We catch up with the second, of only two, primary sector folk recognised in the New Year’s Honours List - a Waikato dairy farmer awarded the Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the environment and the community.
Jane Smith:
In the wake of just two agricultural gongs, we took a look at some of the rural champions who “could” have been honoured in the New Year’s List, and while North Otago farmer and award-winning environmentalist Jane Smith has the vote of rural New Zealand, she agrees that she would struggle when it comes to gaining support from the Government (or the industry-good bodies for that matter).
Genevieve Steven:
Rabobank’s agricultural analyst looks at her latest report, Capitalising on tailwinds through to 2025, which predicts a strong outlook for New Zealand beef, but also says new ideas are needed to address key industry challenges.
Todd Muller:
On Thursday’s show, thinking it would be the big political news of the day, Rowena caught up with National’s “absolutely stoked” newly-confirmed agriculture spokesman, who says New Zealand needs a government that understands farming and the importance of a productive, positive rural sector.
Barry Soper:
Then of course at 1 pm on Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation. We wrap the show, by looking at this with The Country’s go-to political correspondent.
Listen below:
