Listen to The Country online: Beef and Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland on land use changes and forestry

Beef + Lamb NZ board chair Kate Acland spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today. Photo / Clare Toia-Bailey

Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with Beef + Lamb Chair Kate Acland, who says forestry and land use changes “can’t be ignored” in creating a challenging environment for sheep and beef farmers.

On with the show:

Kate Acland:

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair says it’s been a challenging time for farmers and processing companies due to a drop in sheepmeat prices in the last few years, and an increase in on-farm costs and along the supply chain.

Farmer Tom Martin:

Our UK farming correspondent comments on the spread of the Bluetongue virus, the potential removal of inheritance tax exemptions, a wet September and why gene editing is a good thing when it comes to plant breeding.

Blair Drysdale:

We ask a Southland arable farmer if growing rice is his best option at the moment, after the wettest September on record.

Jim Hopkins:

Rural raconteur, and local body politician, has his say on the Smithfield plant closure, the future of food production and Trump v Harris.

Shane McManaway and Dean Rabbidge: 

Applications have opened for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award and the hunt is on to identify and support young leaders making significant strides in the sector.

The Zanda McDonald Award is open to Australian and New Zealand residents, aged 21-35, and actively involved in agriculture.

Listen below: