Farming
Guest - Dairy farmer Stephen Crawford
South Otago's biggest organic dairy farm might go conventional after news the dairy company which picks up the milk is reviewing the premiums for organic milk. Audio
On the Farm - a wrap of conditions around the country
It's been a kind winter for most North Island farmers now busy with lambing and calving, with warmer temperatures and plenty of rain helping to keep the grass growing. Meanwhile sheep farmers in the… Audio
Country Life Friday 30 August 2024
This week the Country Life team heads to a small-scale salt farm in Northland and meets a conservationist collecting endangered wildflowers. Audio
Farmers spending millions of dollars on pest control
Federated Farmers latest pest survey of 700 farmers found farmers are spending on average $5.45 a hectare controlling pests like deer, goats, possums, cats and geese
Can New Zealand deal with the bird flu?
As cases mount overseas, NZ officials are bolstering their avian influenza plan. Here's what you need to know.
Garlic grower accused of smear campaign against smaller producers
Te Mata Garlic's Chris Morrison is facing allegations of scaremongering by falsely claiming to have been tasked by the Ministry for Primary Industries and other industry bodies to compile data on…
Is the heat about to go on Fonterra over farming on drained peat?
Government officials have been quietly exploring how much carbon dioxide could be saved if the country reflooded its peat soils.
Synlait's former boss questions major shareholders' voting rights
The former head of the dairy company is threatening to upset a vital meeting to save the financially strapped business.
Fonterra to spend $75 million expanding Studholme site
The site will become a "hub for high value proteins" designed for "premium" products such as medical and sports nutrition.
Farmers vs foresters amid allegations of stock shooting, poor pest management
Landowners are hopeful forestry companies will step up after allegations were aired at a public meeting.
Midday Rural News for 27 August 2024
An agri-analyst says falling sheep numbers means meat companies will need to make some tough decisions. Beef and Lamb New Zealand's latest stock survey shows over the past decade, breeding ewe numbers… Audio
Plea for surplus hemp by-product to be used as animal feed
A hemp company says it's dumping tonnes of a by-product that could be used as animal feed.
What would happen if Methanex left NZ?
It uses 40 percent of the country's gas supply and the country needs a plan if it leaves, experts say. Audio
