the
teams on the ground have supported as part of that.
Equally Unfortunately, there was probably some confusion created about the
potential of planting forestry in there, but that's that's not
a decision that sits in my hands.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Most of Molesworth would be too high for plantation, forestry
or carbon farming, would it.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Yeah, I think there'd be. There'd be a lot of it.
There would be challenging to plant plant forestry in absolutely,
and I think that's there. So that's not not our
decision to make well, not my decision to make well.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Doc havn't exactly got the greatest track record when it
comes to keeping land free of gorse and broom.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Yeah, I think that's It's not something I'm going to
comment on, Jamie.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
It's not it's not my decision to make I'm going
to I'm going to go back to where I started.
Our focus is on is managing the farms and running
the farms that I have controller over and making sure
we do that as well as we can every day.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
So seven point three percent return on equity, what sort
of dividend are you paying the government on that?
Speaker 3 (08:08):
So we'll pay a dividend of fifteen million dollars this
year to the crown. So that's a big step up.
If you look back over the last ten years we've
played thirty two million dollars in total. Then we've got
two proposed dividend payments in the next two years as well.
So no, a really positive step up in terms of
returning return back to our owner.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Mind you, fifteen million isn't a huge dividend when I
look at the asset base of land Court Parmu.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Yeah, I think and remembering dividend as part of it
that you made the pointing earlier on about the seven
point three percent return on equity part of that then
get has been reinvested as we look at integrating production
forestry into our farms, as we look at we're horticulture
integrates and supporting our continued drive to actually improve the performance.
So then to some areas will continue to look to
(08:56):
improve so we can deliver the an ongoing standable profit
it we've done this year we'll be looking to.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Do in the UF Well. I know I've been a
bit tough on you in the past, but took credit
where credit's due. This is a good result and it
looks like the financial year twenty six is even going
to be better. Good luck keeping a land corp on
the straight and narrow.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Thanks Sam, you always appreciate it, and I always also
acknowledge the teams that are out on the ground. They
cops the same criticism, but they are doing the hamemaky
every day, so it's nice to be to acknowledge them
in terms of this results as well.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yeah, fair comment, good on you, Mark. There you go.
Not a bad result from our biggest farmer. But what
should we be doing with Molesworth Station? We'll throw that
out as a text question for you guys today. Our
text number is five double o nine. What should we
be doing with Molesworth Station? I don't think i'd be
a fan of giving it back to Doc. Might just
go to Rack and Ruin Or am I being too
(09:49):
tough on Doc?
Speaker 5 (09:51):
There?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Now listen out for your chance a week but later
in the hour. Don't text now to win the Rugby
ready meatpack from New Zealand be in Lamb as soon
as you hear Stacey Waker obviously pre recorded and when
you hear her wee stingy thingy playing you text in
with the instructions will give you at the time right
(10:12):
up next on the country. It was the horticulture industry
Awards and gala dinner in Wellington last night. Every man
in his or her dog was there. We're going to
talk to the man who took away the top gong
the Horticulture New Zealand led Uslow Cup. Andrew Fenton's up
next on the Country.
Speaker 5 (10:46):
Barn.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It was all glitz and glamour last night in Wellington
for the Hoart New Zealand Industry Awards and gala dinner.
Taking away the top gong the Horticulture led Us Low Cup,
the Premium Industry award in the Hoart Industry was Andrew Fenton,
current President and Chair of the New Zealand Fruit Growers Federation.
(11:07):
But Andrew, you and I go back quite a long way.
I remember chatting to you many years ago and your
capacity as President of Horticulture New Zealand. In fact, I
think you were the first one.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Yes, I was. I was the inaugural president of fought
in Court, New Zealand when it was formed merging veg
Fed and Food Growth Federation and Berry Fed in two
thousand and five we had our first conference and I
think you and I have spoken since on fruit and
vegetable matters and rural matters for many many years after that,
so it goes back a long time.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Did they get you by surprise?
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Absolutely? I was there to make a short speech about
the twenty years of hot culture New Zealand and it
was until the last five minutes before the presentation of
the Bleddersoe Cup when I realized that was the only
thing left on the agenda, and I got a cold
shiver and I looked at my wife and you got
to be kidding me. So yeah, I various delighted, surprised
(12:05):
and re humbled. There's so many deserving people out there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
You're a tapoki kiwi fruit grower. What's your background in
the industry.
Speaker 4 (12:14):
I've been a grower since I was nineteen twenty and
I've come up through the industry area. I always had
an interest in industry good matters and leadership and it
really took me over and so I've spent my favod
of my time in different parts of the industry, from
(12:37):
retail wholesale to industry good functions with the organizations and
STATUREE with HGA and Q free New Zealand Stats through board.
So I've covered a fair few, but there's time to
pass it through somebody else. So it's really nice to
have received this award.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
I look at your industry, the Kiwi fruit industry, and
I think you're the envy of many other industries. And
I look at the red meat industry and I'm thinking, gee,
I wish they I mean, I bet you they wish
they had a structure like the Kiwi fruit industry. You
seem to have your house in order.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
Well, I think there's one word, and it's unity. Everyone
driving in the same direction for a common good. And
that's also what Hot New Zealand's success is. It's about
uniting growers. Where you grow vegetables and pokikoa or cherries
and Central Otago, we are all growings. We face the
same issues. It's about uniting the industry and that was
(13:35):
always my objective.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
This government wants to double the value of primary industry
exports in the next decade and I put it to you,
and I'll be preaching to the converted here that if
that is to happen, and it's a lofty goal, horticulture
is going to have to do quite a bit of
the heavy lifting because there are environmental constraints around the
likes of the dairy industry.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
Yes, and there are some challenges, and there's definitely headwinds
in front of us, but with the products we have
an offer to the world, we have an advantage. We
do come from a small part of the world, and
it is expensive to get there, but our aptitude and
attitude is growth and innovation, and with new innovation and
(14:19):
a labor supply that is well sourced, then we can
deliver the goods. And we have the land, we have
the willpower, we have the ability, so we will deliver.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
In preparation to this interview, we were chatting earlier this
morning and you said when you first went into horticulture,
and he's Zealand as the president way back in what
two thousand and five, I think a couple of years later,
you said the aim was to get the industry to
ten billion dollars by twenty twenty. Well, you've missed that.
We're currently sitting at what seven seven and a half
(14:54):
eight billion. How quickly can we get to that ten
magical ten billion mark?
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Well, predict how quickly we can, because there's always impediments
in the way, like storms and adverse events, but certainly
the intent is to do so. The ten billion by
twenty twenty was a little bit tongue in cheek, and
I do have a smile when I hear it again.
But you know, you've got to have a target. If
we're han't got a target, you'll miss it every time.
(15:21):
And you know, from this point of view, I see
an industry that's growing, whether it be cherries or apples,
or cay fruit or all the other And the domestic
vegetables are growing as well, so long as they not
don't get too restricted by land juice. The industry is
in good heart and can move as quickly as plant
(15:43):
products can.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Andrew Fenton Bledislow Cup winner at the Heart New Zealand
Industry Awards in gala dinner. I'm glad that a lifetime
service has been recognized. Well done.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Thank you, Jamie. It's always nice to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Got on you, Andrew, Congratulations Radio Up next, Karen Williams.
