RNZ: Country Life

This week Country Life is on a high tech beef farm and visits a training centre teaching how to handle rural health emergencies.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:57 - The Bird Nurse7:27 - On the Farm14:15 - Farming 101: Triple Trouble?29:05 - Training the future of rural emergency care31:57 - Techno grazing on an intergenerational family farm in TaranakiWith thanks to:Averil OsbornePeter CrookChris Hill, William Wu, Eleanor Dunn, and Paradise LesateleGeorge, Julia and Sue Hardwick-SmithMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Introducing virtual fencing and other technology has helped the Hardwick-Smith family double the profitability of some parts of their sheep and beef hill country farm. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:George, Julia and Sue Hardwick-SmithMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With lambing well underway, sheep grazier Peter Crook shares some down-to-earth advice on how to deal with triplet lambs. With thanks to:Peter CrookGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Rural Health Academic Centre, Ashburton, teaches young doctors and nurses how to handle rural emergencies.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Chris Hill, William Wu, Eleanor Dunn, and Paradise LesateleGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Injured feathered patients find a safe and restful spot to recuperate in Averil Osborne's ward. With thanks to:Averil OsborneGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around New ZealandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is on farms looking for meteorites, and newborn calves, visits a herd home for cows and takes you into the world of a station cook preparing "smoko". You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:56 - Rural News Wrap7:45 - What's for Smoko?14:38 - From the Archives: It's calving time26:57 - Herd home: How a Taranaki dairy farm lifted its milk solids by 30,000 kilograms36:58 - Great balls of fire, tiny rocks and a very big paddockWith thanks to:Philippa Cameron, Claire ConcannonPaul Kuriger, Crystal RiversSteve Wyn-Harris, John Murray, Chris GarlandMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Searching for a bit of space debris in a farm paddock is like looking for a needle in a haystack, except you're not quite sure where the haystack is. Country Life joins in the hunt for fragments of the fireball which shot over the lower North Island in late July. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Steve Wyn-Harris, John Murray, Chris GarlandMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Spending an extra half a million dollars building a herd home for his cows means Paul Kuriger can milk for an extra month while helping protect the many waterways on his farm, Crystal Rivers.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Paul Kuriger, Crystal RiversGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Back in 2021 producer Sally Round got up before the birds to meet Carterton dairy farmer Jodie James and his team to find out what happens over calving. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Our Changing World's Claire Concannon talks to station cook Philippa Cameron. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Philippa CameronClaire ConcannonTune in to Our Changing World to find out what Claire was in Duntroon for.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team. You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life visits a centre helping injured birds of prey return to the wild and an insect farm breeding beneficial bugs. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:01 - Rural news wrap8:29- Instagram-able rural scene causing headache for locals13:49 - A force to be reckoned with28:17 - Raptor rescues in TimaruWith thanks to:Amanda JordanChris and John Thompson, BioforceRon Lindsay, Jenni Fraser and Angie Tidy, New Zealand Raptor TrustMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The NZ Raptor Trust has spent the last decade helping birds of prey recover from road accidents and return to the wild.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ron Lindsay, Jenni Fraser and Angie Tidy, New Zealand Raptor TrustMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bioforce grows beneficial insects, sending them around the country to gardeners and orchardists, providing a fighting force to beat back pests in tunnel houses and greenhouses, the natural way.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Chris and John Thompson, BioforceGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Dairy farmer Amanda Jordan lives in view of one of Aotearoa's most beautiful sights, but she says visitors are playing with lives snapping photos of Mt Taranaki on the winding rural road where she lives.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Amanda JordanGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life delves into the world of rare breeds, meets a farmer foraging seed for her native trees and heads to an olive grove on the Kapiti Coast. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:00 - Rural news wrap7:29 - Rare breeds at Avonstour Heritage Farm14:07 - The farmer with the seed fridge28:59 - From hill Country to olive countryWith thanks to:John EarneySandra CampbellDiana and Grant CrosseMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

After decades farming sheep and beef on rugged hill country, Diana and Grant Crosse made an unlikely career change, swapping livestock for olive trees near Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast. The transition has brought new challenges, new skills and a whole new lifestyle, but much of their farming know-how still applies. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Diana and Grant CrosseMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Farmer Sandra Campbell shows us the native trees she's grown from foraged seed, and how they're making her farm a "nicer place to be." You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sandra CampbellYou can follow Sandra's planting adventures on Instagram @ourwatercarejourneyMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

