July 21, 2026 • 39 mins
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Andrew Murray, Emma Higgins, John McOviney, and Jay Campbell.
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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 Aisuzu Get Demo deals
on the tough Dmax today.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Good afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. I'm Jamie McKay.
Does it get any better than the Prince of Darkness
Ozzie Osbourne from Black Sabbath did this time a year ago.
More about that later. I'm going to kick off the
show with the Prime Minister Christopher Lux and we're going
to open the batting with the bird flew Andrew Murray
(01:01):
out of Fonterra, chief financial officer last night's positive. I'm
really pleased to hear this because I start and get
a wee bit worried about the dairy farming margins. We've
stemmed the bleeding up one point five percent. We'll also
get a take from Emma Higgins from Rabobank, and earlier
this week they released their twenty twenty six World Dairy Map.
(01:23):
Some interesting movements. Cheese is where it's at, Baby John mcavinny,
White Tomo sheep and beef farmer. I might need a
dump button for him. He's got some strong and forthright thoughts.
He is, of course also the chief executive of Steele
Fort and Jay Campbell. Jay is the chief executive of
the Hawks Bay Rugby Union. Now today Farmlands, our wonderful
(01:46):
sponsors here on the Country was named or were named
the official national rural partner of New Zealand's fourteen major
rugby provinces. And if you think this is a farming show,
why are we talking rugby? Well, I'll tell you a
I love rugby and I love the South and Stags,
but the stats around the correlation and connection between rugby
(02:09):
and rural New Zealand are quite stuck. Well, they're not startling,
They're just reassuring what I've always known. Farmers love farming
and Foddy and Bear or is that just me? Christopher
Luxon to kick off the Country Wednesdays on the Country,
(02:39):
The Prime Minister kicks off the show. Christopher Luxeon and
I want to start with the bird flu It was
a matter of when, not if. But I just want
to say I think MPI in this country does a
damn fine job. What do you say?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Well, faviously, Jamie, welcome home from your long sojourn. It's
great to have you on the airways. But no, I
fully agree with you. Racemith and the MPI team do
an outstanding job. And you know, we've always known this
is coming. We knowdication is not possible, and it's obviously
been going around the world since twenty twenty. So it's
really about how well prepared we are. And again the
NPI have led out well, they've got dock, the Ministry
(03:14):
of Health Health in New Zealand, the industry and councils
have been constantly thinking and having a plan for this.
So you know, now it's about making sure we execute
the plan. That's currently we're ramping up our testing the
birds and more one on one support for poultry farmers
and affected regions and as you know, it goes from
the seabirds into the wildlife into poultry of the risk
(03:34):
and so but I spoke to some poultry our farmers recently,
you know, actually several weeks before this broke out, and
they were telling me how prepared they are for it
as well. So your our focus is right now making
sure we've got good on farm biosecurity measures. But we
know what we're doing. We've had the plan sitting on
the shelf for ready to go, and everyone's spect them
to gear which is excellent. But I do agree with you.
I think MPI are so backing this industry. I'm sure
(03:56):
people have their moments with them from time to time,
but in the big picture they are very supportive and
great advocates of the sector.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Yesterday's inflation number four point one percent for the twelve
months ended a June, up from three point one percent
from the March quarter, all driven or largely driven in fact,
all driven, let's be honest about it, by the Middle
East war. Petrol up twenty seven point five percent. Can
you say, hand on heart, the worst is behind us
(04:23):
or is that in the lay in the hands of
Donald Trump?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I think? But the trick here is to do what
we said on day one of this crisis, which is
we know there's going to be an inflation impact because
fuel prices are going to go up. We know when
fuel prices go up that slows down an economy because
there's higher costs involved. But the trick is not to
have attached any other barnacles to the boat. And if
you think about the COVID experience, where your response to
that crisis was to spray cash around and then you
(04:47):
had inflation outside the band for what was almost three
years eleven straight quarters that we end up having a
great party with money flowing around, but then we had
a massive hangover in the days in the years afterwards.
So you know, what we've tried to do is get
really clear about temporary timely target support. And you're actually
seeing that, Jamie. If you think about the growth that
(05:07):
we had in the Q one numbers, if you think
about the trade surplus we had in April with our exports,
if you think about actually how recent forecasts have been strengthened,
you know, we've actually got a lot of good stuff
going on. So yes, you know, if you strip out
the Trump's you know, our armed spike into inflation, we're
at two point nine percent, back within the band of
(05:28):
inflation of where it needs to be. But there's been
some pretty good stuff. I mean, like we've got growth
and manufacturing at a five year high. We've got growth
in our services sector. Now, we've got very strong exports
up twenty five percent in June alone, actually holds our
Oltrusty prices have come down about thirty five percent. Of course,
that helps all our regional mills and businesses across the regions,
(05:49):
and that's because of the decisions we've taken around LNG
and port facility and other things. You've got building consents
up nineteen percent. I think tourisms of eight you've got
we've actually got fourteen percent growth and Kiwi's coming home
from Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Prime Minister, look, I get it. Yeah, it does all
good stuff. And I get this. But does Joe average
public voter get it because he or she's thinking, are
the cost of living's going through the roof? I'm blaming national.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Well if I think a lot of New Zealanders get
around the South Island and they would say that they
are experiencing, you know, some real positivity in their economy.
But I get it. You're right, there's no doubt about it.
You know, when you crank up spending, inflation and debt
in Texas, people haven't been feeling that great. But there's
more work to do. But what I'm just saying to
you is go over to Australia and you see an
(06:37):
economy on a downswing right now, and you go come
to New Zellence here an economy it's on an upswing.
And actually we've got a lot of positive things coming
through and I think we want that. You're right, the
challenges to have more and more people feeling that.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Has sanity prevailed over the r E m A has
these changes that you've introduced halted, as Mike Costking put
it this morning on z B the maorification of New Zealand,
especially at local body level.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Well, I mean we made some interventions post of Select
Committee which you've seen us do, which was to say, look,
I think it's been quite disingenuous of councils to advance
these agreements with EWE under the old legislation. We have
a new pet seat of legislation coming in. It's designed
to get things done in this country. And so there's
two things. One is we want any agreements that are
(07:24):
reached with EWE are to be done at under the
new legislation. Secondly, it's got to be at a high level,
so you know there will be areas of genuine cultural
significance that we should be attuned to as a region.
Thinks about what's called spatial planning. But you know, I've
heard ridiculous stories where a farmer wants to put a
farmhouse on their farm and they have to go of
a conversation with EWE about that. Well, that is the
(07:46):
stuff that we're stopping, right because that farmer should be
able to whack up the farmhouse on his own land
with fewer people commenting on it as needed, and that's
why we think they'll be up to forty five percent
less consents needed. So you know this RMA is, you know,
talk about a big reform. I mean the national government
never did it than the previous one, Labor government never
did it. Our government's tackling it, even with the challenges
(08:08):
of being coalition, So I mean we've done. I think
it's a big reform. It's the biggest source of red tape.
It's been holding a country back, adding way too much
cost to the show, huge amounts of time. That just
has to stop because it's been madness.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
And basically you're saying Hoskin's right, Okay, a celebrity candidate.
So the flavor of the month at the moment. Do
the Nats have any in the pipeline? I know you
had Grant McCullum in twenty twenty three, but anyone.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Else, Well, well, I think Katie Millon's a pretty good
hire for us down on the West coast, so actually
be really good. But yeah, it's lovely. You can chat about.
You know, there's a lot of retreated people coming in
and out of the place with different parties. But they
might have even tried to stand with other parties and
got turned down and then they ended up showing us
up somewhere else. But I put all that aside. What
you kind of really want is a pretty serious conversation
(08:52):
of I have twenty slots in that cabinet ministry that's
actually a round table with twenty seats at it, and
the question is I want any National Party ministers around that.
You may know the leaders of the other minor parties,
but you don't know the people that are coming after
them that you don't want to lose them Mark Mitchell,
for example, because you've got to take someone from another party.
So you know, the only way the only way to
(09:14):
deal with this is you've got a party vote national,
so they get as many National Party ministers.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yeah, but we certainly know Shane Jones, we certainly know
Stuart Nash, we certainly know Michael Laws, we certainly know
Paul Henry.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
And I was saying to you, I would sooner take
Mark Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Erica Stanford, Simmy and Brown Nichola Willis,
Chris Bishop, Tom of Potarka, Simon Watts and others into
that mix.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I don't know if i'd name all those names. Definitely
Mark Mitchell really think he's a great minister.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
My point is New Zelland has to understand we're not
doing first past the post. We do MMP. So you
might know one or two leaders in the top of
the other parties, but you don't know who their number four,
five or six are. And I know who my number four,
five and six are. I know I've got fifteen to
twenty outstanding people that I would love to put into
the ministry and I just back my candidates and the
national team over any other party.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Talking about Shane Jones, Deputy leader for New Zealand, first
he's blaming a virus of wocism. He's got a great
turn of phrase, hasn't he In the media for condemnation,
I was remarked politicians, namely yourself, needed to take off
your kneepads when hosting foreign leaders. Are you being too
sensitive or is Shane Jones being Chris?