She was at the hort Industry Awards and gala dinner
last night. She's off to the United States to look
at dams. What a perfect trip that would be. And
apparently there's a big announcement coming up on dams. I'm
so excited. Some of your feedback on Molesworth Iconic New
(16:19):
Zealand Station should continue running its six thousand cattle, which
were incredibly well managed by Jim Ward. Fantastic place for
young shepherds to learn their trade. Another one here, perhaps
on a lighter note, Molesworth Station. I'm willing to sacrifice it.
Let's gather up all the Green Peace members and maybe
(16:39):
the Green Party as well, pull them into Molesworth Station,
build a wall around them with no chance of escape. Next,
let's make New Zealand great again. Another couple have come in.
I need to pre read them because there's some naughty
words in this one. And as I said the other day,
look if you're going to the trouble of sending a
text and we love it, We love your feedback, but
(17:02):
just help us out a web but use a full stop,
use a comma, even use a capital letter to start
a new sentence. Predictive texts should do that for you.
Just makes our life a wee bit easier. Thank you
very much, appreciate your patience. Up next to Karen Williams
(17:35):
twenty nine after twelve You're with the Country, brought to
you by brandts Well Gala Dinner Industry Awards for hought
New Zealand got a text last night from Rowena Duncan.
She was there in all of finery with Vanessa winning
now these days with MPI. Of course, Vanessa was the
former chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand. It's musical chairs
(17:57):
because Rowena's taken the job of this woman who went
to Irrigation New Zealand. Karen Williams. Why are rapper arable
farmer to boot? Karen? Did you enjoy your big night
out the glitz and glamour of the hort Industry Awards.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Actually it was a lot of fun and good afternoon, Jamie.
They had Sicky Tana entertaining and you know, I don't
know that I've seen live entertainment at some of the
EGG events, so yeah, well done to Haunt New Zealand.
They put on a s regulus a couple of days.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
What do you mean you haven't seen entertainment? What about
the MC at the Primary Industry Awards? You didn't sing though,
No I can't sing. I'm tone deaf and I've got
two left feet. Anyhow, this is not about me, It's
about you. I'm really jealous. I'm really jealous because I'm
hearing through the grapevine I e Rowena that you're after
the United States to look at dams, and one of
(18:49):
my favorite, probably my favorite dam of all time and
in the world, is in the United States, the Hoover Dam.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Yeah. Yes, so I'm pretty excited. Also so and I
remember when I was studying at Otaga University, we did
a bit of a damn tour up the White Hacky Valley,
So this will be next level from there. But yeah,
I'm joining the Trailblazer study Tour which is heading to
the northwest of the USA, sponsored by Zomatic, which is
(19:17):
you know, they're producing into pivots and letters and made
by Lindsay, which is you know, an international production producer
or variegation equipment. So look pretty excited. Hoping that the
tour itself will bring in the Grand Curly Dam, which
is on the Columbia River. But you're hoping to get
(19:37):
to the Hoover Dam sort of under my own steam
before that kicks off.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Well, I know you want a couple of nights in Vegas,
certainly a short helicopter ride from Vegas, Karen, that's right.
Speaker 6 (19:49):
Yeah, and who wouldn't love going to Vegas?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Well, have you been there before?
Speaker 4 (19:54):
No?
Speaker 6 (19:54):
No, I haven't.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
I'll give you the clue. I've been there a couple
of times or once. It's probably once too many to
be honest. But it's great fun at night, but it's
a it's a depressing place during the day, all these
people gambling their lives away.
Speaker 6 (20:08):
Yeah. Well, hopefully no tessos or anything late on the hangover.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
You could renew you your wedding veils at the Chapel
of Love with an Elvis impersonator.
Speaker 6 (20:17):
Could do, could do?
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Okay. So talking about dams, we've got Shane Jones on
the show tomorrow. Is he going to make a big
or a damn big announcement about dams.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Well, look, we were really rapped to see some announcements
come out from Minister Jones yesterday from the Regional Infrastructure
Fund and you know they are targeted and in that
East Coast tad Apaity, Hawk's Bay area and just you know,
starting to to the charge some of the HAWT expansions.
So great, a great timing with the HAWT conference being on.
(20:48):
But also you know that water storage, flood resilience and
Senaa Maori projects, so look great to see that. You
know that might not be the end of announcements, but
we're we're sort of waiting with everyone else to see
what's coming.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
So there is a big announcement tomorrow.
Speaker 6 (21:05):
I couldn't confirm that, but the Minister will have some
insights potentially about that.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Before you jump on the big bird to the United
States to spend a couple of days in Vegas. Karen,
who's going to stay at home and do all the
work on the farm and the Wira Rapper.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Oh, well, we've got a couple of great team members,
so my husband is joining me and yeah, it'll be good,
good learning from us from a farming perspective, but also
with my irrigation hat on and some of the winners
of the Trailblazer Awards are also joining us, So our
Friendshamet Manaways manager Niko Butler will be on there, and
(21:43):
we'll have people from gunder Windy in Australia and Tasmania
through this sort of Canterbury and the Wadapa. So it's
going to be a really mixed group. It's going to
be fascinating learning from each other and certainly hearing how
the Americans do it at scale, but bringing back some
messages around water management and how we're sort of managing
(22:05):
that for good outcomes.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
How's early spring? Can I call it early spring? Treating
you in Wirappa.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Yeah, we've been mixed with lovely. In the last couple
of weeks. We've seen a bit more sunshine, which has
been good. But we've been on the whole pretty fortunate
with a kind winter and good grass growth. So yeah,
can't complain really.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Karen Williams, thanks for your time, safe travels. Looking forward
to the photos and the picks coming back from Vegas.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah, no sense of some of them, but thanks Jamie,
good luck in the chapel.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
I love see it. Bye bye, there we go, Karen Williams,
always a good sort here on the country. Up next
Michelle with the latest and rural news, and listen out
for Stacey Waka your chance to win what is the
correct terminology here the Rugby ready meatpack or from New
(22:59):
Zealand beef and Stacey's playing in a tournament we can't
talk about at the moment. Looking forward to that one
getting to the playoff stages any how, We'll do rural
news and sports news. Next. Welcome back to the country,
(23:24):
twenty three away from one herbs. This is any crummer.
I think Herbs did some good collaborations, didn't they Michelle
good afternoon of course, Slice the Heaven with Dave dobbyin.
Speaker 7 (23:36):
Yeah, and they did this song right here with any
Krummer as well.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Yeah, good stuff. Now some of your feedback on Molesworth,
keep it coming in. I want to get the feedback
in before we do the Stacey Waker promo because then
the text machine just goes nuts and I can't read
your other text. Russell from Southland, you know who you are,
Russell got on you. You never fail to disappoint. Russell says,
(23:59):
keep Molesworth as a beef unit and get those bloody
unemployed buggers up there taking out the widing pines. Good
in principle there, Russ. But I don't know. The trouble
with those bloody unemployed buggers that you refer to is
they take a lot of organizing and sometimes the cost
of doing that is greater than getting them to take
(24:20):
the pines out. But yeah, I think that would be
We could certainly look at Task Force Green or whatever
we call it to do some more. You would think
with the wilding pines, you don't have to be a
rocket scientist to wander along with a pair of loppers
and chop off a wilding pine. Anyhow, that's my thoughts.