John Earney finds the value in rare, sometimes almost forgotten breeds of animal. The president of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand says that's the key to ensuring their survival - be they farm animals or native species. With thanks to:John EarneyMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.Make sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life digs into the arable world, meets the maker of the world's "supreme champion cheese" and learns about growing plants hydroponically in Horowhenua.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:58 - On the Farm8:18 - The state of the arable industry - and it's future15:04 - A world champion from a little town called Eltham29:26- Hydroponics in Horowhenua: Growing with waterWith thanks to:Scott Champion, Foundation for Arable ResearchCathy LangTony and Lisa Dale-Low, Waikawa FreshMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Husband and wife duo Tony and Lisa Dale-Low traded corporate life in the city for growing fresh herbs and salad greens.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Tony and Lisa Dale-Low, Waikawa FreshMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In the heart of Taranaki dairy country, a large silver trophy has arrived from Europe. The team at Lactalis' Bridge Street plant in Eltham are the proud makers of a cheese judged Supreme Champion at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards in June. Sally Round went to meet master cheesemaker Cathy Lang. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Cathy LangGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Scott Champion shares how the Foundation for Arable Research is working to rebuild confidence and stability in the cropping sector.With thanks to:Scott Champion, Foundation for Arable ResearchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country life talks to an American poultry farmer about her bird flu experience, visits a llama farmer and meets a family who've been farming celery for more than a century.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:59 - Rural news wrap5:45- What New Zealand can learn from a farmer who lived through H5N117:43 - Addicted to yarn: Llama herd follows love of fibre31:36 - Celery, butterflies and Travis the goatWith thanks to:Georgie Cartanza, University of DelawareJanette Buckingham, Thickthorne LlamasGraham Franklin, Lucy Franklin, Alan Franklin, Monique Franklin, Jasmine Franklin, Luke Franklin, Brian King, and Solola Manulele, Franklin FarmMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For 120 years, the Franklin family has farmed celery through changing markets, wild weather and six generations of family life. Alongside the celery fields, visitors now wander through sunflower patches, butterfly houses and a bustling farmyard where one cheeky goat has become a bit of a celebrity. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more about Franklin Farm, here.With thanks to:Graham Franklin, Lucy Franklin, Alan Franklin, Monique Franklin, Jasmine Franklin, Luke Franklin, Brian King, and Solokiala ManuleleMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It was the 1990s when many farms were looking to diversify. 'Why not llamas?', thought Southland spinner and farmer Janette Buckingham.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Janette Buckingham, Thickthorne LlamasGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What happens when bird flu arrives on your farm? Delaware poultry farmer and educator Georgie Cartanza shares her first hand experience of an H5N1 outbreak, the loss of 148,000 birds, and the biosecurity lessons she believes every farmer should know.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Georgie Cartanza, University of DelawareGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week on Country life, the team chat to Irish farmer and author John Connell and heads to East Timor to see how money earnt in New Zealand orchards is benefiting those back home.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:54 - Rural news wrap5:27 - Yarn on a farm: Sheep, beef and trees in South Otago12:32 - John Connell: Life lessons from those who work on the land24:53 - A Ticket to a Better Life: Timor-Leste enters New Zealand's RSE programme45:59 - A word from the late Sam NeillWith thanks to:Nigel WoodheadJohn ConnellLoua Ward, José Ramos-Horta, Cherie Drummond, Marcos Dias and family, Pedro Suarez and Anna ThomasThe late Sir Sam Neill - you can find our preview interview with him hereProducer Anna Thomas travelled to Timor-Leste with assistance from the Asia New Zealand FoundationMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Thousands of Timorese have applied to join New Zealand's seasonal worker scheme, which opened to Timor Leste for the first time in 2026. Seven months of orchard work could earn them up to $40,000, considered a fortune in one of the world's poorest countries. Anna Thomas travelled to Timor Leste to meet some of the families benefiting from their remittances. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Loua Ward, José Ramos-Horta, Cherie Drummond, Marcos Dias and family, Pedro Suarez, the Asia New Zealand FoundationProducer Anna Thomas travelled to Timor-Leste with assistance from the Asia New Zealand Foundation.Make sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Irish writer and farmer John Connell latest book is The Wisdom of Farmers. He shares some of the pearls of wisdom he has learnt from a decade of farming with Country Life.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:John ConnellMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha Satya speaks with farmer Nigel Woodhead about his "mosaic" farming system.With thanks to:Nigel WoodheadMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The late Sir Sam Neill told Country Life he was excited by the "farming" side of wine, that and the beautiful Otago landscape where his Two Paddocks vineyard is set. We paid the actor and vintner a visit back in the spring of 2022.You can find photos and read more about our visit our webpage, here.With thanks to:The late Sir Sam NeillGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life takes you stargazing at a farm near Lake Tekapo, goes behind the scenes of a wool auction in Napier and is with some belching cows being measured for methane emissions at a giant barn in Waikato. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:54 - Rural News Wrap8:50 - Inside the 'animal Hilton': Pamu's methane measurement barn15:08 - Wool for sale - inside a Kells Wool auction27:22 - Stars on the farm46:10 - Garden diaries: Beneath the starsWith thanks to:Diane Karaitiana Bryant, PāmuRichard Kells, Holly Tarrant, Jess Williams, Ken Tunnicliff, Kim Asquith and Alexa CookSam Blair and Steve BergeMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Gianina gives an update on her suburban vege garden. She's preparing to plant garlic as the stars align around Matariki. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can see photos and hear more about the garden set up from our previous episode, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha learns about Matariki, lightyears, and farm diversification on a starry night in Lake Tekapo. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sam Blair and Steve BergeMake 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

Country Life steps ringside for the "verbal boxing match" of a wool auction in Napier. Richard Kells of Kells Wool traces his experience of the wool industry from the era of skinny sheep in the 1980s to the reviving industry of present day.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Richard Kells, Holly Tarrant, Jess Williams, Ken Tunnicliff, Kim Alquist and Alexa CookGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details