Speaker 3 (10:22):
He's been crass and unprofessional and you should call it
that way. Jamie is a media guy We're very proud
of an Indian STA. It's got a huge benefit to
every one of your people listening to us today. And
New Zealand First doesn't support it, you know, And I
think when you're out there on the world stage, you
sell New Zealand and you talk positively of New Zealand,
and now I get New Zealand's been out of shape
because they in New Zealand First because they're pretty hypocritical, right,
(10:45):
I mean, they know they're on the wrong side of
history on this one. You know, Mark Patterson, good on them.
Your associate Agriculture Minister goes off to India to sell
will to the Indians because we have you know, Tom
McLay and I have negotiated Tara free will. India happens
to be the second biggest textile market in the world.
That's the opportunity for our wool growers out there. So
you know, your your wolf shed wolf farmers out there,
(11:08):
you know, think about it. Are you seriously you know
you are going to benefit from an Indian FTA and
he seriously listening to Shane Jones or Winston Peters. For
God's sake, the answer should be know a.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Final yes, no, question for you. Will you sign off
on sir Ryan Fox.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Oh, I know, I've met him a few times and
he's just he's just a classic Kiwi and he's just
a really top person and what he did was just incredible.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
So well, here's a thought, here's a parting thought for
your celebrity candidate's Ryan Fox for Tammicky.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Well, I think we're going to do just finding Tammicky.
Thank you very much. With a very good candidate the
in Maheshma l. He's an absolutely outstand he's doing a
fantastic job.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
He hasn't got the name recognition of Ryan Fox. Thanks
for your time, Prime Minister.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Good to see you, good to me back dammy.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Thank you righty oh it is eighteen after twelve. You
are what's the country? Great news, farm lands coming out
and sponsor provincial rugby. That's the heart of our national game.
We're going to chat to Jacampbell a bit later in
the air. The CEO of Hawkes Bay Rugby just got
an email in hot off the press from MPI about
(12:13):
the bird flu. No further detections of the H five
bird flu today. Now here's the kickup or here's the
instruction from MPI folks, if you see three or more
sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact,
record what you see and report it to the Exotic
st and Disease Hotline, which is eight hundred eighty ninety
(12:36):
nine sixty six from anywhere in New Zealand, or you
can go online at report dot MPI dot govt dot
nz MPI is doing a really good job of keeping
control or keeping a lid on bird flu. The rest
of us, as citizens of the country, need to do
likewise and play our role. Prince of Darkness, I play
(12:59):
golf with the guy by the name of the who
will call the Prince of Darkness. He's good golfer. Two. Hello,
Murray Edgar if you're listening, No, I think he might
be playing golf anyhow. Ozzy Osbourne called the Prince of
Darkness Birmingham. She's a lot of great artists came out
of the Midlands in the UK, so Birmingham is where
(13:23):
Ossie's from. They're having a free celebration for the Black
Sabbath front man he died on the twenty second of
July twenty twenty five, to recognize his lifelong connection to
the city where he grew up, where he grew up
and helped pioneer heavy metal. I think Michelle's pretty excited
about this, being a bit of a Balkluther Bogan. I
(13:45):
bet you she's got a few Black Sabbath stories. We'll
get those at the bottom of the hour worth Rural News.
But up next the GDT auction. Here's the chief financial
(14:08):
officer for Fonterra. Let's have a look at last night's
Global Dairy Trade auction. We stemmed the bleeding up one
point five percent. Very pleasing result for skim milk powder
in particular two point eight percent and Andrew. This comes
off the back of a relatively poor start to the
twenty six twenty seven season, worth three falls in a row,
(14:29):
in the last one being five percent. There would have
been a big sigh of relief breathed or expelled at
Fonterra this morning. Was that when you got under the office.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Oh, I think very much in lain with what we
had expected on this one. Jemmy. I think, if we see,
we're very early in the season still, so it's not
unusual to have a bit of volatility going on, and
there's actually relatively few volume, you know, actually on the option,
so it's nice to see that as we know, continue
to move up the moment of volume that's on then
we're seeing some good forming of deplacing.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So whether events could play into and out of New
Zealand farmer's hands, and I'm thinking of the heat wave
in the northern hemisphere that's having an effect on production.
But of course we've got the threat of an al
Ninia or a super al Nino depending on who you
believe here. While that may lift prices, it's certainly going
to you would think knock production.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
Yeah, so I think if you look particularly, I mean
you mentioned you know, skin earlier, I think the skin
price definitely for sure has got a bit of a
four hunderwent maybe as well we might qull it in
terms of that production coming off in Europe. That's certainly
helping pricing there. You know, we need to see how
this please out for New Zealand production. I think you know,
as you see, we may end up having a little
(15:42):
bit less milk around, but it's really going to depend
on taming, so you know, how does that come through exactly,
how does it play out in the different regions, So
something that we're watching very closely. But yeah, as you said,
could clear out in two different ways.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Whole milk powder up one point six percent, skim milk
powder up two point eight percent. The powders were doing
their job or doing their heavy lifting. Should we read
anything into cheese down six point five percent?
Speaker 4 (16:06):
I think I mean cheese. You know, again, there's a
little bit more product around at this time of the
year as well, so we're seeing that list in terms
of what's coming out with this, you know, Austuia, New
Zealand type reason. We do still have you know, a
premium against the European product, but there is plenty of
supply out there, particularly Europe and the US, and you
see that playing out because you know, they've had some
(16:28):
some strong milk supply you know, in the past sort
of year or so. But also there's really good returns
from we as well, so that's actually you know, encouraging
cheese production. But we are still getting a premium here.
I think what we're seeing is just a little bit
of here, there's a bit more product around, and so
you know, it's getting a little bit of a dining
on the price there.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
I was joking with my US farm and correspondent on yesterday,
I show that maybe cheese has now become a byproduct
of y production.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Look, it's certainly if you look at the returns, you
know you can see why people would be doing a
lot of cheese. And in the US, you know there's
plenty of cheese production going on, and you know that
those was steams are valuable.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Well, they love their cheese and their burghers. Hey, Andrew Murray,
I think we'll take this one. After three disappointing GDT
auctions are positive up one point five percent. Thanks for
your time, No worries to Jenny twenty five after twelve,
Thank you, Andrew. Lots of feedback coming. And excuse me,
(17:27):
here's a good one from Hamish tariffon wall only two
points talking about it India here tarafon wll only two
point five percent, So no big deal going to zero percent.
India's still buying a well regardless of the FDA. Don't
let the facts get in the way of a good story,
Hi Jamie, Why would rural folk vote National Act on
(17:50):
New Zealand first? Are a better option and are having
and so is having more of them in cabinet other
than Stanford Bishop and McLay. Then that's a lacking well
I mentioned Mark Mitchell, I reckon he's doing a really
good job. The interview with the PM approves exactly why
every regional and district council across New Zealand needs commissioners
(18:13):
and complete financial and staffing Audit mightn't argue with that one.
To be honest, no ratepayer respect, writes that text. Another one,
get a Jmie act, well, get my party vote and
if Luxen wants to retain my electoral vote, he needs
to address the etes and get out of the Paris Agreement,
says John. Another one here says Hi, Jamie, how come
(18:35):
when will you interview people from National New Zealand first
and act you get positivity and intelligence and then you
interview anyone from the left and you get negativity and
whining drivel? Is that a commentary on Damian O'Connor yesterday?
And could you please explain? Writes another text to what
is cras about the reference to kneepads? I use them
(18:57):
for gardening, as Luxon being woke to describe, to describe
Jones's crass well as fate would have it. The old
Prince of the Province's Marta Shane is on the show
tomorrow we'll ask him maybe Shane was just referring to
gardening when he was mentioning knee caps. Will we give
him the benefit or kneepads? Will we give him the
(19:17):
benefit of the doubt? Up next, the World Dairy Map
with Emma Higgins.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
She is a.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Senior ag analyst for Rabobank. We've already had Andrew Murray's
take on the global dairy Trade uc SE. I'm going
to get a quick commentary or some quick commentary from
Emma Higgins and then Emma, I'm very excited to look
at your World Dairy Map. But up one point five percent,
skim milk powder going pretty well, recovering two point eight percent.
