Country
Drought-hit South Island farmers hope for rain
Some dairy farmers in drought-hit districts on the South Island's West Coast are having to cut down on milking and de-stock.
Industry has huge potential, cashmere producer says
The country's leading cashmere wool-fibre farmer wants to breathe new life into what he describes as a stagnant industry with huge potential.
Young Farmer of the Year regionals start next month
Masterton will host the first FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional final next month.
Regional Wrap
There will be no asparagus on the Christmas dinner table in Horowhenua - moisture stress has left the plants tired and sad. Most people have completed the final wire lift in vineyards across the top… Audio
Regional Wrap
Most of the North Island hoped in vain for passing thunder storms to drop rain this week, but only Gisborne, parts of Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa were lucky. In the South Island rain did fall in… Audio
Regional Wrap
The East Coast's been warm with no wind which farmers have loved but they're all mindful it's getting dry. That's not reflected in sale yard prices yet however, the store market for lambs and cattle… Audio
Regional Wrap
Northland has had a good week with sunshine during the day and showers at night. There is enough rain to keep pasture ticking over which means there's still good demand for store cattle at the sale… Audio
Record number of lambs born this spring
A record number of lambs have been born this year.
Regional Wrap
Hot, calm days are suiting bees on orchards, but Hawkes Bay hasn't had any significant rain for six or seven weeks and it needs some. Eastern Marlborough is drying up too so farmers are offloading… Audio
Regional Wrap
Very little grass silage has been made in dairy farming areas of the North Island so farmers are being warned they probably won't be able to buy any when they need it. Audio
Regional Wrap
Hawkes Bay farmers are looking forward to the predicted moisture arriving this weekend. Milk production on dairy farms is ahead of last year and cows have been cycling particularly well. Canterbury's… Audio
Calls for a national standard for organics
Organic industry leaders from the US are pushing for New Zealand to develop a national standard for organics so that the sector can cash in on the thriving market.
Skyscraper Stan sings live
Melbourne based Kiwi singer/songwriter Stanley Woodhouse is touring the country with fellow artist, poet and novelist Dominic Hoey also known as ‘Tourettes’. The 17 date tour also features a spot in… Audio
Regional Wrap
Maize is germinating well in most North Island areas, it's a little later going in than normal, and asparagus has had a terrific growing week. Lamb marking is in full swing in Central Otago and… Audio
Regional Wrap
In King Country fine weather is let docking gangs separate thousands of lambs from their tails, and asparagus is growing better with warmer, drier conditions . Farmers in Canterbury are planting… Audio
Regional Wrap
At last some more stable fine weather is letting North Island farmers get onto cultivating pastures and making silage, while at the top of South Island flower bud thinning is underway in kiwifruit… Audio
Regional Wrap
Waikato has had a break from relentless rain this week but Canterbury has had plenty; 100 mils fell across the region halting cultivating, drilling and the spreading of fertiliser. Audio
South Island farmers nervous about cattle disease
Farmers remain nervous about the cattle disease, mycoplasma bovis, despite the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) being cautiously optimistic that it was under control.
The sound of Donna Dean’s guitar
Tui award winning singer/songwriter Donna Dean is in the spotlight for “The Sound of Her Guitar”, a documentary following her journey from state houses in Auckland’s Glenn Innes to Texas clubs… Audio
Tick disease worse this year, says Northland farmer
A disease that can kill cattle is worse this year than others, a Northland farmer says.
