Farming
Relief in Australia as welcome mat goes out for New Zealand shearers
Australian farmers are breathing a sigh of relief as much needed New Zealand shearers will now be able to travel over for their busy spring season.
Midday Rural News for 8 April 2021
The number of bee colonies dying has increased again this year Audio
Zespri's plan to rake back the profits from stolen kiwifruit
Chinese growers are stealing the kiwifruit we stole from them in the first place, along with the varietal secrets New Zealand holds the rights to. Zespri has a novel plan to combat that. Audio
Farmers take up resilience planning for future droughts
Some farmers hit by drought this summer say there are steps that can be taken to ease the pressure and planning should start now. Audio
Midday Rural News for 7 April 2021
Orchardists held a media briefing in Hawkes Bay this morning where they said the carnage caused by this season's acute labour shortage must never been repeated. Audio
Fruit growers want bubble extended to Pacific
The long-awaited arrival of a trans-Tasman bubble has sparked calls for seasonal workers from the Pacific to be the next group allowed in. Max Towle speaks to Bruce Mitchell, an orchardist in Hawke's… Audio
Govt requested to rethink position on Glyphosate use after honey rejection
Apiculture New Zealand has asked the Agriculture Minister to support a national discussion on Glyphosate use, saying international consumers are more concerned about chemical residues in food.
Midday Rural News for 6 April 2021
The honey industry is calling for a national discussion on pesticide and herbicide use Audio
Canterbury consent replacement raises concerns about nitrates
People opposed to a large irrigation scheme in Mid-Canterbury want their side heard when consents are considered, and say nitrate pollution is a concern.
Galloping on at Castlepoint
Last month thoroughbreds, station hacks and ponies were saddled up for the annual horse races at Castlepoint Beach. The races started back in 1872 and apart from wartime and stormy years when the… Video, Audio
On the Farm - a wrap of farming conditions around NZ
Bay of Plenty gold kiwifruit growers are waiting for clearance to pick the fruit. Tasman apple orchardists are still crying out for workers. Audio
Full Episode for Friday April 2 2021
In Country Life this week - paddock-to-plate in a Raglan market garden and a slice of the action from the Castlepoint Beach Races which have been going for nearly 150 years. Audio
From dairy farming to pumpkin harvesting
During a recent trip to Marton to judge at a pumpkin festival, Jesse met Tom Welch who runs Cannock Harvest with his wife Melissa. He explained to Jesse that they had recently converted from dairy… Audio
Midday Rural News for 1 April 2021
The group in charge of getting the farming sector to reduce emissions says it's on track to meet its targets. He Waka Eke Noa is the Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership that's tasked with… Audio
The buzz on Auckland's rooftops
Sharon Brettkelly takes a trip with bee rescuer Jessie Baker to look at the urban beehives that are buzzing away on city rooftops. Audio