He's Michelle's thoughts with Rural News.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
The country's world news with cub Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on lawnbower brand. Visit steel Ford dot co dot
z for your local stockist.
Speaker 7 (24:49):
New Zealand exporters are getting a major boost today with
the n Z uate a trade deal officially kicking in.
Agricultural and Trade Minister Todd mcclasy is the agreement, new
Zealand's fastest ever, was wrapped up in just over four
months and could save key export is up to forty
two million a year in tariffs. From today, ninety eight
point five percent of our exports to the UAE will
(25:09):
enter duty free, rising to ninety nine percent by twenty
twenty seven. That includes big ticket items like dairy, red meat,
apples and seafood. The UA is already one of our
biggest Middle Eastern markets and was ninety percent of its
food imported. The opportunities for New Zealand producers are huge.
Mackay sayzerdeal also opens doors for investment, digital trade and services,
helping grow jobs and incomes. Back home and that's rural news.
(25:31):
You can find more at the Country dot co dot
nz and here's Jamie Sport.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
Sport with AFCO. Visit them online at AFCO dot co
dot enz.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Aler Lussan's singles campaign at Tennis's US Open is over
in the second round. She's been bundled out in straight
sets by Belgian nineteenth seed Eleise Mertens Netballs Stars have
signed Silver Fern and waiting Martina Salmon. Isn't she the
(26:02):
one who threw the really long goal to win the
fast fives? I think she might be anyhow. They've signed
Martina Salmon to bolster their shooting circle for next year's
A and Z Premiership after she helped the Tactics win
the title this year. And humiliation on the banks of
the Humber for Manchester United, this is a good story.
(26:25):
Fourth tier Grimsby Town have stunned the top flight side
twelve eleven on penalties and Football's League Cup second round,
pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the club's history.
Well done to Grimsby Town. Up next to our Australian correspondents,
Chris Russell, You're not going to believe the value of
(26:46):
Australian Working Dogs and before the end of the hour
your chance to contribute to Sir Pine Tree Meads talking
about Pine Tree. Sapine Tree Meads is favorite charity, the
IHC CARF and Rural Scheme. He's our guy across the
ditch on a Thursday, Chris Russell. Chris, So, I want
(27:07):
to start if I can, with new dietary guidelines in
twenty twenty six or four twenty twenty six. Apparently you
and I, Chris both ken carnivores are only allowed ninety
eight grams of red meat per week. That's not even
an entree.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
It's ridiculous. These are these new Eat Lancet Commission guidelines
which which are captveying to be introduced and adopted in
Australia next year. They tell us now that if we
go and the watch the rugby, we're only allowed to
eat a quarter of a pie. So what are we
going to do is radio three corners away? It's ridiculous.
(27:46):
And ninety eight grams of red meat a year, of
course kayl is on the menu who and you know it. Look,
there's so many things in here that are just not
going to happen in the Fed income Department. It's saying
that we should eat of all ad veggies, a third
of grain based food, a third veggies and legumes, and
the rest split roughly between fruit, fruit, lean protein, and
(28:09):
dairy and dairy alternatives. So you know, I think I
understand where they're coming from. And of course one of
the issues for food security, Jamie is that sixty eight
percent of the extra demand for food over the next
fifty years is going to come from affluent countries who
want to eat meat now instead of grain. And it
takes seven kilos of grain equivalent to produce a kilo
(28:30):
of meat. So I hear the logic, but in the
Fed inc And Department it ain't going to happen. Not
in Australia.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Anyway, Thank goodness, the Americans aren't following those guidelines with
their burgers. They can't get enough of our beef. And
on that note, the definition of Angus is to change
an opportunity or an opportunity for more premium beef sales.
I would have thought Angus was a great brand.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Well, it is a great brand, and that's the whole point.
They're saying that, like WAGU and others, where they change
what defines something you're allowed to call a wagu as
from the new framework being adopted which expect to be
later this year. Up to now seventy five percent of
the genetics had to be angust for it to be
(29:16):
called angus. Well that's going to change now the fifty
percent genetics, which doesn't really apply in Australia here, but
certainly for our overseas markets in Europe and so on.
All of a sudden, people who are key to buy
angus because they perceive that has been more marbled and
the sort of the type of beef they want to eat.
Will we beat eating animals which are now fifty percent
(29:38):
angus genetics rather than seventy five percent. And it's certainly
going to be a help to our northern industry where
they don't have seventy five percent angus simply because those
animals don't adapt well to the northern environment. You know,
angus have about a fifth of the sweat glands of
boss indicus or brahm and cattle they have that they
(29:59):
don't have the same sort of skin color, they sunburn
and so on. So therefore fact that they can put
fifty percent and mix it up with the boss indicates
and sell that as Angus will be a big advantage
in selling that meat overseas.
Speaker 2 (30:11):
Now, Jamie, next story is about the Australian Australian working
dog industry. Surely, Chris Russell, this is a typo. You're
saying the working dog industry is now worth as much
as your beef export market. Surely not.
Speaker 5 (30:26):
Well, this is a study that's been done here in
Australia which is valued the Australian or a farm dog
work First, that are staggering three billion dollars. As farmers
struggle to hire any staff that know what they're doing,
they reckon. There's about two hundred and seventy thousand working
dogs which contributed to the economy and a similar amount
(30:49):
to the Australian beef exports in twenty three, twenty four
or three billion dollars. Now, some of that money comes
from things like savings in labor, extra money coming into
the town. They're saying over a million dollars comes from
efficiencies which you're able to be improved on working on
the farm. So it's not that we're selling the dogs overseas,
(31:12):
but at fifteen thousand dollars a dog, it's certainly people
are now realizing that working dogs are worth their weight
in gold, and it's been a good business for those
people in it. I see, they just had the cutile
working dog sales up at Tamworth recently and they had
averages up there for around about eight thousand dollars, which
is pretty good for an average sale.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
Well, the old dogs, the working dogs, they don't complain,
they don't want holiday pay, they don't have sick days,
and they're always loyal. What's not to like about them?
Speaker 5 (31:40):
Well, that's right. I mean, you know, lock your dog
and you wipe up in the boot for three hours
and see which one is pleased to see you.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Hey, Christ, it's twenty twenty five. You can't say that anymore.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Sorry, mate.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
Let's just finish on your Ossie rugby team put up
a valiant fight against the spring Box and it's all
going to beyond and the bledders Low this year. You've
got to be pleased with what you're seeing.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
Well, I think we are. I mean they were certainly
it was certainly what I call wounded lions syn drame
as far as the Box were concerned. But nonetheless it
was still a good game. I think that really. Joe
Schmid's done an amazing job with this side, and he
was also trying had quite a few new players in there.
I think that really the spring Box say they were
(32:28):
short of their best, and I'm sure that was true
as well. But I mean going to be very interested
to see how we go against Argentina next thing that
they beat you on the weekend, Jamie.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Yeah, and they're a very good side, but I'm worried
about Andre Pollard and the Pollard and the bombs, not
to mention the bomb squad at Eden Park. It is
going to be a game for the ages. Chris Russell
will catch you again, same time, same place next week.
And I hope you've never locked your lovely Kiwi wife
Jill in the car for three hours.
