RNZ: Country Life

This week Country Life dives underground to take a closer look at soils, from Canterbury farmers using the Japanese Bokashi system to a market gardener making garden beds as rich as chocolate cake in Taranaki. We also unpack the recently announced biodiversity credits. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:48 - Rural News Wrap 5:52 - Dollars for nature - a look at biodiversity credits17:51 - Bokashi by the Tonne - Farmers turns waste into natural fertiliser31:30 - Roebuck Farm: Where the garden beds are rich 'like chocolate cake'With thanks to guests:Sean Weaver, EkosHayden JohnstonTim Hawke and Murray WeaverJodi Roebuck, Roebuck FarmMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Over the past 20 years, Jodi Roebuck and his wife Tanya have turned a bare paddock into a thriving market garden with an emphasis on microgreens, teachers others from around the world how to do the same. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Roebuck Farm, here.In this episode:0:19 - Roebuck Farm3:26 - Cover crops7:04 - Microgreens14:19 - Wash and packWith thanks to:Jodi RoebuckMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bokashi, the Japanese anaerobic composting system which ferments organic matter, is helping to maintain healthy soils on a sheep and dairy grazing farm in North Canterbury.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Tim Hawke and Murray WeaverGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

News that the government is looking to support a market system to help fund the huge cost of restoring nature could be music to the ears of farmers and iwi wanting to do their bit for biodiversity but facing huge costs. So what are biodiversity credits and how do they work? You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sean Weaver, EKOSHayden Johnston, Ministry for the EnvironmentGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life celebrates Matariki with stories about Māori horticultural wisdom and a couple setting up star gazing experiences on their farm. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:48 - Rural News Wrap6:02 - Nick Roskruge - digging into indigenous knowledge14:05 - 'We can grow anything here': A family's growing experiment28:36 - Stars, soil and whakapapa - 'We're just caretakers really'With thanks to guests:Nick RoskrugeThe McClutchie whānauMark and Susannah Guscott, Glen Eden FarmsMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This Matariki, the stars align for Mark and Susannah Guscott - award winners bringing whakapapa and astronomy together on their sixth-generation Wairarapa farm. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Glen Eden Farms, here. You can also learn more about their Star Safari, here.And for Whitimanuka Retreat, see here.In this episode:0:50 - Roots that run deep5:13 - Changing land uses7:27 - Whitimanuka11:40 - Sheep and beef18:09 - Star SafariWith thanks to:Mark and Susannah GuscottMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The McClutchie whānau explores growing different crops, with aspirations to grow Māori medicinal plants, on their family whenua in North Taranaki.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Venture Taranaki's Branching Out, here. Or by listening to this interview with Michelle Bauer here.With thanks to:Rawiri McClutchie, Davis McClutchie, Richard McClutchie, and Anne-Maree McKayGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Nick Rahiri Roskruge is Country Life's guest this week. His work in agriculture and soil science have taken him far afield looking at crops sustaining indigenous communities. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Nick RoskrugeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is out and about at Fieldays, meets a boy with a side hustle farming quail eggs, and chats around the kitchen table with the Harvey family about their century of farming.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:41 - Rural News Wrap7:45 - Rural Women NZ at 10015:45 - The Quail Kid - cracking the egg market aged 1227:45 - From generation to generation - a century at DaisybankWith thanks to guests:Sandra Matthews, Rural Women New ZealandHamish Sturgeon & Giovanni VicoThe Harvey FamilyMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Strong family support, innovation and a dash of good luck have seen the Harvey family of Wairarapa clock up a hundred years on Daisybank Farm near Martinborough. They're banking on a similar mix to see them through the next century. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:02 - Life at Daisybank4:10 - The next generation takes over7:23 - 100 years of farming10:17 - 100 years of Harveys15:41 - Experience life on farmWith thanks to:Owen Harvey, John and Emma HarveyMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Hamish Sturgeon is on his first farming venture rearing quails for their eggs. They're healthy, delicious and it's a fun side-hustle keeping the cute little birds fed, watered and healthy, the young teen says. