Farming
Rural News Wrap for 21 March 2025
A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Audio
Full Episode for Friday 21 March 2025
This week on Country Life the team catch up with some sheep farmers busy with docking and crutching on the land, and then a taste of the sea, as they sample different seaweeds. Audio
New Zealand wine sales in US increase, for 16th year in a row
Sales of New Zealand wine have increased in the US - "a bright spot in an otherwise declining import sector", the New Zealand Winegrowers industry body says. Audio
South Taranaki farmers say drought is worst in more than 40 years
MetService's Hāwera weather station has recorded just 123mm this summer - a little over half what it normally gets.
Spring Sheep Milk Co takes on new investors
Company chief executive Nick Hammond said the investors are agri-business people from New Zealand and the US, as well as two Chinese investors to boost in-country marketing.
Fonterra's half-year profit jumps to $729 million
The latest results show the dairy co-op is in great shape, its chief executive says.
All the 'tea' on farming organic native tea
An old airstrip in Whakatane has become home to rows and rows of native herbs which eventually get turned into tea. That's the work of Laureen and Dan Andrews, who left their lives in Rotorua behind… Audio
Farms turn into deserts as drought worsens
A drought has been declared in the Northland, Waikato, Horizons, Marlborough-Tasman, and Taranaki regions. Audio
Drought turns lush Waikato farms brown
Lush Waikato farms are turning into deserts as drought conditions worsen and farmers struggle to grow grass. Reporter Alexa Cook is on the road talking to those most affected. Audio
'It's getting scary now': Drought-hit farmers face harsh winter
The clock is ticking for drought-stricken farmers in the Central North Island who fear if they don't get rain soon, no grass will grow before winter bites. Audio
Bluff Oyster check in
Bluff oyster season started 18 days ago and runs through to the end of August. Audio
Lake Taupō farmer on region's drought
The drought in the Central North Island is really starting to bite for farmers. Lake Taupō sheep farmer Ruby Mulinder spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Beef and Lamb NZ on trade talks with India
Restarting trade talks with India is being seen by Beef and Lamb New Zealand as marking a significant step forward for New Zealand's red meat sector, unlocking new opportunities for exporters. Beef… Audio
Southland show at 'the hole in the bush' still going strong after 85 years
Tuatapere's picturesque domain is transformed into a sensory celebration of rural life during the annual Waiau A&P Show.
