Farming
New Zealand at risk of losing locally grown veggies
An industry body leader says New Zealand is at risk of losing significant amounts of its locally grown veggie supply if government policies are not addressed.
Farmers turn weed into wellness products
Hemp grows beside wheat, barley and peas at Blair and Jody Drysdale's farm in Northern Southland. The seeds are pressed and made into nutritional oil and skincare cream, that the couple sell direct to…
Sunflower community project brightening Central Hawke's Bay
A dairy farm field filled with sunflowers in Central Hawke's Bay is bringing joy and happiness to the local community, with people invited to walk through the flowers, and pick some to take away.
Farmers turn weed into wellness products
Hemp grows beside wheat, barley and peas at Blair and Jody Drysdale's farm in northern Southland. The seeds are pressed in the farmyard and made into nutritional oil and skincare cream, that the… Audio
Sino-vino ties - a wine-lover linking China and New Zealand
Fang Mei fell in love with wine after working in the banking industry in New Zealand and China. Now she has her own vineyard here and educates people in China about New Zealand wine, gleaning insights… Audio
Ag student's dreams come true 15 years on
We check back in with Hamish Best of Conscious Valley just outside Wellington. A keen ag student the last time he spoke to Country Life, he's now a finalist for the prestigious trans-Tasman Zanda… Audio
Rural news wrap for 21 February 2025
A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector Audio
Country Life Friday 21 Feb 2025
A farming couple in Southland are making health products from the hemp they grow, and we get some insights into the Chinese market for New Zealand wine. Audio
Sharing the finer things - NZ's wine ambassador to China
Fang Mei's love of wine was sparked by the New Zealand tradition of Friday drinks and the discovery that she had a good palate. Now she has her own vineyard in Martinborough and educates people in…
Meet Hamish Best, one of this year's Zanda McDonald Award finalists
We check back in with Hamish Best of red meat retailer Conscious Valley just outside Wellington. A keen ag student the last time he spoke to Country Life, he's now a finalist for the prestigious…
No evidence fruit flies spreading says NZ's head of biosecurity
There's no evidence of a breeding population after the discovery of a second fruit fly on Thursday, according to New Zealand's head of biosecurity. Audio
Single Oriental fruit fly found in Auckland suburb of Birkdale
A biosecurity operation is under way in the Auckland suburb of Birkdale, on the North Shore, after the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly. Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner Mike Inglis… Audio
Digging into the DNA of New Zealand's working dogs
New research aims to shed new light on a farmer's best friend.
The 'bulldozer' of a bill set to change gene editing laws
Changes are coming to gene editing laws. Whether they'll help future-proof our economy or ruin New Zealand's international reputation is up for debate.
The 'bulldozer' of a bill set to change gene editing laws
Changes are coming to our gene editing laws. Whether they'll help future-proof our economy or ruin our international reputation is up for debate. Audio
