Cattle
Gut fixing seaweed cuts methane emissions from gassy cattle
Red seaweed grown in Bluff has been shown to significantly reduce methane emissions in beef and dairy cattle with no adverse effects to the animals, their products or the environment. Audio
Catch crops help prevent nitrogen from leaching into waterways
Trials on a North Canterbury dairy farm have found that early sown oats and Italian ryegrass are taking up excess urine deposited by winter grazing cows. Audio
Mosgiel tech company uses AI to help farmers figure out when - and how - to drench sheep
New technology is helping farmers to prevent drench resistance and keep sheep parasite-free. Audio
I'm a wee bit addicted to doing farm trials says Waipara farmer
Former ag scientist, Ian Knowles, likes to lead from the front when it comes to sheep and plant trials and comparative experiments on his diverse hill country farm. Audio
Working hard to achieve the rural dream
Pigs, cattle, fruit and honey processing are all part of a sustainable farming business plan for first-time Motukarara farmers, Stacey and Ode Gielen. Audio
A year on the farm: Lambing is in full swing on the Bird's hill block
The newborn lambs hide amongst gorse to escape the chilly winds and Alistair plants poplar poles on erosion-prone hill country. Audio
Adventure trails and organic garden add X-factor to family farm
In the last few years, Tom O'Brien's Southland farmland has become home to a hand-built bike and hiking track and an organic market garden. Audio
A farmer's son and budding scientist
Thirteen-year-old budding scientist Finlay Ludbrook has had success with an experiment to see whether giving copper to cattle calves improves their condition. Audio
MPI announces M. bovis cull in Mid-Canterbury
Thousands of cows are to be culled on a huge feedlot near Ashburton, which is infected with M bovis. The Ministry for Primary Industries has also announced that stock will need to be tested or reduced… Audio
M. bovis Cull
The Ministry of Primary Industries has announced it will begin culling cows on a huge feedlot near Ashburton which is infected with Mycoplasma bovis. A control area notice to reduce stock on 14 nearby… Audio
Fears of cow shortage as calf rearers in short supply
Fewer people are raising calves in some parts of the country this season, and concern is growing about a potential shortage of cattle further down the track. Audio
Avocados thrive in sunny south
Richie Bocock believes his avocado grove on Banks Peninsula could be the southernmost in the world. Audio
Weather woes for would-be buyers
Farmers at Hamilton's Frankton sales are buying in the hope that rain will eventually arrive. Audio
Why eating animals is our moral duty
If we truly care about animals, says British philosopher Nick Zangwill, then the right thing to do is breed them, kill them, and eat them. Professor Zangill is with us to discuss why eating animals… Audio
Entrepreneurial farmers use own wool to make blankets and yarns
Angus cattle and merino sheep share the rolling hills on a scenic farm near Culverden. Third generation farmer Jono Reed was only 14 when he started breeding cattle at the property. His wife, Sarah… Audio
Meating the Need - Farmers donate animals to put meat on the table
The charity, Meat the Need was launched during last year's Covid lockdown. In its first 13 months farmers donated enough meat to make more than 430,000 meals. Audio
Midday Rural News for 22 June 2021
The Ministry for Primary Industries says lessons have been learnt from its M bovis response, The clean-up is far from over in flood-hit South Canterbury and imports of fresh lychees and mangos from… Audio
M.bovis: inhumane and traumatising - new study
A study of the psycho-social impact of M.bovis on Southland's rural communities had found the Government's response was bureaucratic, inhumane and traumatising to farmers. The University of Otago… Audio
Mustering at Molesworth
For the musterers at Molesworth Station, it's an early start to beat the heat. Josh, Duncan, Connell and Liam are moving the cattle during the mating season. Country Life spends a day with the… Audio, Gallery
The 90s File - Heather Gee-Taylor
Twenty-three year old Heather Gee-Taylor is one of New Zealand's youngest local body politicians and a charolais cattle breeder to boot. Audio
