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This week, Elite Wool Industry Training’s Tom Wilson explains how new training is improving animal welfare and sheep handling, AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington looks at strong early lamb sales in Hawke’s Bay and what they signal for the season ahead, and Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper unpacks Labour’s freshwater policies and the importance of farmer engagement.

More than 480 wool harvesting workers have completed animal welfare training. Elite Wool Industry Training director Tom Wilson explains how the industry is improving sheep handling.

Early lamb sales in Hawke’s Bay have exceeded expectations. AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington looks at the strong prices setting the tone for the season ahead.

Federated Farmers’ Mark Hooper joins the studio to reflect on Labour’s freshwater policies, changing approaches and the importance of constructive engagement with farmers.

This week, Beef + Lamb NZ Inc’s Kit Arkwright and Rod Slater reflect on 40 years of promoting red meat. Farmers Weekly’s Neal Wallace explores whether leaving the Paris Accord could threaten NZ’s EU trade deal, and AgriHQ’s Sara Hilhorst explains El Niño’s potential impact on cattle buyers.

Bryan is joined by Beef + Lamb NZ Inc’s current and former bosses – Kit Arkwright and Rod Slater – to talk about the organisation’s work. They cover everything from the Iron Maidens to the protein wars with chicken, pork and alternative meats.

Senior reporter Neal Wallace is in Europe, and says officials there have told him the European Commission would take a dim view of any move to exit the Paris Accord. They said the climate commitments are baked into the NZ-EU FTA and would be enforced.

AgriHQ analyst Sara Hilhorst says this year’s weaner market could be a bit different to previous years, as despite beef prices being at record highs, the impending El Niño is forcing buyers to be more picky about the quality of stock they purchase.

Bryan is joined by Irrigation NZ chief executive Karen Williams and Federated Farmers board member Richard Dawkins to discuss how water security is the key to farming’s future. They say a long-term strategy to build the infrastructure to collect and store water will nurture our communities and economy.

This week, what comes next for growers and farmers on the Heretaunga Plains as wine tastes change and water determines their options? Featured guest, Farmers Weekly reporter Rebecca Greaves, explores the Hawke's Bay’s changing landscape. Farmers Weekly’s Richard Rennie also previews his visit to India’s biggest textile and carpet expo; AgriHQ’s Alex Coddington reports on strong Feilding store cattle prices; and Federated Farmers sharefarming chair Sam Ebbett explains why outdated laws need to catch up with young farmers’ pathways into dairy.

Reporter Rebecca Greaves joins the show to discuss the special report on the changing landscape in the Bay. With consumer preferences reshaping viticulture, growers and farmers are looking for the next land use to adopt. But it all comes down to one variable – water.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie previews his upcoming visit to India, where he’ll attend its biggest textile and carpet expo. New Zealand’s wool is in demand there, valued for its strength and length.

AgriHQ Insight | Store cattle shine in FeildingAgriHQ analyst Alex Coddington says store cattle values are holding up despite worries about El Niño. Feilding hosted a big yarding last week with prices pleasing vendors.

Federated Farmers sharefarming chair Sam Ebbett says the new government needs to prioritise an update to the laws around sharefarming. The Act as it stands doesn’t account for contract milking, now the predominant path for young farmers to progress in dairy.

Where have half a million lambs gone, and what does their disappearance from the numbers mean for farmers? This week, AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad unpacks the mystery and the consequences for the red meat sector. Plus, Richard Rennie looks at the passing of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bills, Suz Bremner follows Chatham livestock back to market, and Federated Farmers Otago’s Logan Wallace tackles farm drainage regulations.