Listen to The Country online: Neil Bateup, companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Former Rural Support Trust chairman Neil Bateup spoke to The Country's Hamish McKay today.

Today on The Country radio show, host Hamish McKay catches up with Waikato farmer Neil Bateup to discuss his elevation to a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the rural sector.

On with the show:

Neil Bateup:

Former Rural Support Trust chairman on being elevated to a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the rural sector.

He discusses the history of the Rural Support Trust, and what the organisation means to him and the people it helps.

Rowland and Ingrid Smith:

We catch up with one of New Zealand’s farming and shearing “power couples”.

So what’s new with Mr and Mrs Smith?

Kate Acland:

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s chairwoman on how the summer has been for farmers so far, and the FTA with India.

Beef + Lamb NZ turns 75 this year. What’s on the cards?

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth:

A leading farming academic has her say on nitrogen, waterways and dairy cows.

Plus, what was on her reading list this summer?

Listen below: