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Moonshine matriarch: Southland's tradition of distilling Scottish whisky
A look inside the Hokonui Moonshine Museum where the manufacture of this legendary spirit continues in the modern day.
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Biochar made with hops, slash, and number 8 wire magic
20 Feb 2026Waste hops from a Wellington brewery, cotton offcuts from a New Zealand clothing brand and forestry slash are being turned into so-called "black gold" at a kiln…
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How UK farmers inspired New Zealand's agricultural festival
20 Feb 2026The Underground Festival in Waipara, held this week, brought farming families together to share information, a feed, and time off the farm together.
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Fears erosion to worsen if nursery subsidies cut
20 Feb 2026A successful erosion scheme subsidised by Hawke's Bay Regional Council since the early 1980s is in the spotlight as the council looks to reduce rate pressure.
Country headlines with summaries.
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Farmer has hundreds of sheep killed by roaming dogs
20 Feb 2026He's thinking of quitting sheep farming if the killing can't be stopped. Audio
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Fonterra shareholders approve sale payout
19 Feb 2026More than 98 percent of the co-op's shareholders voted in favour.
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Prices continue to rise at global dairy trade auction
18 Feb 2026The average price rose 3.6 percent - the fourth consecutive increase of the year.
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Farmers warned wet conditions increase parasite risk
18 Feb 2026Livestock farmers are being urged to keep their animals well fed and circulated to avoid the spread of moisture-loving parasites.
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Hurry up with new agricultural machine road rules, rural contractors say
New road rules for agricultural machinery are nowhere to be seen, and in the meantime contractors are still being stung with fines.
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Storms smash large berry tunnels
17 Feb 2026Storms across the North Island have destroyed a Horowhenua grower's large berry tunnels, but power to the milking shed has since returned. Severe weather over the weekend thrust five North... Audio
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Fences taken out, crop destroyed as floods hammer farmers
16 Feb 2026Farms along the banks of the Waipā River are most affected, an Ōtorohanga farmer says.
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Archie the apprentice finds his farming feet
14 Feb 2026Archie, Micky and their dogs make up a good team on Te Wharua Station. The 17-year-old is apprenticed to the farm manager and champion shearer as part of Pāmu's year-old cadet scheme. Country Life …
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Ruby jewels of Otago a Lunar New Year treat
14 Feb 2026A look at how Clyde Orchard's recent cherry and stonefruit harvest has gone and a tour of a new purpose built accommodation for its RSE workers.
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Potato prices could remain high as yields down
13 Feb 2026Some potato growers are reporting yields could be down 20 percent this winter.
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Timing critical as Kiwi wasp bait tech trialled on hornet invaders
13 Feb 2026After proving highly effective against wasps, Vespex is to be trailed on the yellow-legged hornet population.
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Premium prices for enviro-positive wool
12 Feb 2026Regenerative sheep farmers could muster an above-market pay cheque for their sustainable wool clip, thanks to a new industry deal.
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Forestry sector calls for rates cap after bill increases 570 percent
10 Feb 2026A 1100-hectare block near Wairoa had its annual rates bill skyrocket from $30,000 a year to $200,000.
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New hop off the trial block
10 Feb 2026Along the banks of the Wangapeka River in Tasman, a new hop variety is being commercially released after more than a decade of research and development. Audio
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New medicine funding could be life-saving for rural areas, health expert says
10 Feb 2026Pharmac announced new funding for emergency pain relief and blood clotting medications for rural communities. Audio
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Hāngī for Waitangi gearing up
5 Feb 2026A Wellington marae is putting its hāngī made up of mostly koha kai underground on Friday, in preparation for the city's Waitangi Day celebrations tomorrow. Audio
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Kiwi company fights to get illegal orchards torn down in China
9 Feb 2026The Supreme Court ruled in favour of New Zealand horticulture company T&G.
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Shaking it all up in a greenhouse trial
7 Feb 2026Researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute are investigating whether they can apply the vibrations of insects to disrupt pests in the greenhouse.
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Take a punt on the Tuapeka Mouth Ferry
7 Feb 2026The southern hemisphere's only still operating river ferry celebrates 130 years.
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Could a rural equivalent of Tinder attract doctors?
5 Feb 2026There's a shortfall of at least 130 rural GPs nationwide. Audio
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Storm effects hurt 2026 honey harvest
4 Feb 2026Beekeepers blocked from getting to their hives mid-harvest due to roads closed by recent storms, are expecting a lighter and later honey harvest this year. Audio
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Flames, family and a pin-up queen
7 Feb 2026Mark Leishman goes on a personal journey to Burkes Pass, a place with deep family ties.
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Needle steriliser a 'third hand' for farmers
3 Feb 2026The final touches are being put on a new gadget promising to speed-up vaccinating or giving pain relief to livestock. Audio
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How will geopolitics impact farm inputs this year?
A new report has alerted geopolitical risks, such as tensions in Iran, could affect prices for key items used on New Zealand farms like fertiliser.
Top News stories
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