(19:52):
What did you make of last night's GDT auction.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
I thought it was a good one in the sense
that we saw some buying coming back. Three consecutives declines
obviously got to set it index bounce at one point
five percent. So do you think maybe that those lower
prices that we saw over the last couple of options
had attracted some of that demand back to the market.
And I think it's good to see that the melt
(20:15):
powders did the heavy lifting as well. Homewalk powder increased
one point six skim rose almost three percent, and this
is important obviously because of the way that the farm
gatement prices calculated. So you know, maybe we just need
to be keeping up powder dry.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
I wanted to do the heavy lifting, as you put
it about your World Dairy, Matt, but I couldn't because
my lunch was cut by Mike Costking. You traitor, Emma,
you turned up on his show. I thought I got
first bite at the cherry with these Rabobank press releases.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Well, you know what, I had to keep you on
your toes and sometimes I'm not super appreciative of all
the ribbon you give me, so you know, it's tit
for tat.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You picked the battles you can win. And I also
I'm fully respect of the food chain. And here it
endsz me on news talks'd be I'm well below the
hosk on that, so I've just got to take my place.
The interesting thing about the World Dairy Map is that
we still remain the world's largest single country dairy exporter.
Of course, the EU block is the biggest exporter, but
(21:18):
not by that much.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 5 (21:21):
We have maintained our single single exporting advantage. IB we
see for a small little country, we pack a lot
of punch. Almost one in every five telegrams of dairy
that's exported comes from this part of the world, and
we've maintained the relatively steady market share, I would think,
given that the pie has grown when it comes to
(21:44):
global dairy trade, and like you say, Europe's actually slipped
back quite a bit actually, from thirty percent a few
years ago down to about twenty seven. So not bad
innings from New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Should we be concerned about the US ramping up dairy production?
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Well, I think that's the biggest highlight that came out
of doing all the data for this World Dairy map
is that the United States has absolutely grown its milk production.
We've talked about that a lot, Jamie, in terms of
how that's impacted on commodity prices, but what's also happening
is they're tuning those extra volumes of milk into particularly cheese,
(22:23):
and a lot of that is heading export stage. We
saw that come through in twenty twenty five quite strongly,
and the data for twenty six looks like it's on
the same track. So the United States has certainly our
rising competitor to kick an eye on.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Since twenty seventeen, cheese has delivered consistently strong growth. I'm
quoting you here, miss Higgins said, cementing its position as
the standout performer in the dairy complex. Because the powders
have sort of stayed level, it's been a real growth
in cheese. Should we be diverting more of our powders
to cheese?
Speaker 5 (22:59):
Look, I think it's really interesting, right because we have
added new cheese capacity in past years and so we
still play, you know, quite a strong cheese game, particularly
to some of our Asian markets. So when we think
about the export flows from the United States, a lot
of it does go across the border down into Mexicos
(23:19):
as well as also breaching into some of the Southeast
Asian territory. But effectively, cheese has been the story because
China being the lead importer for a really long period
of time has moderated its growth. We felt the impacts
of that shift coming through in twenty twenty one quite
strongly in twenty twenty three as well, and so what
(23:40):
we've seen now is broadly steady imports from the Chinese perspective.
New Zealand plays a key role in that and that
has been effectively underpinning the farm gatement price for you know,
a long while.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
Now, quick final comment from you, are you concerned at
the prospects of more and I know you will be
of more Trump terariff coming on, particularly for red meat
because you wear that hat at Rabobank as well.
Speaker 6 (24:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Look, I think this has been talked about as potentially
happening for a while now. I think also as producers
and exporters ready to be you know, thinking about this,
maybe is the new normal going forward? Is you know,
it's it's economic statecraft effectively, so it's it's powers looking
to use the tools that they have to effectively achieve
(24:29):
some of their national in goals, and tariffs are certainly
one of those things. And I think this is just
going to be a repeated theme that we're likely to
see over the coming nextpe while. So does it make
it any easier for exporters?
Speaker 7 (24:42):
No?
Speaker 5 (24:42):
Does it make it any easier for producers as well? Well? No,
it just convolutes some of those signals that we receive
back at the farm gate, So not entirely helpful, but hey,
it is what it is, and we'll just continue to
control those controllables as we're talking about before. Damie.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Hey, Mahegan, thanks for your time. I'll forgive you for
betraying the country, not New Zealand, but the radio show
giving a Hosk first spite of the cherry. We'll chat again,
hopefully before Mike Hosking next time.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
I'll do my best.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
Thank you, Emma, Dan you ausk right. It is twenty
five away from one here with the country. Got a
textan from my old mat Graham Smith. He's back from
holiday before he goes on another one knighthoods. He writes,
this is in reference to my comment about Sir Ryan
to the Prime Minister. Knighthoods should not be given to
professional sportspeople and I agree with them, actually, unless they
(25:36):
have used their fame for the good of society over
many years, like your two close personal friends SA Pine
Tree Meads and Sir Brian Lahaw. You bang on Smith,
then it's not often I can say that to you.
By the way, you were going to speak to the
chief executive of Hawkes Bay Rugby about this new sponsorship
from Farmlands of Provincial Rugby, Jay Campbell, the first time
(25:58):
I ever because he was a hero of mine. So
you remember meeting your heroes for the first time. The
first time I ever met Sir Brian Lahori was just
Brian Lahure in those days, was a McLean park in Napier.
More about that later. In regards, Jamie writes another texture
to the kneepad comment. I assumed it meant in a
begging a situation, as and on your knees, begging to
(26:21):
do whatever India wants, says Nathan. Well, are we going
to give the Prince of the province as the benefit
of the doubt? I suspect, Well, let's just ask him tomorrow, Jamie.
I'm getting sick of national and I think my vote
is going to Winston. I hear a lot of that,
as they're the only people with any sense these days,
(26:42):
says Neville. And happy dairy farmer Jeff. That must be
off the back of the GDT auction has said. I
don't want to be a party pooper, Jamie. But a
couple of weeks ago the dollar was fifty six cents,
now it's fifty eight cents. Yes, you're right, Jeff, but
be careful what you wish for. Think of the import
the fuel component. That lower dollar doesn't help there, add
(27:06):
all I think fifty eight to fifty nine's a bit
of a sweet spot for US as an exporting nation,
my opinion. Only up next about Kluther Bogan. Michelle Watt
with Rural News, and we'll had sports news for you
(27:36):
twenty away from on your with the Country, Miss shortly
Michelle with the latest and rural news. But out on
the farms of New Zealand, there's no off switch. The
day starts well before the sun rises, and work carries
on long after it goes down. But we love it.
And when I say well, I'm talking about the farmers there,
and they wouldn't have it any other way because progress
(27:58):
doesn't wait, ideas don't stay still, and tomorrow doesn't come
with an instruction manual? Who wrote this?
Speaker 8 (28:04):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Farmlands are one hundred percent owned by farmers and growers
always has been, so no matter what's keeping you up,
what's sending you down to the paddock, whatever plan you
have for your business, farmlands will be right there with you.
Farmlands Rural never rests, that's their new positioning statement. But
(28:26):
rural does rest when it's watching rugby. We'll tell you
more about that later, but it's all about Kluther Boger
Michelle Watt, and I say that in an affectionate tone.
I bet you there was a bit of Black Sabbath
and Ozzie Osborne at the Rosie back in the day.
Here she is with Rural News.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
The Country's rural News with cub Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on lawn. Bower brands it Steel for dot co
dot Nz for your locals, Doggist.
Speaker 8 (28:52):
Thanks for that, Jamie. And yeah, there was a lot
of Black Sabbath and Ozzie Osborne played in my day.
And I just saw that as she Duran Duran, they're
probably more your speed. Came out to Birmingham as well.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Oh are you b forty he honestly.
Speaker 8 (29:05):
The great artists in Birmingham.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Yeah, it's kind of a and it used to be
a bit of a dump, but it's now like a
cultural melting pot.
Speaker 6 (29:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
And I've only ever been I've only ever driven through
Birmingha've Birmingham around the outside of it. To be perfectly honest,
I've never been into the city center of Birmingham.
Speaker 8 (29:22):
Matter of I have to make the trip one day.
But in Rural News, the Climate Change Commission says the
Mission's reduction efforts need to increase massively. Stats in their
data shows total greenhouse gases found zero point two percent
in the March quarter. The Commission says the rate needs
to be more than double to meet our climate goals
and changes needed within the next two years. Chief Executive
(29:42):
Joe Hendy says people need to help to decarbonize their
transport in electricity. She says government policy should be used
to break down barriers stopping people and businesses switching. And
that's rural news. You've got sports news.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
There, Yeah, I have. And I wonder what Shane says
about that the emissions on tomorrow's show.
