Rural

Sophie Barnes was supposed to be an architect whose life changed the day she helped deliver a lamb. Now the 26-year-old lives on a farm near Taumarunui. Audio

Hugh Rose wants New Zealanders to plant bananas. With more growers on board, we could be self-sufficient in our favourite fruit within ten years, the Tropical Fruit Growers of NZ chair says. Audio, Gallery

Many North Island regions are swimming in water again after heavy downpours this week, while in Central Otago apricot trees are in full blossom Audio

Professor of Toxicology, Ian Shaw says 1080 doesn't cause cancer and explains the effects of 1080 on humans. Audio

Northland banana growers reckon New Zealand could be self sufficient in bananas in less than ten years. Juicy pineapples are possible too. Audio

After the stoush over demands for greater access over a farm owned by American TV personality, Matt Lauer, farmers say the surge in visitors wanting to roam across their land is making them feel like… Video, Audio

Compensation could be possible for nurseries and orchards forced to secure 48-thousand seedlings for apples, cherries and other fruit. Audio

The Environment Minister David Parker is expressing further concern around cattle feed practices, and the impact on the waterways. Earlier this this week the animal welfare group SAFE and Fish & Game… Audio, Gallery

News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

New Zealand's largest feedlot has been issued with a notice of direction by the Ministry for Primary Industries after 44 cattle are suspected to have contracted mycoplasma bovis. Audio

ANZCO CEO Peter Conley defends the company's feedlot - the largest in New Zealand, after public backlash following the release of drone footage of the Ashburton feedlot. He tells John Campbell the… Video, Audio

The Environmental Protection Authority has given the green-light to the use of a predator to fight any invasion by the brown marmorated stink bug. Audio

News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

The horticultural industry has overwhemingly voted to continue with an industry levy. Audio

News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

Federated Farmers is calling the animal advocacy group SAFE a group of vegan extremists. Audio