Carrfields is backing the Northland spring calf season with sales across the region, giving vendors a full spread of options as the season builds. Carrfields Northland Livestock Manager Robert ‘Biscuit’ McLean says healthy, well-bred calves with dry navels that have been well fed with colostrum always helps keep buyer confidence high.

 

This is brought to you in partnership with Carrfields Livestock. To learn more about buying, selling or managing livestock, or to connect with a local livestock specialist, visit carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

 

WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

 

Apple:https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZ

Carrfields is backing the Northland spring calf season with sales across the region, giving vendors a full spread of options as the season builds. Carrfields Northland Livestock Manager Robert &lsquo;Biscuit&rsquo; McLean says healthy, well-bred calves with dry navels that have been well fed with colostrum always helps keep buyer confidence high.
&nbsp;
This is brought to you in partnership with Carrfields Livestock. To learn more about buying, selling or managing livestock, or to connect with a local livestock specialist, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://carrfieldslivestock.co.nz/">carrfieldslivestock.co.nz</a> 
&nbsp;
WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command &lsquo;Play CountryWide Connect&rsquo; on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
&nbsp;
Apple: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881">https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ</a>

CountryWide CONNECT is the latest innovative daily livestreamed rural video/radio show broadcast at lunchtime 11am – 1pm Monday-Friday from Christchurch, New Zealand.


The show is hosted by respected award-winning agribusiness broadcasters, Sarah Perriam-Lampp (formerly Sarah’s Country & Rural Exchange) and Andy Thompson (formerly The Rural Round-Up).


Over two hours, Sarah & Andy cover the latest in New Zealand rural news, views, politics but most importantly in-depth technical farming advice to help improve farmers bottom lines!

For more information & to subscribe to CountryWide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT is the latest innovative daily livestreamed rural video/radio show broadcast at lunchtime 11am &ndash; 1pm Monday-Friday from Christchurch, New Zealand.
 The show is hosted by respected award-winning agribusiness broadcasters, Sarah Perriam-Lampp (formerly Sarah&rsquo;s Country &amp; Rural Exchange) and Andy Thompson (formerly The Rural Round-Up).
 Over two hours, Sarah &amp; Andy cover the latest in New Zealand rural news, views, politics but most importantly in-depth technical farming advice to help improve farmers bottom lines!
For more information &amp; to subscribe to CountryWide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT

CountryWide CONNECT is an innovative daily livestreamed rural video/radio show broadcast at lunchtime 11am – 1pm Monday-Friday from Christchurch, New Zealand.


The show is hosted by respected award-winning agribusiness broadcasters, Sarah Perriam-Lampp (formerly Sarah’s Country & Rural Exchange) and Andy Thompson (formerly The Rural Round-Up).


Over two hours, Sarah & Andy cover the latest in New Zealand rural news, views, politics but most importantly in-depth technical farming advice to help improve farmers bottom lines!

For more information & to subscribe to CountryWide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT is an innovative daily livestreamed rural video/radio show broadcast at lunchtime 11am &ndash; 1pm Monday-Friday from Christchurch, New Zealand.
 The show is hosted by respected award-winning agribusiness broadcasters, Sarah Perriam-Lampp (formerly Sarah&rsquo;s Country &amp; Rural Exchange) and Andy Thompson (formerly The Rural Round-Up).
 Over two hours, Sarah &amp; Andy cover the latest in New Zealand rural news, views, politics but most importantly in-depth technical farming advice to help improve farmers bottom lines!
For more information &amp; to subscribe to CountryWide, visit www.country-wide.co.nz

Robert McLean - Confidence runs high across Northland as spring calf sales get under way

NAIT levies rise today — thirty-nine percent increase on ear tags despite farmer opposition


Road freight industry warns fuel tax delay will erode road network investment


Homekill and hunted meat sharing rules to be reviewed for the first time in two decades

 

WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

 

Apple:https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZ

 

NAIT levies rise today — thirty-nine percent increase on ear tags despite farmer opposition

Farmers are facing higher livestock tracing levies from today, with NAIT ear tag prices rising thirty-nine percent to one-dollar-thirty-five for deer and cattle, and slaughter fees up twenty-eight percent to one-dollar-ninety-one per cattle beast.

OSPRI's board confirmed the increases despite sixty-three percent of submitters opposing them during June-July consultation, citing concerns about affordability, governance and confidence in delivery.

The increases will fund a long-overdue replacement of the NAIT software, which has been criticised for being difficult to use — particularly on mobile devices. OSPRI deputy chief executive Simon Andrew says the system needs to be modernised to work effectively on phones, tablets and desktops, and will link with third-party systems including LIC's MINDA.

The levy increase also addresses a one-point-three-eight million dollar funding shortfall from historic undercollections of beef and dairy levies.

Industry bodies DairyNZ and Beef and Lamb New Zealand supported the increases during consultation.

 

Road freight industry warns fuel tax delay will erode road network investment

New Zealand's road freight industry is warning that reduced investment in the road network will drive up costs for consumers, as the Government announces a scaled-back fuel excise increase ahead of the election.

The Government confirmed it will not proceed with planned increases of twelve cents per litre in January 2027 and six cents in 2028, instead phasing in five-cent increases from 2028 to 2030. A one-point-four-seven-six billion dollar alternative funding package will bridge the gap.

Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says fuel excise and road user charges haven't increased since 2020, while road construction costs have surged — eroding the real purchasing power of the National Land Transport Fund.

He warns poor roads increase freight times, spike maintenance costs and waste fuel — costs ultimately passed to consumers on supermarket shelves. Kalasih says the next government will face difficult trade-offs regardless of what is promised.

 

Homekill and hunted meat sharing rules to be reviewed for the first time in two decades

The Government is seeking feedback on changes that could make it easier to buy an animal directly from a farmer and get it processed sooner, while also clarifying rules around sharing hunted meat.

Under current rules, buyers of live animals must show they actively cared for it for twenty-eight days before a listed homekill provider can process it. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says those rules haven't been reviewed in twenty years and need to catch up with how people live, farm and share food today.

The consultation also looks at whether recreational hunters can more widely share hunted meat — including donating to foodbanks. Hoggard says unclear rules are putting people off, despite meat being the most requested and expensive item for foodbanks to provide.

There are no proposed changes to the ban on selling homekill or hunted meat. Labelling requirements are also proposed if restrictions on who can eat homekill are relaxed.

Consultation closes October fifth at mpi.govt.nz.

<ul>
<li>
NAIT levies rise today &mdash; thirty-nine percent increase on ear tags despite farmer opposition
</li>
<li>
Road freight industry warns fuel tax delay will erode road network investment
</li>
<li>
Homekill and hunted meat sharing rules to be reviewed for the first time in two decades
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command &lsquo;Play CountryWide Connect&rsquo; on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
&nbsp;
Apple: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881">https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ</a>
&nbsp;
NAIT levies rise today &mdash; thirty-nine percent increase on ear tags despite farmer opposition
Farmers are facing higher livestock tracing levies from today, with NAIT ear tag prices rising thirty-nine percent to one-dollar-thirty-five for deer and cattle, and slaughter fees up twenty-eight percent to one-dollar-ninety-one per cattle beast.
OSPRI's board confirmed the increases despite sixty-three percent of submitters opposing them during June-July consultation, citing concerns about affordability, governance and confidence in delivery.
The increases will fund a long-overdue replacement of the NAIT software, which has been criticised for being difficult to use &mdash; particularly on mobile devices. OSPRI deputy chief executive Simon Andrew says the system needs to be modernised to work effectively on phones, tablets and desktops, and will link with third-party systems including LIC's MINDA.
The levy increase also addresses a one-point-three-eight million dollar funding shortfall from historic undercollections of beef and dairy levies.
Industry bodies DairyNZ and Beef and Lamb New Zealand supported the increases during consultation.
&nbsp;
Road freight industry warns fuel tax delay will erode road network investment
New Zealand's road freight industry is warning that reduced investment in the road network will drive up costs for consumers, as the Government announces a scaled-back fuel excise increase ahead of the election.
The Government confirmed it will not proceed with planned increases of twelve cents per litre in January 2027 and six cents in 2028, instead phasing in five-cent increases from 2028 to 2030. A one-point-four-seven-six billion dollar alternative funding package will bridge the gap.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says fuel excise and road user charges haven't increased since 2020, while road construction costs have surged &mdash; eroding the real purchasing power of the National Land Transport Fund.
He warns poor roads increase freight times, spike maintenance costs and waste fuel &mdash; costs ultimately passed to consumers on supermarket shelves. Kalasih says the next government will face difficult trade-offs regardless of what is promised.
&nbsp;
Homekill and hunted meat sharing rules to be reviewed for the first time in two decades
The Government is seeking feedback on changes that could make it easier to buy an animal directly from a farmer and get it processed sooner, while also clarifying rules around sharing hunted meat.
Under current rules, buyers of live animals must show they actively cared for it for twenty-eight days before a listed homekill provider can process it. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says those rules haven't been reviewed in twenty years and need to catch up with how people live, farm and share food today.
The consultation also looks at whether recreational hunters can more widely share hunted meat &mdash; including donating to foodbanks. Hoggard says unclear rules are putting people off, despite meat being the most requested and expensive item for foodbanks to provide.
There are no proposed changes to the ban on selling homekill or hunted meat. Labelling requirements are also proposed if restrictions on who can eat homekill are relaxed.
Consultation closes October fifth at mpi.govt.nz.

1st September 2026 // Rural News

This episode features Tony Trewinnard, Blue Skies Weather discussing the latest situation update.

 

WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

 

Apple:https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZ

This episode features Tony Trewinnard, Blue Skies Weather discussing the latest situation update.
&nbsp;
WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command &lsquo;Play CountryWide Connect&rsquo; on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
&nbsp;
Apple: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881">https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ</a>

Tony Trewinnard - Has the El Niño spring pattern arrived early?

This episode features LeAnne Blakelock, Calf Chronicles discussing calf rearing and the latest from LeAnne Blakelock's Calf Chronicles.

 

WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

 

Apple:https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZ

This episode features LeAnne Blakelock, Calf Chronicles discussing calf rearing and the latest from LeAnne Blakelock's Calf Chronicles.
&nbsp;
WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command &lsquo;Play CountryWide Connect&rsquo; on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
&nbsp;
Apple: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881">https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&amp;hl=en_NZ</a>

Robert McLean - Confidence runs high across Northland as spring calf sales get under way

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