Speaker 8 (29:58):
There, I've got big fear is about this one.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
A lot of you are going into bat for Shane
and his kneepad's comments, saying he meant it in a
gardening platonic sort of way. But there is a text
to saying, would you crack say that in front of
your grandmother? Well, my grandmother on grandmother's on both sides
are are long gone, but I suspect they probably wouldn't
(30:22):
have got the gag. Anyhow, maybe I should change the
word to joke. Anyhow, let's do sports news. Michelle's gagging
at the moment.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
Sports on the country with Afco key we owned.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
That's rare you get in a whole stop digging right.
The West Indies are one hundred and fifteen for two
in the twenty second over chasing two hundred and sixty
nine to beat the black Caps and the dead rubber
fifth and final one day in Barbados. That's the latest
we've got on our sports. Why we'll try and update
that one for you. And New Zealand lawn bowler Shannon
McElroy believes the streamline format of the Commonwealth Games competent
(31:00):
heightens the importance of each contest. He's rolling up in
his fifth edition starting Friday night in New Zealand. Time
and Glasgow. I forgot about the Commonwealth Games with everything
that's been going on. Only the top qualifier in each
group advancers. So McElroy says, a strong mental game as
pivotal up next. John mcavinie. By day, he is the
(31:28):
chief executive of steel Forts. His name is John mcavinnie.
But by night and weekends and probably all a spare
thinking time, he's a whiteomo, sheep and beef farmer. John,
you won't be selling too many lawn mowers at the
moment and the depths of winter. But talk to me
about the lawn mowers on your farm. They have been
very profitable this year.
Speaker 6 (31:49):
Well, Jamie, I can say that, good afternoon. I can
say that. You know, I've been farming in Earnest since
nineteen seventy nine when we brought our first which was
in the Rangataki. This We've had a couple of reasonable
years in between, I suppose you could say, but nothing substantial.
But this is the first year, you know that I
(32:11):
can actually say that we have had. You know, I
have got money to spend on the farm, and that's
exactly what I have done. You know, We've we've put
probably half a million bucks with the fertilizer on.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
We've put new.
Speaker 6 (32:26):
Side besides, we've spade gors, we've spent money on fencing,
we've put new VHF radios through. And we should be
able to do that anyway. You know, we're meant to
be the backbone of the country. And if you can't
spend that sort of money on new facilities for the
people and the guys that work out there, then there's
something wrong. And you know, I'm very thankful that we've
(32:49):
had a very very good year. Long way to continue.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
Well, absolutely, it's about time the sheep farmers in particular
had a profitable season. Now, going back to nineteen seventy nine,
I mean you've the steel thought business has been in
your family for goodness knows how long were you were
you a sil of a spoon of John. Did you
get the farm handed to you on the plate?
Speaker 6 (33:10):
No? No, My father, as you know, is Croatian and
there was no farming background.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
I mean.
Speaker 6 (33:17):
I've still quoted before Jamie on a closet farmer. You know,
it's something that I really enjoy and I've wanted to
do it, and I managed to convince my father to
put up some serious money in those days as well,
you know, to buy this eight hundred hectier property in
the Rngatiki And that's when we really first started. And
(33:38):
you know, I've grown from there and I'm as old
as the company is now. So I made you this year.
So the company is eighty years old this year. So
you know, I've loved my farming program over the years.
And yeah, but I was never handed you know, a
(33:58):
farm a succession plan, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
What is it about you? Eighty year old still going
strong you and Wanny.
Speaker 6 (34:06):
You know, he's a breath of fresh air in many respects.
And you know when you see a guy he's about
twelve months older than me, but you know he's trapsing
around the world, jumping on aircraft, flying here, there and everywhere.
I mean, you know, he is amazing in terms of
his energy. And I've got to my that guy very
very much.
Speaker 2 (34:24):
Did you pick up on the commentary made by Prime
Minister Christopher Luxon earlier in the show about the RIMA
reforms and this consultation with EWE And he's dead right.
The fact that you had to or maybe would have
had to have consulted with EWEI to put a farmhouse
on your farm as just ridiculous. We have gone way
(34:46):
too far.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Oh, you won't get any argument out of me. I mean,
the things that go on in this country that people
aren't aware of, you know, and I am absolutely pleased
to see that that's happening as fas the mean Jeffrey
Palmer wrote that legislation, I don't know how forty years
ago or thirty five years ago. It's the worst thing
(35:08):
this country has had inflicted on for many, many years.
And we're still, you know, having the problems today, and
the sooner they get rid of that rama, the better.
Speaker 7 (35:19):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:20):
I think it's divided. You know that not only that,
but the verification of this country has divided it.
Speaker 3 (35:27):
And it's all.
Speaker 6 (35:28):
Happened in just under his time. And you know, I
mean just you just have a look at the things.
I mean, I'll cite that one in the local port
here in Tower. I mean, where are we as a
country when that sort of thing's happened. And you know,
and that's what Laxon needs to do. And you say,
get on his backside and get rid of that sort
of garbage.
Speaker 2 (35:47):
All right, there you go. Strong words there from John mckava.
Any good luck selling some lawn mowers when the grass
does grow. We're only about a month away from doing that.
Get one of those cub Cadet right ons. They're great, mos, John,
Thanks for your time.
Speaker 6 (35:59):
Hey, listen, I just wanted to say, well, I've got
you on the phone. What a fantastic feat that was
young Ryan Foxes, wasn't it. I mean, you know, I
think that's an amazing feat that he has done. And
I congratuate that guy. One of the true icons that
will be as far as New Zealand's concerned. I mean, Jamie,
you and I have played golf. We know what a
(36:19):
difficult game it is that you know. For him to
do that coming home in the stretch and get that
last part was absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Yeah, but I've got an excuse. I don't live on
the eighth fair way of Mount mong anda we golf
course like you do. John, you should be better. Thanks
for your time.
Speaker 6 (36:35):
Nice to talk Jamie.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
Anyway that John ate away from one up next Jay Campbell,
Welcome back to the country. Brought to you by Susan
and Farmlands. Really appreciate the support of Farmlands. Gee. I
like the way they're spreading the dollars around. They are
(36:58):
now the national rural partner for provincial rugby. Now I've
got Jay Campbell, chief executive of Hawks Bay Rugby and
spokesman for the provincial unions on the other end of
the phone. But just listen to these stats. Fiftieth year
of NPC of course, nineteen seventy six, Bay of plenty
are one at that year it's all going to be
on TV one, free to air, seventy seven matches. Here's
(37:22):
the interesting stats. The rugby union has done research. Number
one sport among New Zealand farmers is rugby, with around
sixty percent interested in participating in or attending the game.
Farmers are twice as likely as the average New Zealander
to play sport themselves, and are just as likely to
be found on the sideline watching their kids play, helping
(37:42):
behind the scenes or keeping the fields maintained. It's a
whole household broadcast audience too. Farming women index even higher
than men for interest in watching international rugby. It is
the backbone of rural New Zealand. Jay Campbell joins us
from Hawks Bay and Jay, you must be very very
thankful the provincial unions for the support of farmlands.
Speaker 7 (38:04):
Yeah, very much so, Jamie, you're really excited about the
new partnership. And yeah to your point, as we know,
rugby's always been warned just a game and we'real New Zealand,
so yeah, you're really excited about that.
Speaker 2 (38:16):
I mentioned the first time I ever met the great
Sir Brian Lahore, was it McLean Park in Napier. You
guys gave us a toweling by about forty points. You
came down to Southland for the final brilliant Southerly came
up and we beat you. Those were the days. Are
you old enough to remember that?
Speaker 7 (38:32):
Yeah? To you? Concussing since then, Jamie, so try and
forget it. But yeah, look again, for us, those type
of rivalries, that sort of authentic rugby tribalism is something
you don't get outside of the NPC. So you're really
excited that starts next Thursday, so bring it on.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Yeah. Well, I live in Dunedin of course, base of
the Highlanders, and I support the Highlanders. But if I
pick a provincial team, it's not the Highlanders, it's the
Southland Stags. It's where you're from. You're right, it's the
tribal as, wasn't it?
Speaker 7 (39:01):
It is, and it's something that you can't create. And
I think that's something that you know, usually talk to
anybody out in the provinces. Everyone's pretty excited about you know,
where they're from. It's their team, it's their colors. And
I guess that's probably why the partnership with farmlands with
such a natural fit for us. You know that whether
it be from now north on to south but never
(39:23):
in between, just really great alignment with what we do
or with what farmlands do.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
Okay. J Campbell, chief executive of Hawks Bay Rugby. I
know you've got a head down to Southland to play
them on a not a hot August night. It'll be
a cool August night. I hope you get a bonus
point that wraps the Country today. We'll catch you back tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
Catch all the latest from the Land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to a Suzu Get demo,
deals on the tough Dmax Today
Catch all the latest from the land. It's The Country
Podcast with Jamie McKay Thanks to Aisuzu Get Demo deals
on the tough Dmax today.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Good afternoon, New Zealand. Welcome to the Country. I'm Jamie McKay.
Does it get any better than the Prince of Darkness
Ozzie Osbourne from Black Sabbath did this time a year ago.
More about that later. I'm going to kick off the
show with the Prime Minister Christopher Lux and we're going
to open the batting with the bird flew Andrew Murray
(01:01):
out of Fonterra, chief financial officer last night's positive. I'm
really pleased to hear this because I start and get
a wee bit worried about the dairy farming margins. We've
stemmed the bleeding up one point five percent. We'll also
get a take from Emma Higgins from Rabobank, and earlier
this week they released their twenty twenty six World Dairy Map.
(01:23):
Some interesting movements. Cheese is where it's at, Baby John mcavinny,
White Tomo sheep and beef farmer. I might need a
dump button for him. He's got some strong and forthright thoughts.
He is, of course also the chief executive of Steele
Fort and Jay Campbell. Jay is the chief executive of
the Hawks Bay Rugby Union. Now today Farmlands, our wonderful
(01:46):
sponsors here on the Country was named or were named
the official national rural partner of New Zealand's fourteen major
rugby provinces. And if you think this is a farming show,
why are we talking rugby? Well, I'll tell you a
I love rugby and I love the South and Stags,
but the stats around the correlation and connection between rugby
(02:09):
and rural New Zealand are quite stuck. Well, they're not startling,
They're just reassuring what I've always known. Farmers love farming
and Foddy and Bear or is that just me? Christopher
Luxon to kick off the Country Wednesdays on the Country,
(02:39):
The Prime Minister kicks off the show. Christopher Luxeon and
I want to start with the bird flu It was
a matter of when, not if. But I just want
to say I think MPI in this country does a
damn fine job. What do you say?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Well, faviously, Jamie, welcome home from your long sojourn. It's
great to have you on the airways. But no, I
fully agree with you. Racemith and the MPI team do
an outstanding job. And you know, we've always known this
is coming. We knowdication is not possible, and it's obviously
been going around the world since twenty twenty. So it's
really about how well prepared we are. And again the
NPI have led out well, they've got dock, the Ministry
(03:14):
of Health Health in New Zealand, the industry and councils
have been constantly thinking and having a plan for this.
So you know, now it's about making sure we execute
the plan. That's currently we're ramping up our testing the
birds and more one on one support for poultry farmers
and affected regions and as you know, it goes from
the seabirds into the wildlife into poultry of the risk
(03:34):
and so but I spoke to some poultry our farmers recently,
you know, actually several weeks before this broke out, and
they were telling me how prepared they are for it
as well. So your our focus is right now making
sure we've got good on farm biosecurity measures. But we
know what we're doing. We've had the plan sitting on
the shelf for ready to go, and everyone's spect them
to gear which is excellent. But I do agree with you.
I think MPI are so backing this industry. I'm sure
(03:56):
people have their moments with them from time to time,
but in the big picture they are very supportive and
great advocates of the sector.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Yesterday's inflation number four point one percent for the twelve
months ended a June, up from three point one percent
from the March quarter, all driven or largely driven in fact,
all driven, let's be honest about it, by the Middle
East war. Petrol up twenty seven point five percent. Can
you say, hand on heart, the worst is behind us
(04:23):
or is that in the lay in the hands of
Donald Trump?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I think? But the trick here is to do what
we said on day one of this crisis, which is
we know there's going to be an inflation impact because
fuel prices are going to go up. We know when
fuel prices go up that slows down an economy because
there's higher costs involved. But the trick is not to
have attached any other barnacles to the boat. And if
you think about the COVID experience, where your response to
that crisis was to spray cash around and then you
(04:47):
had inflation outside the band for what was almost three
years eleven straight quarters that we end up having a
great party with money flowing around, but then we had
a massive hangover in the days in the years afterwards.
So you know, what we've tried to do is get
really clear about temporary timely target support. And you're actually
seeing that, Jamie. If you think about the growth that
(05:07):
we had in the Q one numbers, if you think
about the trade surplus we had in April with our exports,
if you think about actually how recent forecasts have been strengthened,
you know, we've actually got a lot of good stuff
going on. So yes, you know, if you strip out
the Trump's you know, our armed spike into inflation, we're
at two point nine percent, back within the band of
(05:28):
inflation of where it needs to be. But there's been
some pretty good stuff. I mean, like we've got growth
and manufacturing at a five year high. We've got growth
in our services sector. Now, we've got very strong exports
up twenty five percent in June alone, actually holds our
Oltrusty prices have come down about thirty five percent. Of course,
that helps all our regional mills and businesses across the regions,
(05:49):
and that's because of the decisions we've taken around LNG
and port facility and other things. You've got building consents
up nineteen percent. I think tourisms of eight you've got
we've actually got fourteen percent growth and Kiwi's coming home
from Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Prime Minister, look, I get it. Yeah, it does all
good stuff. And I get this. But does Joe average
public voter get it because he or she's thinking, are
the cost of living's going through the roof? I'm blaming national.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Well if I think a lot of New Zealanders get
around the South Island and they would say that they
are experiencing, you know, some real positivity in their economy.
But I get it. You're right, there's no doubt about it.
You know, when you crank up spending, inflation and debt
in Texas, people haven't been feeling that great. But there's
more work to do. But what I'm just saying to
you is go over to Australia and you see an
(06:37):
economy on a downswing right now, and you go come
to New Zellence here an economy it's on an upswing.
And actually we've got a lot of positive things coming
through and I think we want that. You're right, the
challenges to have more and more people feeling that.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Has sanity prevailed over the r E m A has
these changes that you've introduced halted, as Mike Costking put
it this morning on z B the maorification of New Zealand,
especially at local body level.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Well, I mean we made some interventions post of Select
Committee which you've seen us do, which was to say, look,
I think it's been quite disingenuous of councils to advance
these agreements with EWE under the old legislation. We have
a new pet seat of legislation coming in. It's designed
to get things done in this country. And so there's
two things. One is we want any agreements that are
(07:24):
reached with EWE are to be done at under the
new legislation. Secondly, it's got to be at a high level,
so you know there will be areas of genuine cultural
significance that we should be attuned to as a region.
Thinks about what's called spatial planning. But you know, I've
heard ridiculous stories where a farmer wants to put a
farmhouse on their farm and they have to go of
a conversation with EWE about that. Well, that is the
(07:46):
stuff that we're stopping, right because that farmer should be
able to whack up the farmhouse on his own land
with fewer people commenting on it as needed, and that's
why we think they'll be up to forty five percent
less consents needed. So you know this RMA is, you know,
talk about a big reform. I mean the national government
never did it than the previous one, Labor government never
did it. Our government's tackling it, even with the challenges
(08:08):
of being coalition, So I mean we've done. I think
it's a big reform. It's the biggest source of red tape.
It's been holding a country back, adding way too much
cost to the show, huge amounts of time. That just
has to stop because it's been madness.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
And basically you're saying Hoskin's right, Okay, a celebrity candidate.
So the flavor of the month at the moment. Do
the Nats have any in the pipeline? I know you
had Grant McCullum in twenty twenty three, but anyone.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Else, Well, well, I think Katie Millon's a pretty good
hire for us down on the West coast, so actually
be really good. But yeah, it's lovely. You can chat about.
You know, there's a lot of retreated people coming in
and out of the place with different parties. But they
might have even tried to stand with other parties and
got turned down and then they ended up showing us
up somewhere else. But I put all that aside. What
you kind of really want is a pretty serious conversation
(08:52):
of I have twenty slots in that cabinet ministry that's
actually a round table with twenty seats at it, and
the question is I want any National Party ministers around that.
You may know the leaders of the other minor parties,
but you don't know the people that are coming after
them that you don't want to lose them Mark Mitchell,
for example, because you've got to take someone from another party.
So you know, the only way the only way to
(09:14):
deal with this is you've got a party vote national,
so they get as many National Party ministers.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yeah, but we certainly know Shane Jones, we certainly know
Stuart Nash, we certainly know Michael Laws, we certainly know
Paul Henry.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
And I was saying to you, I would sooner take
Mark Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Erica Stanford, Simmy and Brown Nichola Willis,
Chris Bishop, Tom of Potarka, Simon Watts and others into
that mix.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I don't know if i'd name all those names. Definitely
Mark Mitchell really think he's a great minister.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
My point is New Zelland has to understand we're not
doing first past the post. We do MMP. So you
might know one or two leaders in the top of
the other parties, but you don't know who their number four,
five or six are. And I know who my number four,
five and six are. I know I've got fifteen to
twenty outstanding people that I would love to put into
the ministry and I just back my candidates and the
national team over any other party.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Talking about Shane Jones, Deputy leader for New Zealand, first
he's blaming a virus of wocism. He's got a great
turn of phrase, hasn't he In the media for condemnation,
I was remarked politicians, namely yourself, needed to take off
your kneepads when hosting foreign leaders. Are you being too
sensitive or is Shane Jones being Chris?
Speaker 3 (10:22):
He's been crass and unprofessional and you should call it
that way. Jamie is a media guy We're very proud
of an Indian STA. It's got a huge benefit to
every one of your people listening to us today. And
New Zealand First doesn't support it, you know, And I
think when you're out there on the world stage, you
sell New Zealand and you talk positively of New Zealand,
and now I get New Zealand's been out of shape
because they in New Zealand First because they're pretty hypocritical, right,
(10:45):
I mean, they know they're on the wrong side of
history on this one. You know, Mark Patterson, good on them.
Your associate Agriculture Minister goes off to India to sell
will to the Indians because we have you know, Tom
McLay and I have negotiated Tara free will. India happens
to be the second biggest textile market in the world.
That's the opportunity for our wool growers out there. So
you know, your your wolf shed wolf farmers out there,
(11:08):
you know, think about it. Are you seriously you know
you are going to benefit from an Indian FTA and
he seriously listening to Shane Jones or Winston Peters. For
God's sake, the answer should be know a.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Final yes, no, question for you. Will you sign off
on sir Ryan Fox.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Oh, I know, I've met him a few times and
he's just he's just a classic Kiwi and he's just
a really top person and what he did was just incredible.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
So well, here's a thought, here's a parting thought for
your celebrity candidate's Ryan Fox for Tammicky.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Well, I think we're going to do just finding Tammicky.
Thank you very much. With a very good candidate the
in Maheshma l. He's an absolutely outstand he's doing a
fantastic job.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
He hasn't got the name recognition of Ryan Fox. Thanks
for your time, Prime Minister.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Good to see you, good to me back dammy.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Thank you righty oh it is eighteen after twelve. You
are what's the country? Great news, farm lands coming out
and sponsor provincial rugby. That's the heart of our national game.
We're going to chat to Jacampbell a bit later in
the air. The CEO of Hawkes Bay Rugby just got
an email in hot off the press from MPI about
(12:13):
the bird flu. No further detections of the H five
bird flu today. Now here's the kickup or here's the
instruction from MPI folks, if you see three or more
sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact,
record what you see and report it to the Exotic
st and Disease Hotline, which is eight hundred eighty ninety
(12:36):
nine sixty six from anywhere in New Zealand, or you
can go online at report dot MPI dot govt dot
nz MPI is doing a really good job of keeping
control or keeping a lid on bird flu. The rest
of us, as citizens of the country, need to do
likewise and play our role. Prince of Darkness, I play
(12:59):
golf with the guy by the name of the who
will call the Prince of Darkness. He's good golfer. Two. Hello,
Murray Edgar if you're listening, No, I think he might
be playing golf anyhow. Ozzy Osbourne called the Prince of
Darkness Birmingham. She's a lot of great artists came out
of the Midlands in the UK, so Birmingham is where
(13:23):
Ossie's from. They're having a free celebration for the Black
Sabbath front man he died on the twenty second of
July twenty twenty five, to recognize his lifelong connection to
the city where he grew up, where he grew up
and helped pioneer heavy metal. I think Michelle's pretty excited
about this, being a bit of a Balkluther Bogan. I
(13:45):
bet you she's got a few Black Sabbath stories. We'll
get those at the bottom of the hour worth Rural News.
But up next the GDT auction. Here's the chief financial
(14:08):
officer for Fonterra. Let's have a look at last night's
Global Dairy Trade auction. We stemmed the bleeding up one
point five percent. Very pleasing result for skim milk powder
in particular two point eight percent and Andrew. This comes
off the back of a relatively poor start to the
twenty six twenty seven season, worth three falls in a row,
(14:29):
in the last one being five percent. There would have
been a big sigh of relief breathed or expelled at
Fonterra this morning. Was that when you got under the office.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Oh, I think very much in lain with what we
had expected on this one. Jemmy. I think, if we see,
we're very early in the season still, so it's not
unusual to have a bit of volatility going on, and
there's actually relatively few volume, you know, actually on the option,
so it's nice to see that as we know, continue
to move up the moment of volume that's on then
we're seeing some good forming of deplacing.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So whether events could play into and out of New
Zealand farmer's hands, and I'm thinking of the heat wave
in the northern hemisphere that's having an effect on production.
But of course we've got the threat of an al
Ninia or a super al Nino depending on who you
believe here. While that may lift prices, it's certainly going
to you would think knock production.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
Yeah, so I think if you look particularly, I mean
you mentioned you know, skin earlier, I think the skin
price definitely for sure has got a bit of a
four hunderwent maybe as well we might qull it in
terms of that production coming off in Europe. That's certainly
helping pricing there. You know, we need to see how
this please out for New Zealand production. I think you know,
as you see, we may end up having a little
(15:42):
bit less milk around, but it's really going to depend
on taming, so you know, how does that come through exactly,
how does it play out in the different regions, So
something that we're watching very closely. But yeah, as you said,
could clear out in two different ways.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Whole milk powder up one point six percent, skim milk
powder up two point eight percent. The powders were doing
their job or doing their heavy lifting. Should we read
anything into cheese down six point five percent?
Speaker 4 (16:06):
I think I mean cheese. You know, again, there's a
little bit more product around at this time of the
year as well, so we're seeing that list in terms
of what's coming out with this, you know, Austuia, New
Zealand type reason. We do still have you know, a
premium against the European product, but there is plenty of
supply out there, particularly Europe and the US, and you
see that playing out because you know, they've had some
(16:28):
some strong milk supply you know, in the past sort
of year or so. But also there's really good returns
from we as well, so that's actually you know, encouraging
cheese production. But we are still getting a premium here.
I think what we're seeing is just a little bit
of here, there's a bit more product around, and so
you know, it's getting a little bit of a dining
on the price there.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
I was joking with my US farm and correspondent on yesterday,
I show that maybe cheese has now become a byproduct
of y production.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
Look, it's certainly if you look at the returns, you
know you can see why people would be doing a
lot of cheese. And in the US, you know there's
plenty of cheese production going on, and you know that
those was steams are valuable.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Well, they love their cheese and their burghers. Hey, Andrew Murray,
I think we'll take this one. After three disappointing GDT
auctions are positive up one point five percent. Thanks for
your time, No worries to Jenny twenty five after twelve,
Thank you, Andrew. Lots of feedback coming. And excuse me,
(17:27):
here's a good one from Hamish tariffon wall only two
points talking about it India here tarafon wll only two
point five percent, So no big deal going to zero percent.
India's still buying a well regardless of the FDA. Don't
let the facts get in the way of a good story,
Hi Jamie, Why would rural folk vote National Act on
(17:50):
New Zealand first? Are a better option and are having
and so is having more of them in cabinet other
than Stanford Bishop and McLay. Then that's a lacking well
I mentioned Mark Mitchell, I reckon he's doing a really
good job. The interview with the PM approves exactly why
every regional and district council across New Zealand needs commissioners
(18:13):
and complete financial and staffing Audit mightn't argue with that one.
To be honest, no ratepayer respect, writes that text. Another one,
get a Jmie act, well, get my party vote and
if Luxen wants to retain my electoral vote, he needs
to address the etes and get out of the Paris Agreement,
says John. Another one here says Hi, Jamie, how come
(18:35):
when will you interview people from National New Zealand first
and act you get positivity and intelligence and then you
interview anyone from the left and you get negativity and
whining drivel? Is that a commentary on Damian O'Connor yesterday?
And could you please explain? Writes another text to what
is cras about the reference to kneepads? I use them
(18:57):
for gardening, as Luxon being woke to describe, to describe
Jones's crass well as fate would have it. The old
Prince of the Province's Marta Shane is on the show
tomorrow we'll ask him maybe Shane was just referring to
gardening when he was mentioning knee caps. Will we give
him the benefit or kneepads? Will we give him the
(19:17):
benefit of the doubt? Up next, the World Dairy Map
with Emma Higgins.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
She is a.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Senior ag analyst for Rabobank. We've already had Andrew Murray's
take on the global dairy Trade uc SE. I'm going
to get a quick commentary or some quick commentary from
Emma Higgins and then Emma, I'm very excited to look
at your World Dairy Map. But up one point five percent,
skim milk powder going pretty well, recovering two point eight percent.
(19:52):
What did you make of last night's GDT auction.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
I thought it was a good one in the sense
that we saw some buying coming back. Three consecutives declines
obviously got to set it index bounce at one point
five percent. So do you think maybe that those lower
prices that we saw over the last couple of options
had attracted some of that demand back to the market.
