John McCaw became the winner of the 2026 Arable Awards

As part of Arable Week on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay spoke with John McCaw, who, along with his wife Mel McCaw, was named Arable Farmer of the Year at the 2026 Arable Awards. The conversation focused on current challenges facing the industry.

John McCaw runs a cropping farm in Methven, previously won the title of Young Farmer of the Year in 2006, and is also a cousin of Richie McCaw.

In addition, the program covered other agricultural topics: the position of the deputy leader and agriculture spokesperson for The Opportunity Party on emissions policy, free trade issues with India featuring the chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears ahead of her trip to that country, and the current kiwifruit season in Te Puke featuring a member of the Rabobank Upper North Island Client Council and kiwifruit grower, who also discussed the Rabobank HortPathways program for emerging horticultural leaders.