Farming
Full Episode for Friday 9 May 2025
There are two sorts of harvest on Country Life this week - muttonbirds on the titi islands and walnuts at one of Canterbury's biggest walnut orchards. Also, a trip into the past to visit an historic… Audio
Harvesting time is nuts at busy walnut orchard
The walnut harvest is underway at Lightfoot Orchard in Canterbury.
Passing down traditions in the tītī 'pluck house'
Dan Tarrant's ancestors have been harvesting muttonbirds or tītī for 500 years. The autumn harvest is a family affair and a chance to pass down skills and traditions.
Sheep meat and beef exports up 30 percent in first quarter
The United States can't get enough of New Zealand beef for its burgers as it has a cattle shortage following droughts, and the U.K is also importing more meat. Reporter Sally Wenley reports. Audio
Electric chickens are the future?
Jesse talks to a chicken farmer from Tirau, who has made the switch to electrification of his farm. Audio
Winners of 2024 Prime Minister's Science Prizes announced
From helpful plant-fungus combos, to studying anxiety - the latest Prime Minister's Science Prizes have been awarded.
Snapper trialled in Tasman Bay open ocean aquaculture farming
It is the first time a new finfish species has been tested off the New Zealand coastline.
'Quite confronting': Survey reveals financial, mental health issues among contract milkers
Survey organisers said the results were 'disappointing', but 'not surprising'.
Solid forecast for agriculture exports, despite tariffs
Agricultural exports prices are expected to be resilient, though increased competition in key markets may eventually put pressure on prices.
Boutique dairy company in Havelock North to close down after 15 years
Havelock North-based boutique dairy company Origin Earth is closing down after 15 years of providing customers with locally sourced sustainable products.
Conditions on farms and orchards around the motu
Wet weather caused flooding and disrupted the kiwifruit harvest, but for many drought-afflicted farmers, it has been welcomed.