Speaker 5 (32:58):
No, of course not, Jamie. Would I do that sort
of thing. I don't need to see you, see you mate? Hi,
Stacy Walker here tax scrums of five zeros.
Speaker 6 (33:11):
You're in nine to be in to win a Rugby
ready neat Peck thanks to my mates at Beef and Lamb.
Speaker 8 (33:16):
Get the team round and have some delicious and nutritious
client from Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
Speaker 1 (33:21):
Jamie will draw the winner and tomorrow's show.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
Indeed, I will Stacey a text coming in, Jammy, that's
two ms instead of one. We'll go with Jamie. Is
the NZR stopping you talking about Stacy as a black
fern or or your company? Oh here, I've lost that text?
Sorry about that one, because you've come in with the
scrum text. You go nuts on that one. No, look,
(33:48):
it's well, Stacey's an ambassador for Beef and Lamb. New
Zealand does a great job. Beef and Lamb New Zealand
is not allowed to refer to the rugby to the
Rugby Women's World Cup, which is happening in England as
we speak. Annoying anyhow, Hey, so you know the drill
text scrum along with your name and where you're from
(34:09):
to five double oh nine you could win one of
those Rugby ready meatpacks thanks to Beef and Lamb New
Zealand and the winner. Where's there winner? I've lost the winner?
Oh here he is here she is. Sorry Sarah Francis
from Rotorua. Well done, Sarah. You can get the fam
(34:33):
together for some midnight footy fueled by New Zealand Beef
and Lamb. Remember text scrum to five double O nine
along with your name and where you're from. If you
want that Rugby Ready meatpack from New Zealand beef and
lamb up next, Greg Miller from the IHC rh turn
(35:07):
the mic on. That would be a good start. Welcome
back to the country. You're loving herbs out there today.
Even one of my Taranaki Bogan listeners has texted in
and said she loves herbs. Good on you. Ah right,
this guy, I think he likes herbs as well. His
name is Greg Miller. He's the national fundraising manager for
(35:30):
the IHC CARF and Rural Scheme, of course, the charity
founded by Sir Pine Tree Meads. And isn't it refreshing
Greg Miller that someone rings up In this case Calvin
Johansson from all Tech. He rings up and volunteers to
donate the IHC thousands of dollars from his company. What
(35:50):
a good block Calvin is.
Speaker 8 (35:52):
He's amazing and thank you Jamie for putting him onto us.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
All I did was forward the email. Calvin was chomping
at the bit, or champing at the bit to get
in and support the IHC CARF and Rural Schemes, just
like all the good farmers out there and it's this
time of the year when they're out there carving and
lambing that they need to think of donating to this
wonderful scheme.
Speaker 8 (36:14):
Yeah, many of them already have, but there's still a
great chance to get in there and make your pledge
of a car for a virtual calf TOC and you know,
make it into a great year for people with intellectual
disabilities and rural communities.
Speaker 2 (36:32):
And every family is affected in one way or another. Look,
COVID was very tough on charities like the IHC. Thankfully
last year you got back to pre COVID levels in
terms of farmer donations to the IHC, CARF and Rural Scheme.
Looking even better this year.
Speaker 8 (36:52):
It was amazing. Last year we got to one point
two million. And it's been a had few years since
COVID for the CARF and Rural Scheme and it's just
thanks to some amazing and loyal support from our farmers
out there that we're back back back again. So thank
you very very much.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
If farmers and there's hopefully a lot of them listening
right now, they might be in for lunch. It's tough, well,
it's hard work at carving and lambing time. The weather's
been reasonable for a lot of the country. If they're
listening and wondering, what's the mechanism, how do you go
about committing to this wonderful charity. What do you do? Greg?
Speaker 8 (37:29):
Well, the easiest way is to go to our website,
which is IHC dot org, dot nz forward slash calf
or just look it up on Google and it's very
easy there, just to register and say yep, come be in.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
Yeah. And if you're not a farmer, you don't have
to be a farmer. You can be a towney. You
can be a supporter like me, and you can donate
a virtual car or a virtual lamb.
Speaker 8 (37:56):
Exactly and the same address. Just go there and put
in your support and Jamie, we're always grateful for your
amazing support of the scheme and you know, thank you
very very much.
Speaker 2 (38:09):
Well, it's better to give than receiver. Look, it's an
honor to be involved with it. You're doing a wonderful job.
Greg Miller there the national fundraising manager for the IHC
CARF and Rural Scheme. They've raised over well over forty
million dollars over forty years. It was all kicked off
by Sir Colin pine Tree meets the great man gone
but never ever ever forgotten, Shane Jones.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Tomorrow well 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.
Catch all the latest from the land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to Brent, You're specialist in
John Dere Construction Equipment.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Good afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. I'm Jamie McKay.
The show is brought to you by Brandt Herbs musical
theme today the drummer Tama London, a member of the
pioneering New Zealand reggae group Herbs, has died. List in
peace Okay. On the show today, the Big Story is
(00:52):
the annual result from the country's biggest farmer, a record result,
Mark Leslie. To kick off the show, Chief Executive of
Palmer or is it Land Corp Andrew Fenton recognized last
night at the Haart Industry Awards in gala dinner. He
took away the bledders Low Cup. Got a great background story.
(01:15):
This bloke. Karen Williams was there also at the Hort
Industry Awards last night. Everyone was there apart from me,
it would seem the chief executive of Irrigation News Zealand.
She's off to the US, I think tomorrow or the
next day to look at Damn's I'm so jealous and
we're hearing word that there's a big or a damn
(01:35):
big announcement on the horizon. Shane Jones on the show
tomorrow maybe to talk about that one. Chris Russell's our
Ossie correspondent. Some amazing statistics around the value of the
Australian working dog industry. We all know that dog is
man's and woman's best friend, but the value of dogs
(01:57):
to farmers was unbelievable. And Greg mull he's the national
fundraising manager for the IHC, We're going to encourage you
to give to a wonderful cause. It's all on the
country today Mark Leslie to kick off the show. Today's
(02:19):
big news story, New Zealand's biggest farmer has come up
with a record result. Palmu, the artist formerly known as Landcorp.
A record result. Look at this. A net operating profit
up one hundred and forty five percent, net profit after
tax up five hundred and sixty one percent, a seven
point three percent return on equity income three hundred and
(02:42):
forty eight million, up twenty three percent. Livestock revenue one
hundred and forty million, thirty six million more than the
year before. In milk revenue. Similar story, Mark Leslie is
the chief executive of Palmu or it was Winstant making
you guys call yourself off Landcorp these days. Mark, congratulations
(03:03):
on the result by the way.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Thanks Jamie, Palming Landcorp all fine with me. No, it
has been good to get that result out there and
it recognizes all the hardware our farm teams do every
day out there, but also really starting to see the
fruits of the labor around getting the new team in
pace and getting really back to those basics around focusing
on core farming principles.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
You've faced a lot of heat for heading down the
wrong track farming wise. I guess this has this silenced
the critics.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
I think this should go a long way to start that,
Jim Jamie in terms of I think for me positively,
as you talked about the livestock revenue up to thirty
six million, yes, strong, strong pricing has supported it as
all agriculture is seeing. But equally we've had a twenty
per cent uplift in farm production, So a good combination
of driving that farm performance as well as the uplift
(03:56):
and pricing, and I think positively looking to the year
we're now in signaling another improved performance sort of currently
talking about a enough of sixty nine to seventy nine
million dollars, so really positive to be able to set
that journey in motion and see the results coming through
and seeing some really positive outlook to the next two years.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So Mark Leslie, Chief Executive of palmu Landcorp. I'm still
confused on that one. What's turned the ship around?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, and I think a lot of things Jamie in
my time now he had gone three years, we've brought
in fresh leadership and really focused back on the basics
of core farming and improving efficiency to that. So that's
that's been the real focus of the.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
Last few years.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
As you and your listeners will know, farming systems don't
change overnight. We've made a number of changes in their
dairy operations, in our livestock operations, and that is what
we're now starting to see come through in terms of
the productivity improvements that are driving this year's this year's performance.
