Duncan Smith

A brief selection of rural news from the past week. Audio

In both the North and South Island it's been wet, wet, wet. But there is grass growth in many areas because it's been relatively mild. Audio

Australian farmer Bob Mackley is in New Zealand to warn farmers about the risks of GE crops. Audio

Birds Embarrassed Bees by Dan Bain A quirky take on a young romance with the awkwardness of a protective younger sister. Audio

The final New Shorts winner. In New Zealand in the year 3100, a scientist clones a Maori woman from the 1800s. The woman struggles to make sense of the world around her. Audio

The flock of sheep Country Life is running on a lifestyle block is about to start its third lambing season. The flock's named after the Magic netball team and they were mated to a texel ram. Next… Audio

After years of poor meat and wool returns, Cardrona Valley farmer Ben Gordon decided to throw a carcass over his shoulder, remove the middleman, and sell his delicate merino lamb direct to chefs… Audio

Andrea and Mike Gauland are living the rural dream on their 10 acre block near Oxford. They have chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs and a large herd of Toggenburg goats Audio

The North Island had a very wet start to the week, but luckily was drying out as the week ended, while in the South Island the mercury has crept up and calving has started. Audio

One of the five winners of the "Take a Stand for Good Sorts in Rural Schools" campaign, Waituna West School Glen Richardson talks about what he does to get the title. Audio

Ripper frosts have chilled the North Island and in the south, farmers are gearing up for lambing and calving. Audio

Around the North Island ewe scanning results are generally 10 to 20% up on last year, but last season wasn't flash. On the mainland it's been pretty miserable weather for feeding out in Southland. Audio

Welcome, warm rain has fallen in parts of the North Island spurring along grass and vegetable growth. In the South, tail-end lambs have been going to the works at good weights. Audio

Frosts are tickling the North and South Islands but it's been a cracker autumn, and in the South fruit picking is all but over. Audio

Much of the North Island has seen a little rain - but more would be welcome. In the South the Indian summer continues and grape harvesting's in full swing. Audio

The winner of last week's competition about a dog breed, the Huntaway, was won by Reverend Gary Clover from Stoke, Nelson. Audio

Making sure effluent is dealt with properly on farms is a huge worry for dairy farmers. An Effluent Expo was held recently to help answer their questions. Audio

Film-maker James Muir talks about his acclaimed documentary that follows Wairarapa farmer Grant Muir, as he struggles against the odds to keep a local river clean. Audio

'Gymnastics and Testicles' by Peter Jerram and Peter Anderson. Audio

The was good solid, welcome rainfall in many North Island areas mid week, and in the South Island, rams have been getting down to business amongst the ewes. Audio