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Hamish Sturgeon and his mum Briar SturgeonGiovanni VicoGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As Rural Women New Zealand marks its centennial year, it hopes a $250,000 boost in government funding can help fuel its mission to connect, support, and advocate for women in rural communities. President Sandra Matthews is Country Life's guest this week. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can read more about the centenary rose, here.With thanks:Sandra Matthews, Rural Women New ZealandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life delves into the world of protein, finds out how a small community raises money for a rescue service through its hunting competition and meets an orchardist with a knack for upcycling as well as growing. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:44 - Rural News Wrap07:30 - The Power of Protein16:48 - Bob Teal's Bruntwood Orchard30:23 - The small town hunting competition that's helping save livesWith thanks to guests:Distinguished professor Paul Moughan, The Riddet InstituteBob Teal, Bruntwood OrchardAbbey MaherMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The annual Pongaroar hunting competition is remote Tarara District helps hunters and farmers tackle growing pest numbers, while getting together and raising funds for the local rescue helicopter. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Abbey MaherMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bob Teale's resourcefulness has allowed him to keep growing a niche range of berries into his 80s at Bruntwood Orchard near Cambridge. He uses upcycled push chairs as picking trolleys and adapted his golf cart to run under his DIY tunnel houses. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Bob Teal, Bruntwood OrchardGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Distinguished professor Paul Moughan from the Riddet Institute breaks down what protein is, why we need it and all the things you need to know when considering your protein fix. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks: Distinguished professor Paul Moughan, The Riddet InstituteGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector.You can find more from the rural news team hereGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life moves with the cows on that traditional day of the farming calendar - Mooving Day. The team's also in northern Coromandel where locals have fought back to retain their local post office and finds out about diversification in Taranaki.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:53- On the farm8:34- Venture Taranaki 'Branching Out' across the region15:46- Colville people ensure the mail gets through26:26- From the Archives: My old man said follow the cowsWith thanks to guests:Michelle Bauer, Venture TaranakiPeter SanderMike and Raewyn Sweeney, and Gary CoombeMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

June 1 is an important day in the farming calendar when dairy farmers relocate animals, typically from one farm to another, for the start of the new season. Back in 2009 producer Susan Murray stepped out with some farmers to find out what the day - now known as Mooving Day - involves. With thanks to:Mike and Raewyn Sweeney, and Gary CoombeFor more on Mooving Day, click here .Make sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

An hour's drive from the northern tip of Coromandel, you'll find a tiny post office run by volunteers. As rural postal services shrink, the small community here - population about 1500 - has taken things into its own hands to ensure the old motto "the mail must get through". You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to: Peter SanderStory hereGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Michelle Bauer from Venture Taranaki's Branching Out programme shares exciting new opportunities for Taranaki landowners to diversify their farming and growing operations.You can learn more about Venture Taranaki's Branching Out, here.You can also find our previous interview with organic dairy farmer Janet Fleming who's taking part in the trial, here.With thanks to:Michelle BauerGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life speaks to farmers and growers around NZ to find out about growing conditions over the past month.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life visits a Taranaki conservationist on the family farm, learns more about a Canterbury family making cosy coffins from their farms wool to provide a comfortable send off, and we take a dive into the archives to learn about the importance of rural broadcasting as RNZ celebrates 100 years. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:48 - Preserving native bush and local history on the 'perfect farm'8:41 - Rural News Wrap16:00 - Farming 101: The difference between a heading dog and a Huntaway17:26 - 100 years of rural broadcasting41:04 - Demand for caskets made from sheeps wool on the riseWith thanks to guests:Ross DunlopChris Shaw, Rural Edge Contracting and Dog TrainingNgā Taonga Sound and VisionPolly and Ross McGuckin, Exquisite WoolsMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As well as selling top quality wool to buyers around the world, Polly and Ross McGuckin's Yaldhurst Wools business also provides funeral homes with biodegradable caskets and ash urns made from New Zealand wool. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Exquisite Wools, here.With thanks to:Polly and Ross McGuckinGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Informing, entertaining and connecting isolated farmers was a prime goal of the Radio Broadcasting Company, officially incorporated in August 1925 and a forerunner to RNZ. As RNZ celebrates the centenary, Country Life dips back into the archives to bring you some of the well-loved voices and shows from the rural team over the decades. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ngā Taonga Sound & VisionMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion FacebookGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Wairarapa dog triallist Chris Shaw breaks down the difference between heading dogs and Huntaway, like young pup Miley, and what they each do on farm.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can also find more about Rural Edge Contracting and Dog Training, here.You can catch more of Chris and Miley, including the first time we met them, here.With thanks to:Chris ShawGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Former South-Taranaki mayor Ross Dunlop has led the way with conservation efforts on his family farm.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ross DunlopGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life heads to the saleyards in Canterbury, meets a Taranaki woman weaving locally-grown wool into blankets and finds out what it's like to be a rural midwife working in a very remote part of the Coromandel Peninsula. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap6:02 - Lambs are flying out of the pens at the Canterbury Saleyards14:18 - Where there's wool there's a way27:01 - A day in the life of a rural midwifeWith thanks to guests:Tim Kyle, Grant Nordstrom, and Brent McCauleyAlison Ross, The Taranaki BlanketSheryl WrightMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Rural midwife Sheryl Wright drives a winding dangerous road and even fords rivers to get to pregnant and new mothers in northwest Coromandel. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:08 - A day in the life of Sheryl Wright3:00 - The only midwife in remote Coromandel5:58 - At the Thames birthing clinic8:50 - Home visits and home births17:43 - Not just a holiday destination but homeWith thanks to:Sheryl WrightMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Taranaki weaver Alison Ross is trying to bring back woollen-blankets made from locally-grown wool to highlight the fibre's benefits. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about The Taranaki Blanket here.With thanks to:Alison RossGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Many Waitaha farmers are moving away from the traditional system of running ewes and finishing their own lambs. Now they're in the market to buy in and finish other's lambs. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to guests:Tim Kyle, Grant Nordstrom, and Brent McCauleyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There are two sorts of harvest on Country Life this week - muttonbirds on the tītī islands and walnuts at one of Canterbury's biggest walnut orchards. Also, a trip into the past to visit an historic farm on the Coromandel peninsula, linked to immigrants from Dalmatia.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:42 - Rural News Wrap5:55 - Muttonbirding - 'It's part of who we are'14:34 - Devcich farm shines a light on Dalmatian pioneers30:00 - Harvesting time is nuts at busy walnut orchardWith thanks to guests:Daniel Tarrant, Ruapuke UncutLorenza Devcich, Devcich Historic FarmsteadClive Marsh and Heather NorthMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The tree shaker and nut gatherer are cracking through Clive Marsh and Heather North's picturesque nuttery near Lincoln. By harvest's end, over 30 tonnes of walnuts will have been turned into premium products at a local walnut processing facility. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:55 - Lightfoot Walnuts3:01 - Why walnuts8:15 - The nut shaker12:05 - Nuts for nuts16:03 - In the wash shedWith thanks to:Clive Marsh and Heather NorthMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The story of a pioneering family of Dalmatian immigrants is kept alive through a cluster of rustic sheds on an historic farm near Thames.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can read more about Devcich Historic Farmstead, here.With thanks to:Lorenza DevcichGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Daniel TarrantGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is at a pumpkin farm in Whanganui, finding out about seed growing and meets a photographer from South Auckland who's spending time at one of New Zealand's iconic hill country stations. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - On the farm8:32 - Farming 101: Grapevine pruning11:48 - South Auckland artist absorbs farm life on high country station in Southern Alps27:31 - Life is gourd for pumpkin seed growers at Summer Hill SeedsWith thanks to guests:Jake Dromgool, 144 IslandsRaymond SagapouteleClare and Grant Adkins, Summer Hill SeedsMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details