But equally, as we saw in the results of the
year have just done.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
You were accused of being too woke and getting off
tra Have you sorted all that out?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I think we're well on track in terms of the
core farming principles. Absolutely and if you look at some
of the numbers in there about lambing percentages around getting
gary cow six week in calf right, which we're now
seeing the benefit of that in the season we're now in,
we're sitting seventeen percent up on milk production.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
For the year.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
So note we are well on to focus on productivity well.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
To give credit to Land Corp lambing percentage one hundred
and thirty five percent above the industry average of one
hundred and twenty nine percent, it would be remissive me
Mark Leslie not to talk to you about Molesworth Wilding
Pines and my old school rugby mate Jim Ward. What
went on there or is that still the subject of
a court case?
Speaker 5 (05:46):
No.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
I think if you look for our broader Palm network
of farms, we have changes at farm manager level right
across the network. And I think if you look at
Molesworth and that specific example, we've had a long period
of time of a lot of un on that property
in terms of extension of leases. The lease has been
extended out to June twenty twenty six. Again that uncertainty,
(06:09):
the uncertainty of how the farm was going to be
farmed from a what livestock, how many livestock you could carry.
That uncertainty is created uncertainty in the minds of those
who have all been involved. So it's an unfortunate circumstances
that's occurred.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Let's just look at the wilding pines at Molesworth. It's
a real issue. Reports suggest that was one of the
reasons why Jim Ward left. But I'll put that to
one side, and I'm not going to talk to you
about planting pine trees on Molesworth Station. It's our biggest
farm in the country. You're not going to hand over
the ownership to dock and let them plant the whole
(06:46):
lot of trees, are you now?
Speaker 3 (06:48):
I think to be clear on Molesard from our perspective,
we are the lease the of it. It is Department
of Conservation who are the owner of it. They, as
I understand, will be making the announcement soon around the
future terms and conditions of how that will be operated. So,
as you said right up front, Widen Pines are on
(07:09):
an nursue there and the Widen conn of for control
programmers had a heavy focus in that area. That's the
teams on the ground have supported as part of that.
Equally Unfortunately, there was probably some confusion created about the
potential of planting forestry in there, but that's that's not
a decision that sits in my hands.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Most of Molesworth would be too high for plantation, forestry
or carbon farming, would it.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Yeah, I think there'd be. There'd be a lot of it.
There would be challenging to plant plant forestry in absolutely,
and I think that's there. So that's not not our
decision to make well, not my decision to make well.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Doc havn't exactly got the greatest track record when it
comes to keeping land free of gorse and broom.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Yeah, I think that's It's not something I'm going to
comment on, Jamie.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
It's not it's not my decision to make I'm going
to I'm going to go back to where I started.
Our focus is on is managing the farms and running
the farms that I have controller over and making sure
we do that as well as we can every day.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
So seven point three percent return on equity, what sort
of dividend are you paying the government on that?
Speaker 3 (08:08):
So we'll pay a dividend of fifteen million dollars this
year to the crown. So that's a big step up.
If you look back over the last ten years we've
played thirty two million dollars in total. Then we've got
two proposed dividend payments in the next two years as well.
So no, a really positive step up in terms of
returning return back to our owner.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Mind you, fifteen million isn't a huge dividend when I
look at the asset base of land Court Parmu.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Yeah, I think and remembering dividend as part of it
that you made the pointing earlier on about the seven
point three percent return on equity part of that then
get has been reinvested as we look at integrating production
forestry into our farms, as we look at we're horticulture
integrates and supporting our continued drive to actually improve the performance.
So then to some areas will continue to look to
(08:56):
improve so we can deliver the an ongoing standable profit
it we've done this year we'll be looking to.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Do in the UF Well. I know I've been a
bit tough on you in the past, but took credit
where credit's due. This is a good result and it
looks like the financial year twenty six is even going
to be better. Good luck keeping a land corp on
the straight and narrow.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Thanks Sam, you always appreciate it, and I always also
acknowledge the teams that are out on the ground. They
cops the same criticism, but they are doing the hamemaky
every day, so it's nice to be to acknowledge them
in terms of this results as well.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yeah, fair comment, good on you, Mark. There you go.
Not a bad result from our biggest farmer. But what
should we be doing with Molesworth Station? We'll throw that
out as a text question for you guys today. Our
text number is five double o nine. What should we
be doing with Molesworth Station? I don't think i'd be
a fan of giving it back to Doc. Might just
go to Rack and Ruin Or am I being too
(09:49):
tough on Doc?
Speaker 5 (09:51):
There?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Now listen out for your chance a week but later
in the hour. Don't text now to win the Rugby
ready meatpack from New Zealand be in Lamb as soon
as you hear Stacey Waker obviously pre recorded and when
you hear her wee stingy thingy playing you text in
with the instructions will give you at the time right
(10:12):
up next on the country. It was the horticulture industry
Awards and gala dinner in Wellington last night. Every man
in his or her dog was there. We're going to
talk to the man who took away the top gong
the Horticulture New Zealand led Uslow Cup. Andrew Fenton's up
next on the Country.
Speaker 5 (10:46):
Barn.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It was all glitz and glamour last night in Wellington
for the Hoart New Zealand Industry Awards and gala dinner.
Taking away the top gong the Horticulture led Us Low Cup,
the Premium Industry award in the Hoart Industry was Andrew Fenton,
current President and Chair of the New Zealand Fruit Growers Federation.
(11:07):
But Andrew, you and I go back quite a long way.
I remember chatting to you many years ago and your
capacity as President of Horticulture New Zealand. In fact, I
think you were the first one.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Yes, I was. I was the inaugural president of fought
in Court, New Zealand when it was formed merging veg
Fed and Food Growth Federation and Berry Fed in two
thousand and five we had our first conference and I
think you and I have spoken since on fruit and
vegetable matters and rural matters for many many years after that,
so it goes back a long time.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Did they get you by surprise?
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Absolutely? I was there to make a short speech about
the twenty years of hot culture New Zealand and it
was until the last five minutes before the presentation of
the Bleddersoe Cup when I realized that was the only
thing left on the agenda, and I got a cold
shiver and I looked at my wife and you got
to be kidding me. So yeah, I various delighted, surprised
(12:05):
and re humbled. There's so many deserving people out there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
You're a tapoki kiwi fruit grower. What's your background in
the industry.
Speaker 4 (12:14):
I've been a grower since I was nineteen twenty and
I've come up through the industry area. I always had
an interest in industry good matters and leadership and it
really took me over and so I've spent my favod
of my time in different parts of the industry, from
(12:37):
retail wholesale to industry good functions with the organizations and
STATUREE with HGA and Q free New Zealand Stats through board.
So I've covered a fair few, but there's time to
pass it through somebody else. So it's really nice to
have received this award.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
I look at your industry, the Kiwi fruit industry, and
I think you're the envy of many other industries. And
I look at the red meat industry and I'm thinking, gee,
I wish they I mean, I bet you they wish
they had a structure like the Kiwi fruit industry. You
seem to have your house in order.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
Well, I think there's one word, and it's unity. Everyone
driving in the same direction for a common good. And
that's also what Hot New Zealand's success is. It's about
uniting growers. Where you grow vegetables and pokikoa or cherries
and Central Otago, we are all growings. We face the
same issues. It's about uniting the industry and that was
(13:35):
always my objective.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
This government wants to double the value of primary industry
exports in the next decade and I put it to you,
and I'll be preaching to the converted here that if
that is to happen, and it's a lofty goal, horticulture
is going to have to do quite a bit of
the heavy lifting because there are environmental constraints around the
likes of the dairy industry.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
Yes, and there are some challenges, and there's definitely headwinds
in front of us, but with the products we have
an offer to the world, we have an advantage. We
do come from a small part of the world, and
it is expensive to get there, but our aptitude and
attitude is growth and innovation, and with new innovation and
(14:19):
a labor supply that is well sourced, then we can
deliver the goods. And we have the land, we have
the willpower, we have the ability, so we will deliver.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
In preparation to this interview, we were chatting earlier this
morning and you said when you first went into horticulture,
and he's Zealand as the president way back in what
two thousand and five, I think a couple of years later,
you said the aim was to get the industry to
ten billion dollars by twenty twenty. Well, you've missed that.
We're currently sitting at what seven seven and a half
(14:54):
eight billion. How quickly can we get to that ten
magical ten billion mark?
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Well, predict how quickly we can, because there's always impediments
in the way, like storms and adverse events, but certainly
the intent is to do so. The ten billion by
twenty twenty was a little bit tongue in cheek, and
I do have a smile when I hear it again.
But you know, you've got to have a target. If
we're han't got a target, you'll miss it every time.
(15:21):
And you know, from this point of view, I see
an industry that's growing, whether it be cherries or apples,
or cay fruit or all the other And the domestic
vegetables are growing as well, so long as they not
don't get too restricted by land juice. The industry is
in good heart and can move as quickly as plant
(15:43):
products can.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Andrew Fenton Bledislow Cup winner at the Heart New Zealand
Industry Awards in gala dinner. I'm glad that a lifetime
service has been recognized. Well done.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Thank you, Jamie. It's always nice to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Got on you, Andrew, Congratulations Radio Up next, Karen Williams.
She was at the hort Industry Awards and gala dinner
last night. She's off to the United States to look
at dams. What a perfect trip that would be. And
apparently there's a big announcement coming up on dams. I'm
so excited. Some of your feedback on Molesworth Iconic New
(16:19):
Zealand Station should continue running its six thousand cattle, which
were incredibly well managed by Jim Ward. Fantastic place for
young shepherds to learn their trade. Another one here, perhaps
on a lighter note, Molesworth Station. I'm willing to sacrifice it.
Let's gather up all the Green Peace members and maybe
(16:39):
the Green Party as well, pull them into Molesworth Station,
build a wall around them with no chance of escape. Next,
let's make New Zealand great again. Another couple have come in.
I need to pre read them because there's some naughty
words in this one. And as I said the other day,
look if you're going to the trouble of sending a
text and we love it, We love your feedback, but
(17:02):
just help us out a web but use a full stop,
use a comma, even use a capital letter to start
a new sentence. Predictive texts should do that for you.
Just makes our life a wee bit easier. Thank you
very much, appreciate your patience. Up next to Karen Williams
(17:35):
twenty nine after twelve You're with the Country, brought to
you by brandts Well Gala Dinner Industry Awards for hought
New Zealand got a text last night from Rowena Duncan.
She was there in all of finery with Vanessa winning
now these days with MPI. Of course, Vanessa was the
former chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand. It's musical chairs
(17:57):
because Rowena's taken the job of this woman who went
to Irrigation New Zealand. Karen Williams. Why are rapper arable
farmer to boot? Karen? Did you enjoy your big night
out the glitz and glamour of the hort Industry Awards.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Actually it was a lot of fun and good afternoon, Jamie.
They had Sicky Tana entertaining and you know, I don't
know that I've seen live entertainment at some of the
EGG events, so yeah, well done to Haunt New Zealand.
They put on a s regulus a couple of days.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
What do you mean you haven't seen entertainment? What about
the MC at the Primary Industry Awards? You didn't sing though,
No I can't sing. I'm tone deaf and I've got
two left feet. Anyhow, this is not about me, It's
about you. I'm really jealous. I'm really jealous because I'm
hearing through the grapevine I e Rowena that you're after
the United States to look at dams, and one of
(18:49):
my favorite, probably my favorite dam of all time and
in the world, is in the United States, the Hoover Dam.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Yeah. Yes, so I'm pretty excited. Also so and I
remember when I was studying at Otaga University, we did
a bit of a damn tour up the White Hacky Valley,
So this will be next level from there. But yeah,
I'm joining the Trailblazer study Tour which is heading to
the northwest of the USA, sponsored by Zomatic, which is
(19:17):
you know, they're producing into pivots and letters and made
by Lindsay, which is you know, an international production producer
or variegation equipment. So look pretty excited. Hoping that the
tour itself will bring in the Grand Curly Dam, which
is on the Columbia River. But you're hoping to get
(19:37):
to the Hoover Dam sort of under my own steam
before that kicks off.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Well, I know you want a couple of nights in Vegas,
certainly a short helicopter ride from Vegas, Karen, that's right.
Speaker 6 (19:49):
Yeah, and who wouldn't love going to Vegas?
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Well, have you been there before?
Speaker 4 (19:54):
No?
Speaker 6 (19:54):
No, I haven't.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
I'll give you the clue. I've been there a couple
of times or once. It's probably once too many to
be honest. But it's great fun at night, but it's
a it's a depressing place during the day, all these
people gambling their lives away.
Speaker 6 (20:08):
Yeah. Well, hopefully no tessos or anything late on the hangover.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
You could renew you your wedding veils at the Chapel
of Love with an Elvis impersonator.
Speaker 6 (20:17):
Could do, could do?
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Okay. So talking about dams, we've got Shane Jones on
the show tomorrow. Is he going to make a big
or a damn big announcement about dams.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Well, look, we were really rapped to see some announcements
come out from Minister Jones yesterday from the Regional Infrastructure
Fund and you know they are targeted and in that
East Coast tad Apaity, Hawk's Bay area and just you know,
starting to to the charge some of the HAWT expansions.
So great, a great timing with the HAWT conference being on.
(20:48):
But also you know that water storage, flood resilience and
Senaa Maori projects, so look great to see that. You
know that might not be the end of announcements, but
we're we're sort of waiting with everyone else to see
what's coming.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
So there is a big announcement tomorrow.
Speaker 6 (21:05):
I couldn't confirm that, but the Minister will have some
insights potentially about that.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Before you jump on the big bird to the United
States to spend a couple of days in Vegas. Karen,
who's going to stay at home and do all the
work on the farm and the Wira Rapper.
Speaker 6 (21:21):
Oh, well, we've got a couple of great team members,
so my husband is joining me and yeah, it'll be good,
good learning from us from a farming perspective, but also
with my irrigation hat on and some of the winners
of the Trailblazer Awards are also joining us, So our
Friendshamet Manaways manager Niko Butler will be on there, and
(21:43):
we'll have people from gunder Windy in Australia and Tasmania
through this sort of Canterbury and the Wadapa. So it's
going to be a really mixed group. It's going to
be fascinating learning from each other and certainly hearing how
the Americans do it at scale, but bringing back some
messages around water management and how we're sort of managing
(22:05):
that for good outcomes.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
How's early spring? Can I call it early spring? Treating
you in Wirappa.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Yeah, we've been mixed with lovely. In the last couple
of weeks. We've seen a bit more sunshine, which has
been good. But we've been on the whole pretty fortunate
with a kind winter and good grass growth. So yeah,
can't complain really.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Karen Williams, thanks for your time, safe travels. Looking forward
to the photos and the picks coming back from Vegas.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah, no sense of some of them, but thanks Jamie,
good luck in the chapel.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
I love see it. Bye bye, there we go, Karen Williams,
always a good sort here on the country. Up next
Michelle with the latest and rural news, and listen out
for Stacey Waka your chance to win what is the
correct terminology here the Rugby ready meatpack or from New
(22:59):
Zealand beef and Stacey's playing in a tournament we can't
talk about at the moment. Looking forward to that one
getting to the playoff stages any how, We'll do rural
news and sports news. Next. Welcome back to the country,
(23:24):
twenty three away from one herbs. This is any crummer.
I think Herbs did some good collaborations, didn't they Michelle
good afternoon of course, Slice the Heaven with Dave dobbyin.
Speaker 7 (23:36):
Yeah, and they did this song right here with any
Krummer as well.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Yeah, good stuff. Now some of your feedback on Molesworth,
keep it coming in. I want to get the feedback
in before we do the Stacey Waker promo because then
the text machine just goes nuts and I can't read
your other text. Russell from Southland, you know who you are,
Russell got on you. You never fail to disappoint. Russell says,
(23:59):
keep Molesworth as a beef unit and get those bloody
unemployed buggers up there taking out the widing pines. Good
in principle there, Russ. But I don't know. The trouble
with those bloody unemployed buggers that you refer to is
they take a lot of organizing and sometimes the cost
of doing that is greater than getting them to take
(24:20):
the pines out. But yeah, I think that would be
We could certainly look at Task Force Green or whatever
we call it to do some more. You would think
with the wilding pines, you don't have to be a
rocket scientist to wander along with a pair of loppers
and chop off a wilding pine. Anyhow, that's my thoughts.
He's Michelle's thoughts with Rural News.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
The country's world news with cub Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on lawnbower brand. Visit steel Ford dot co dot
z for your local stockist.
Speaker 7 (24:49):
New Zealand exporters are getting a major boost today with
the n Z uate a trade deal officially kicking in.
Agricultural and Trade Minister Todd mcclasy is the agreement, new
Zealand's fastest ever, was wrapped up in just over four
months and could save key export is up to forty
two million a year in tariffs. From today, ninety eight
point five percent of our exports to the UAE will
(25:09):
enter duty free, rising to ninety nine percent by twenty
twenty seven. That includes big ticket items like dairy, red meat,
apples and seafood. The UA is already one of our
biggest Middle Eastern markets and was ninety percent of its
food imported. The opportunities for New Zealand producers are huge.
Mackay sayzerdeal also opens doors for investment, digital trade and services,
helping grow jobs and incomes. Back home and that's rural news.
(25:31):
You can find more at the Country dot co dot
nz and here's Jamie Sport.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
Sport with AFCO. Visit them online at AFCO dot co
dot enz.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Aler Lussan's singles campaign at Tennis's US Open is over
in the second round. She's been bundled out in straight
sets by Belgian nineteenth seed Eleise Mertens Netballs Stars have
signed Silver Fern and waiting Martina Salmon. Isn't she the
(26:02):
one who threw the really long goal to win the
fast fives? I think she might be anyhow. They've signed
Martina Salmon to bolster their shooting circle for next year's
A and Z Premiership after she helped the Tactics win
the title this year. And humiliation on the banks of
the Humber for Manchester United, this is a good story.
(26:25):
Fourth tier Grimsby Town have stunned the top flight side
twelve eleven on penalties and Football's League Cup second round,
pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the club's history.
Well done to Grimsby Town. Up next to our Australian correspondents,
Chris Russell, You're not going to believe the value of
(26:46):
Australian Working Dogs and before the end of the hour
your chance to contribute to Sir Pine Tree Meads talking
about Pine Tree. Sapine Tree Meads is favorite charity, the
IHC CARF and Rural Scheme. He's our guy across the
ditch on a Thursday, Chris Russell. Chris, So, I want
(27:07):
to start if I can, with new dietary guidelines in
twenty twenty six or four twenty twenty six. Apparently you
and I, Chris both ken carnivores are only allowed ninety
eight grams of red meat per week. That's not even
an entree.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
It's ridiculous. These are these new Eat Lancet Commission guidelines
which which are captveying to be introduced and adopted in
Australia next year. They tell us now that if we
go and the watch the rugby, we're only allowed to
eat a quarter of a pie. So what are we
going to do is radio three corners away? It's ridiculous.
(27:46):
And ninety eight grams of red meat a year, of
course kayl is on the menu who and you know it. Look,
there's so many things in here that are just not
going to happen in the Fed income Department. It's saying
that we should eat of all ad veggies, a third
of grain based food, a third veggies and legumes, and
the rest split roughly between fruit, fruit, lean protein, and
(28:09):
dairy and dairy alternatives. So you know, I think I
understand where they're coming from. And of course one of
the issues for food security, Jamie is that sixty eight
percent of the extra demand for food over the next
fifty years is going to come from affluent countries who
want to eat meat now instead of grain. And it
takes seven kilos of grain equivalent to produce a kilo
(28:30):
of meat. So I hear the logic, but in the
Fed inc And Department it ain't going to happen. Not
in Australia.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Anyway, Thank goodness, the Americans aren't following those guidelines with
their burgers. They can't get enough of our beef. And
on that note, the definition of Angus is to change
an opportunity or an opportunity for more premium beef sales.
I would have thought Angus was a great brand.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Well, it is a great brand, and that's the whole point.
They're saying that, like WAGU and others, where they change
what defines something you're allowed to call a wagu as
from the new framework being adopted which expect to be
later this year. Up to now seventy five percent of
the genetics had to be angust for it to be
(29:16):
called angus. Well that's going to change now the fifty
percent genetics, which doesn't really apply in Australia here, but
certainly for our overseas markets in Europe and so on.
All of a sudden, people who are key to buy
angus because they perceive that has been more marbled and
the sort of the type of beef they want to eat.
Will we beat eating animals which are now fifty percent
(29:38):
angus genetics rather than seventy five percent. And it's certainly
going to be a help to our northern industry where
they don't have seventy five percent angus simply because those
animals don't adapt well to the northern environment. You know,
angus have about a fifth of the sweat glands of
boss indicus or brahm and cattle they have that they
(29:59):
don't have the same sort of skin color, they sunburn
and so on. So therefore fact that they can put
fifty percent and mix it up with the boss indicates
and sell that as Angus will be a big advantage
in selling that meat overseas.