And I think it's good to see that the melt
(20:15):
powders did the heavy lifting as well. Homewalk powder increased
one point six skim rose almost three percent, and this
is important obviously because of the way that the farm
gatement prices calculated. So you know, maybe we just need
to be keeping up powder dry.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
I wanted to do the heavy lifting, as you put
it about your World Dairy, Matt, but I couldn't because
my lunch was cut by Mike Costking. You traitor, Emma,
you turned up on his show. I thought I got
first bite at the cherry with these Rabobank press releases.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Well, you know what, I had to keep you on
your toes and sometimes I'm not super appreciative of all
the ribbon you give me, so you know, it's tit
for tat.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You picked the battles you can win. And I also
I'm fully respect of the food chain. And here it
endsz me on news talks'd be I'm well below the
hosk on that, so I've just got to take my place.
The interesting thing about the World Dairy Map is that
we still remain the world's largest single country dairy exporter.
Of course, the EU block is the biggest exporter, but
(21:18):
not by that much.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 5 (21:21):
We have maintained our single single exporting advantage. IB we
see for a small little country, we pack a lot
of punch. Almost one in every five telegrams of dairy
that's exported comes from this part of the world, and
we've maintained the relatively steady market share, I would think,
given that the pie has grown when it comes to
(21:44):
global dairy trade, and like you say, Europe's actually slipped
back quite a bit actually, from thirty percent a few
years ago down to about twenty seven. So not bad
innings from New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Should we be concerned about the US ramping up dairy production?
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Well, I think that's the biggest highlight that came out
of doing all the data for this World Dairy map
is that the United States has absolutely grown its milk production.
We've talked about that a lot, Jamie, in terms of
how that's impacted on commodity prices, but what's also happening
is they're tuning those extra volumes of milk into particularly cheese,
(22:23):
and a lot of that is heading export stage. We
saw that come through in twenty twenty five quite strongly,
and the data for twenty six looks like it's on
the same track. So the United States has certainly our
rising competitor to kick an eye on.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Since twenty seventeen, cheese has delivered consistently strong growth. I'm
quoting you here, miss Higgins said, cementing its position as
the standout performer in the dairy complex. Because the powders
have sort of stayed level, it's been a real growth
in cheese. Should we be diverting more of our powders
to cheese?
Speaker 5 (22:59):
Look, I think it's really interesting, right because we have
added new cheese capacity in past years and so we
still play, you know, quite a strong cheese game, particularly
to some of our Asian markets. So when we think
about the export flows from the United States, a lot
of it does go across the border down into Mexicos
(23:19):
as well as also breaching into some of the Southeast
Asian territory. But effectively, cheese has been the story because
China being the lead importer for a really long period
of time has moderated its growth. We felt the impacts
of that shift coming through in twenty twenty one quite
strongly in twenty twenty three as well, and so what
(23:40):
we've seen now is broadly steady imports from the Chinese perspective.
New Zealand plays a key role in that and that
has been effectively underpinning the farm gatement price for you know,
a long while.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
Now, quick final comment from you, are you concerned at
the prospects of more and I know you will be
of more Trump terariff coming on, particularly for red meat
because you wear that hat at Rabobank as well.
Speaker 6 (24:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Look, I think this has been talked about as potentially
happening for a while now. I think also as producers
and exporters ready to be you know, thinking about this,
maybe is the new normal going forward? Is you know,
it's it's economic statecraft effectively, so it's it's powers looking
to use the tools that they have to effectively achieve
(24:29):
some of their national in goals, and tariffs are certainly
one of those things. And I think this is just
going to be a repeated theme that we're likely to
see over the coming nextpe while. So does it make
it any easier for exporters?
Speaker 7 (24:42):
No?
Speaker 5 (24:42):
Does it make it any easier for producers as well? Well? No,
it just convolutes some of those signals that we receive
back at the farm gate, So not entirely helpful, but hey,
it is what it is, and we'll just continue to
control those controllables as we're talking about before. Damie.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Hey, Mahegan, thanks for your time. I'll forgive you for
betraying the country, not New Zealand, but the radio show
giving a Hosk first spite of the cherry. We'll chat again,
hopefully before Mike Hosking next time.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
I'll do my best.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
Thank you, Emma, Dan you ausk right. It is twenty
five away from one here with the country. Got a
textan from my old mat Graham Smith. He's back from
holiday before he goes on another one knighthoods. He writes,
this is in reference to my comment about Sir Ryan
to the Prime Minister. Knighthoods should not be given to
professional sportspeople and I agree with them, actually, unless they
(25:36):
have used their fame for the good of society over
many years, like your two close personal friends SA Pine
Tree Meads and Sir Brian Lahaw. You bang on Smith,
then it's not often I can say that to you.
By the way, you were going to speak to the
chief executive of Hawkes Bay Rugby about this new sponsorship
from Farmlands of Provincial Rugby, Jay Campbell, the first time
(25:58):
I ever because he was a hero of mine. So
you remember meeting your heroes for the first time. The
first time I ever met Sir Brian Lahori was just
Brian Lahure in those days, was a McLean park in Napier.
More about that later. In regards, Jamie writes another texture
to the kneepad comment. I assumed it meant in a
begging a situation, as and on your knees, begging to
(26:21):
do whatever India wants, says Nathan. Well, are we going
to give the Prince of the province as the benefit
of the doubt? I suspect, Well, let's just ask him tomorrow, Jamie.
I'm getting sick of national and I think my vote
is going to Winston. I hear a lot of that,
as they're the only people with any sense these days,
(26:42):
says Neville. And happy dairy farmer Jeff. That must be
off the back of the GDT auction has said. I
don't want to be a party pooper, Jamie. But a
couple of weeks ago the dollar was fifty six cents,
now it's fifty eight cents. Yes, you're right, Jeff, but
be careful what you wish for. Think of the import
the fuel component. That lower dollar doesn't help there, add
(27:06):
all I think fifty eight to fifty nine's a bit
of a sweet spot for US as an exporting nation,
my opinion. Only up next about Kluther Bogan. Michelle Watt
with Rural News, and we'll had sports news for you
(27:36):
twenty away from on your with the Country, Miss shortly
Michelle with the latest and rural news. But out on
the farms of New Zealand, there's no off switch. The
day starts well before the sun rises, and work carries
on long after it goes down. But we love it.
And when I say well, I'm talking about the farmers there,
and they wouldn't have it any other way because progress
(27:58):
doesn't wait, ideas don't stay still, and tomorrow doesn't come
with an instruction manual? Who wrote this?
Speaker 8 (28:04):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Farmlands are one hundred percent owned by farmers and growers
always has been, so no matter what's keeping you up,
what's sending you down to the paddock, whatever plan you
have for your business, farmlands will be right there with you.
Farmlands Rural never rests, that's their new positioning statement. But
(28:26):
rural does rest when it's watching rugby. We'll tell you
more about that later, but it's all about Kluther Boger
Michelle Watt, and I say that in an affectionate tone.
I bet you there was a bit of Black Sabbath
and Ozzie Osborne at the Rosie back in the day.
Here she is with Rural News.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
The Country's rural News with cub Cadet, New Zealand's leading
right on lawn. Bower brands it Steel for dot co
dot Nz for your locals, Doggist.
Speaker 8 (28:52):
Thanks for that, Jamie. And yeah, there was a lot
of Black Sabbath and Ozzie Osborne played in my day.
And I just saw that as she Duran Duran, they're
probably more your speed. Came out to Birmingham as well.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Oh are you b forty he honestly.
Speaker 8 (29:05):
The great artists in Birmingham.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Yeah, it's kind of a and it used to be
a bit of a dump, but it's now like a
cultural melting pot.
Speaker 6 (29:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
And I've only ever been I've only ever driven through
Birmingha've Birmingham around the outside of it. To be perfectly honest,
I've never been into the city center of Birmingham.
Speaker 8 (29:22):
Matter of I have to make the trip one day.
But in Rural News, the Climate Change Commission says the
Mission's reduction efforts need to increase massively. Stats in their
data shows total greenhouse gases found zero point two percent
in the March quarter. The Commission says the rate needs
to be more than double to meet our climate goals
and changes needed within the next two years. Chief Executive
(29:42):
Joe Hendy says people need to help to decarbonize their
transport in electricity. She says government policy should be used
to break down barriers stopping people and businesses switching. And
that's rural news. You've got sports news.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
There, Yeah, I have. And I wonder what Shane says
about that the emissions on tomorrow's show.
