Farming
Frustrated farmer says grassland deemed ‘outstanding natural landscape’
Some landowners were recently caught by surprise when the proposed West Coast district 'one' plan deemed sections of land as Outstanding Natural Landscape.
Midday Rural News for 7 March 2024
Despite sales of New Zealand-made infant formula remaining strong to our main market of China - producers are being warned against relying on just one market.
Monique Steele has the rural news. Audio
'Sensible' for infant formula producers to look beyond China for sales
The advice comes as China increases its own domestic dairy production and birth rates remain low.
More than 11,000 support petition to keep ban on live animal exports
The petition's organiser says he worked in the livestock export industry for 40 years and fears repealing the ban will unravel all the hard work that has been done.
Red-meat export value falls to five year low
Volatility in global markets has resulted in red-meat exports for January falling to a five year low.
Midday Rural News for 6 March 2024
International attention is honing in on forestry practices over on the East Coast, with promises audits around harvest practices will improve.
Monique Steele has the rural news. Audio
Dry conditions in South Island a 'tough time' for farmers - Minister
Some farmers at the top of the South Island are already distributing their winter feed supplies to stock as dry conditions bite.
Midday Rural News for 5 March 2024
Orchardists in China have been illegally growing Zespri's SunGold fruit - and now they're using counterfeit Zespri packaging.
Monique Steele has the rural news. Audio
Midday Rural News for 4 March 2024
Trade Minister Todd McClay is investigating a possible trade agreement between New Zealand and the UAE, after meeting with his counterpart in Abu Dhabi last week.
Susan Murray has the rural news. Audio
Whangārei farmers kept poorly fed, emaciated cows - court
Underfed cows on a Northland dairy farm were in such poor condition that some had ingrown horns and eye infections. One was so emaciated that a vet recommended it be euthanised, a court has heard.
Inspired farmers take action to clean waterways
A catchment restoration project in the Marlborough Sounds is bringing a farming community together to tackle water quality issues and achieve wider conservation goals Audio
Wool, sweat and shears - Golden Shears underway in Masterton
The Golden Shears is underway in Masterton, and from early Thursday the War Memorial Stadium has been buzzing to the sound of shears, woolhandlers' brooms and the cranking of wool presses. Video, Audio
Australian winegrowers protest over plummeting returns
Many wine growers in Australia's largest wine region are in crisis mode due to plummeting prices for their grapes. Chris Archer works in the Australian and New Zealand wine industries and has been… Audio
On the Farm - a wrap of conditions on farms around the country
Kiwifruit are looking good in Hawkes Bay. Some flooded vines have died but generally recovery is better than expected. Conditions are very dry in Marlborough so many farmers are offloading stock due… Audio
Country Life For Friday 1 March 2024
Behind the scenes at the Golden Shears, a conservation project in the Marlborough Sounds, crisis among Australia's winegrowers and On the Farm Audio