Speaker 2 (30:11):
Now, Jamie, next story is about the Australian Australian working
dog industry. Surely, Chris Russell, this is a typo. You're
saying the working dog industry is now worth as much
as your beef export market. Surely not.
Speaker 5 (30:26):
Well, this is a study that's been done here in
Australia which is valued the Australian or a farm dog
work First, that are staggering three billion dollars. As farmers
struggle to hire any staff that know what they're doing,
they reckon. There's about two hundred and seventy thousand working
dogs which contributed to the economy and a similar amount
(30:49):
to the Australian beef exports in twenty three, twenty four
or three billion dollars. Now, some of that money comes
from things like savings in labor, extra money coming into
the town. They're saying over a million dollars comes from
efficiencies which you're able to be improved on working on
the farm. So it's not that we're selling the dogs overseas,
(31:12):
but at fifteen thousand dollars a dog, it's certainly people
are now realizing that working dogs are worth their weight
in gold, and it's been a good business for those
people in it. I see, they just had the cutile
working dog sales up at Tamworth recently and they had
averages up there for around about eight thousand dollars, which
is pretty good for an average sale.
Speaker 2 (31:32):
Well, the old dogs, the working dogs, they don't complain,
they don't want holiday pay, they don't have sick days,
and they're always loyal. What's not to like about them?
Speaker 5 (31:40):
Well, that's right. I mean, you know, lock your dog
and you wipe up in the boot for three hours
and see which one is pleased to see you.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Hey, Christ, it's twenty twenty five. You can't say that anymore.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Sorry, mate.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
Let's just finish on your Ossie rugby team put up
a valiant fight against the spring Box and it's all
going to beyond and the bledders Low this year. You've
got to be pleased with what you're seeing.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
Well, I think we are. I mean they were certainly
it was certainly what I call wounded lions syn drame
as far as the Box were concerned. But nonetheless it
was still a good game. I think that really. Joe
Schmid's done an amazing job with this side, and he
was also trying had quite a few new players in there.
I think that really the spring Box say they were
(32:28):
short of their best, and I'm sure that was true
as well. But I mean going to be very interested
to see how we go against Argentina next thing that
they beat you on the weekend, Jamie.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Yeah, and they're a very good side, but I'm worried
about Andre Pollard and the Pollard and the bombs, not
to mention the bomb squad at Eden Park. It is
going to be a game for the ages. Chris Russell
will catch you again, same time, same place next week.
And I hope you've never locked your lovely Kiwi wife
Jill in the car for three hours.
Speaker 5 (32:58):
No, of course not, Jamie. Would I do that sort
of thing. I don't need to see you, see you mate? Hi,
Stacy Walker here tax scrums of five zeros.
Speaker 6 (33:11):
You're in nine to be in to win a Rugby
ready neat Peck thanks to my mates at Beef and Lamb.
Speaker 8 (33:16):
Get the team round and have some delicious and nutritious
client from Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
Speaker 1 (33:21):
Jamie will draw the winner and tomorrow's show.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
Indeed, I will Stacey a text coming in, Jammy, that's
two ms instead of one. We'll go with Jamie. Is
the NZR stopping you talking about Stacy as a black
fern or or your company? Oh here, I've lost that text?
Sorry about that one, because you've come in with the
scrum text. You go nuts on that one. No, look,
(33:48):
it's well, Stacey's an ambassador for Beef and Lamb. New
Zealand does a great job. Beef and Lamb New Zealand
is not allowed to refer to the rugby to the
Rugby Women's World Cup, which is happening in England as
we speak. Annoying anyhow, Hey, so you know the drill
text scrum along with your name and where you're from
(34:09):
to five double oh nine you could win one of
those Rugby ready meatpacks thanks to Beef and Lamb New
Zealand and the winner. Where's there winner? I've lost the winner?
Oh here he is here she is. Sorry Sarah Francis
from Rotorua. Well done, Sarah. You can get the fam
(34:33):
together for some midnight footy fueled by New Zealand Beef
and Lamb. Remember text scrum to five double O nine
along with your name and where you're from. If you
want that Rugby Ready meatpack from New Zealand beef and
lamb up next, Greg Miller from the IHC rh turn
(35:07):
the mic on. That would be a good start. Welcome
back to the country. You're loving herbs out there today.
Even one of my Taranaki Bogan listeners has texted in
and said she loves herbs. Good on you. Ah right,
this guy, I think he likes herbs as well. His
name is Greg Miller. He's the national fundraising manager for
(35:30):
the IHC CARF and Rural Scheme, of course, the charity
founded by Sir Pine Tree Meads. And isn't it refreshing
Greg Miller that someone rings up In this case Calvin
Johansson from all Tech. He rings up and volunteers to
donate the IHC thousands of dollars from his company. What
(35:50):
a good block Calvin is.
Speaker 8 (35:52):
He's amazing and thank you Jamie for putting him onto us.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
All I did was forward the email. Calvin was chomping
at the bit, or champing at the bit to get
in and support the IHC CARF and Rural Schemes, just
like all the good farmers out there and it's this
time of the year when they're out there carving and
lambing that they need to think of donating to this
wonderful scheme.
Speaker 8 (36:14):
Yeah, many of them already have, but there's still a
great chance to get in there and make your pledge
of a car for a virtual calf TOC and you know,
make it into a great year for people with intellectual
disabilities and rural communities.
Speaker 2 (36:32):
And every family is affected in one way or another. Look,
COVID was very tough on charities like the IHC. Thankfully
last year you got back to pre COVID levels in
terms of farmer donations to the IHC, CARF and Rural Scheme.
Looking even better this year.
Speaker 8 (36:52):
It was amazing. Last year we got to one point
two million. And it's been a had few years since
COVID for the CARF and Rural Scheme and it's just
thanks to some amazing and loyal support from our farmers
out there that we're back back back again. So thank
you very very much.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
If farmers and there's hopefully a lot of them listening
right now, they might be in for lunch. It's tough, well,
it's hard work at carving and lambing time. The weather's
been reasonable for a lot of the country. If they're
listening and wondering, what's the mechanism, how do you go
about committing to this wonderful charity. What do you do? Greg?
Speaker 8 (37:29):
Well, the easiest way is to go to our website,
which is IHC dot org, dot nz forward slash calf
or just look it up on Google and it's very
easy there, just to register and say yep, come be in.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
Yeah. And if you're not a farmer, you don't have
to be a farmer. You can be a towney. You
can be a supporter like me, and you can donate
a virtual car or a virtual lamb.
Speaker 8 (37:56):
Exactly and the same address. Just go there and put
in your support and Jamie, we're always grateful for your
amazing support of the scheme and you know, thank you
very very much.
Speaker 2 (38:09):
Well, it's better to give than receiver. Look, it's an
honor to be involved with it. You're doing a wonderful job.
Greg Miller there the national fundraising manager for the IHC
CARF and Rural Scheme. They've raised over well over forty
million dollars over forty years. It was all kicked off
by Sir Colin pine Tree meets the great man gone
but never ever ever forgotten, Shane Jones.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Tomorrow well 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.
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