Speaker 8 (29:58):
There, I've got big fear is about this one.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
A lot of you are going into bat for Shane
and his kneepad's comments, saying he meant it in a
gardening platonic sort of way. But there is a text
to saying, would you crack say that in front of
your grandmother? Well, my grandmother on grandmother's on both sides
are are long gone, but I suspect they probably wouldn't
(30:22):
have got the gag. Anyhow, maybe I should change the
word to joke. Anyhow, let's do sports news. Michelle's gagging
at the moment.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
Sports on the country with Afco key we owned.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
That's rare you get in a whole stop digging right.
The West Indies are one hundred and fifteen for two
in the twenty second over chasing two hundred and sixty
nine to beat the black Caps and the dead rubber
fifth and final one day in Barbados. That's the latest
we've got on our sports. Why we'll try and update
that one for you. And New Zealand lawn bowler Shannon
McElroy believes the streamline format of the Commonwealth Games competent
(31:00):
heightens the importance of each contest. He's rolling up in
his fifth edition starting Friday night in New Zealand. Time
and Glasgow. I forgot about the Commonwealth Games with everything
that's been going on. Only the top qualifier in each
group advancers. So McElroy says, a strong mental game as
pivotal up next. John mcavinie. By day, he is the
(31:28):
chief executive of steel Forts. His name is John mcavinnie.
But by night and weekends and probably all a spare
thinking time, he's a whiteomo, sheep and beef farmer. John,
you won't be selling too many lawn mowers at the
moment and the depths of winter. But talk to me
about the lawn mowers on your farm. They have been
very profitable this year.
Speaker 6 (31:49):
Well, Jamie, I can say that, good afternoon. I can
say that. You know, I've been farming in Earnest since
nineteen seventy nine when we brought our first which was
in the Rangataki. This We've had a couple of reasonable
years in between, I suppose you could say, but nothing substantial.
But this is the first year, you know that I
(32:11):
can actually say that we have had. You know, I
have got money to spend on the farm, and that's
exactly what I have done. You know, We've we've put
probably half a million bucks with the fertilizer on.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
We've put new.
Speaker 6 (32:26):
Side besides, we've spade gors, we've spent money on fencing,
we've put new VHF radios through. And we should be
able to do that anyway. You know, we're meant to
be the backbone of the country. And if you can't
spend that sort of money on new facilities for the
people and the guys that work out there, then there's
something wrong. And you know, I'm very thankful that we've
(32:49):
had a very very good year. Long way to continue.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
Well, absolutely, it's about time the sheep farmers in particular
had a profitable season. Now, going back to nineteen seventy nine,
I mean you've the steel thought business has been in
your family for goodness knows how long were you were
you a sil of a spoon of John. Did you
get the farm handed to you on the plate?
Speaker 6 (33:10):
No? No, My father, as you know, is Croatian and
there was no farming background.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
I mean.
Speaker 6 (33:17):
I've still quoted before Jamie on a closet farmer. You know,
it's something that I really enjoy and I've wanted to
do it, and I managed to convince my father to
put up some serious money in those days as well,
you know, to buy this eight hundred hectier property in
the Rngatiki And that's when we really first started. And
(33:38):
you know, I've grown from there and I'm as old
as the company is now. So I made you this year.
So the company is eighty years old this year. So
you know, I've loved my farming program over the years.
And yeah, but I was never handed you know, a
(33:58):
farm a succession plan, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
What is it about you? Eighty year old still going
strong you and Wanny.
Speaker 6 (34:06):
You know, he's a breath of fresh air in many respects.
And you know when you see a guy he's about
twelve months older than me, but you know he's trapsing
around the world, jumping on aircraft, flying here, there and everywhere.
I mean, you know, he is amazing in terms of
his energy. And I've got to my that guy very
very much.
Speaker 2 (34:24):
Did you pick up on the commentary made by Prime
Minister Christopher Luxon earlier in the show about the RIMA
reforms and this consultation with EWE And he's dead right.
The fact that you had to or maybe would have
had to have consulted with EWEI to put a farmhouse
on your farm as just ridiculous. We have gone way
(34:46):
too far.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Oh, you won't get any argument out of me. I mean,
the things that go on in this country that people
aren't aware of, you know, and I am absolutely pleased
to see that that's happening as fas the mean Jeffrey
Palmer wrote that legislation, I don't know how forty years
ago or thirty five years ago. It's the worst thing
(35:08):
this country has had inflicted on for many, many years.
And we're still, you know, having the problems today, and
the sooner they get rid of that rama, the better.
Speaker 7 (35:19):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:20):
I think it's divided. You know that not only that,
but the verification of this country has divided it.
Speaker 3 (35:27):
And it's all.
Speaker 6 (35:28):
Happened in just under his time. And you know, I
mean just you just have a look at the things.
I mean, I'll cite that one in the local port
here in Tower. I mean, where are we as a
country when that sort of thing's happened. And you know,
and that's what Laxon needs to do. And you say,
get on his backside and get rid of that sort
of garbage.
Speaker 2 (35:47):
All right, there you go. Strong words there from John mckava.
Any good luck selling some lawn mowers when the grass
does grow. We're only about a month away from doing that.
Get one of those cub Cadet right ons. They're great, mos, John,
Thanks for your time.
Speaker 6 (35:59):
Hey, listen, I just wanted to say, well, I've got
you on the phone. What a fantastic feat that was
young Ryan Foxes, wasn't it. I mean, you know, I
think that's an amazing feat that he has done. And
I congratuate that guy. One of the true icons that
will be as far as New Zealand's concerned. I mean, Jamie,
you and I have played golf. We know what a
(36:19):
difficult game it is that you know. For him to
do that coming home in the stretch and get that
last part was absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Yeah, but I've got an excuse. I don't live on
the eighth fair way of Mount mong anda we golf
course like you do. John, you should be better. Thanks
for your time.
Speaker 6 (36:35):
Nice to talk Jamie.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
Anyway that John ate away from one up next Jay Campbell,
Welcome back to the country. Brought to you by Susan
and Farmlands. Really appreciate the support of Farmlands. Gee. I
like the way they're spreading the dollars around. They are
(36:58):
now the national rural partner for provincial rugby. Now I've
got Jay Campbell, chief executive of Hawks Bay Rugby and
spokesman for the provincial unions on the other end of
the phone. But just listen to these stats. Fiftieth year
of NPC of course, nineteen seventy six, Bay of plenty
are one at that year it's all going to be
on TV one, free to air, seventy seven matches. Here's
(37:22):
the interesting stats. The rugby union has done research. Number
one sport among New Zealand farmers is rugby, with around
sixty percent interested in participating in or attending the game.
Farmers are twice as likely as the average New Zealander
to play sport themselves, and are just as likely to
be found on the sideline watching their kids play, helping
(37:42):
behind the scenes or keeping the fields maintained. It's a
whole household broadcast audience too. Farming women index even higher
than men for interest in watching international rugby. It is
the backbone of rural New Zealand. Jay Campbell joins us
from Hawks Bay and Jay, you must be very very
thankful the provincial unions for the support of farmlands.
Speaker 7 (38:04):
Yeah, very much so, Jamie, you're really excited about the
new partnership. And yeah to your point, as we know,
rugby's always been warned just a game and we'real New Zealand,
so yeah, you're really excited about that.
Speaker 2 (38:16):
I mentioned the first time I ever met the great
Sir Brian Lahore, was it McLean Park in Napier. You
guys gave us a toweling by about forty points. You
came down to Southland for the final brilliant Southerly came
up and we beat you. Those were the days. Are
you old enough to remember that?
Speaker 7 (38:32):
Yeah? To you? Concussing since then, Jamie, so try and
forget it. But yeah, look again, for us, those type
of rivalries, that sort of authentic rugby tribalism is something
you don't get outside of the NPC. So you're really
excited that starts next Thursday, so bring it on.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Yeah. Well, I live in Dunedin of course, base of
the Highlanders, and I support the Highlanders. But if I
pick a provincial team, it's not the Highlanders, it's the
Southland Stags. It's where you're from. You're right, it's the
tribal as, wasn't it?
Speaker 7 (39:01):
It is, and it's something that you can't create. And
I think that's something that you know, usually talk to
anybody out in the provinces. Everyone's pretty excited about you know,
where they're from. It's their team, it's their colors. And
I guess that's probably why the partnership with farmlands with
such a natural fit for us. You know that whether
it be from now north on to south but never
(39:23):
in between, just really great alignment with what we do
or with what farmlands do.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
Okay. J Campbell, chief executive of Hawks Bay Rugby. I
know you've got a head down to Southland to play
them on a not a hot August night. It'll be
a cool August night. I hope you get a bonus
point that wraps the Country today. We'll catch you back tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
Catch all the latest from the Land. It's the Country
Podcast with Jamie McKay. Thanks to a Suzu Get demo,
deals on the tough Dmax Today
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