Rural
Agriculture industry hits out at proposed 'tax on a tax'
Agricultural aviators say a proposed increase of its industry levy will disproportionately impact agriculture.
A sweet life farming salt - "just a man and his bucket"
James Moore is up to his knees in the waves at Cable Bay in Northland, a bucket in each hand. He's a small-scale salt farmer, with a plan to help others into salt farming. Audio
The Ruatoria 'Noah's ark' for native plants
Māori conservationist Graeme Atkin is at home in Ruatoria where he's collected the "Noah's Ark" of endangered wild cuttings, including the beautiful ngutukākā or kākābeak flower. Audio
Guest - Dairy farmer Stephen Crawford
South Otago's biggest organic dairy farm might go conventional after news the dairy company which picks up the milk is reviewing the premiums for organic milk. Audio
On the Farm - a wrap of conditions around the country
It's been a kind winter for most North Island farmers now busy with lambing and calving, with warmer temperatures and plenty of rain helping to keep the grass growing. Meanwhile sheep farmers in the… Audio
Country Life Friday 30 August 2024
This week the Country Life team heads to a small-scale salt farm in Northland and meets a conservationist collecting endangered wildflowers. Audio
Farmers spending millions of dollars on pest control
Federated Farmers latest pest survey of 700 farmers found farmers are spending on average $5.45 a hectare controlling pests like deer, goats, possums, cats and geese
Fonterra to spend $75 million expanding Studholme site
The site will become a "hub for high value proteins" designed for "premium" products such as medical and sports nutrition.
Plea for surplus hemp by-product to be used as animal feed
A hemp company says it's dumping tonnes of a by-product that could be used as animal feed.
What would happen if Methanex left NZ?
It uses 40 percent of the country's gas supply and the country needs a plan if it leaves, experts say. Audio
Dairy company fined $420k over '100 per cent Pure NZ' claim
Milkio Foods Limited had descriptions like '100 per cent Pure New Zealand' - despite using butter from India.
Tropical fruit tree seedlings in high demand as climate changes
Warmer weather means people can now grow fruits like pawpaw and bananas as far south as Invercargill. Audio
Guest - A moment for the humble persimmon
Wayne Hall, general manager of Wi Pere Trust's horticulture team in Gisborne, shares his love of persimmons and a recipe for how to best enjoy the fruit. Audio
Country Life for Friday 23 August 2024
This week the Country Life team introduces us to New Zealand's agricultural trade envoy, Hamish Marr. Cosmo visits his family's arable farm near Methven... and demand for tropical fruit trees like… Audio
All Australian tomato imports temporarily suspended
The ban on imports to New Zealand will be reviewed in seven days. Audio
Pamu registers $26m full-year loss
The state-owned company is facing falling livestock prices, high interest rates and the ongoing costs of Cyclone Gabrielle.
