Duncan Smith

Glorious rain has fallen in the North Island while in the South Island grape harvesting's in full swing. Audio

North and South Island farmers are struggling to cope with the extremely dry conditions. Audio

The North Island continues in its parched state and the South Island is not too far behind. Audio

A farmer talks about a memorable day saving a hen from a drum of molasses, courtesy of the New Zealand Sound Archives. Audio

Zealong Tea is New Zealand's only tea producer. Country Life re-visits the Waikato tea plantation after almost five years in production to find out who is drinking our tea. Audio

When the drought finally breaks farmers are being warned not to drive down hillsides which they've casually been going up and down for months, because the hard earth pan with extra moisture becomes… Audio

The North Island continues in its parched state, while in the South Island, Southland is a green oasis. Audio

Announcements about Biodiesel Audio

The dry conditions continue to bite. Audio

Some rain has fallen in the North Island but more is needed.The pear harvest is about to start at the top of the South. Audio

A selection of rural stories from the week. For more in depth rural stories go to Radio New Zealand news. Audio

Many North Island regions are drying out quickly with high temperatures and wind, although a few lucky ones, especially in the lower part of the Island received rain last week. In the South Island… Audio

It's the day before the150th Canterbury A&P Show opens and with more than 3,000 animals and 7,000 competitive entries, there is a lot of organising to do to insure preparations are complete before the… Audio

There used to be 36 sawmills in Akatarawa Valley, now only one remains. Akatarawa Sawmills has diversified and now supplies logs to Wellington Zoo and film sets and sells firewood to keep the business… Audio

Most North Island pastoral farmers desperately want the forecast rain to arrive because it's as dry as mid-January in many areas, while in the South Island farmers are making hay while the sun shines.

Forty years ago John Simister set up a nature reserve near Wellington. It was something he'd wanted to do since childhood and ever since, he's been encouraging people to get up close and personal with… Audio

A selection of agricultural news from the week. For further rural news go to the Radio New Zealand website. Audio

Flatpack Farming CEO, Sophie Green. Audio

The North Island is drying out despite rain a week ago, and in the South Island lambs are heading off farm to get processed. Audio

On November 10th 2012, Waimate North hosted its 170th Pastoral and Industrial Show. Many of the families involved in the first event in 1842 are still in the district and strong supporters of the… Audio