RNZ: Country Life

This week on Country Life Gianina meets a worm farmer in Hawke's Bay, while Sally drops in on a Kerikeri orchard growing dragon fruit and Anisha is with some Canterbury grain farmers. Amid punishing weather and high costs, they're making the switch to dairying.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:47 - Rural News Wrap6:30 - Wonder Worm12:56 - Trading crops for cows31:50 -In Northland there be dragonsWith thanks to:Trevor HellyerDavid Clark, Rod May, and David BirkettSatish Kumar, Luke Beehre, and Jeanette JohnstoneMake 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 trial of the striking and exotic dragon fruit is hitting its straps in Northland. Could the new sweet varieties grown under cover be a viable crop in New Zealand amid a changing climate? You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can find Sally's other story from Northland Te Tai Tokerau about the Land family, here.With thanks to:Satish Kumar, Bioeconomy Science InstituteLuke Beehre and Jeanette Johnstone, Northland IncGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Canterbury is an arable powerhouse, but in recent years, many have started moving into dairying. What's behind the change?You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can find that other story we mentioned about the Wairarapa Grains Collective, here.With thanks to:David Clark, Rod May, and David BirkettMake 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

Trevor Hellyer made the move from one mud loving animal to another - changing from pig farming to worm farming just outside Havelock North. Go 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

Country Life visits New Zealand's only cranberry farm, finds out about the origins and passion for the trusty ute and meets Laura Watson of Monowai StationYou can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.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

Anisha Satya visits New Zealand's only cranberry farm - and samples the produce.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Kevin MacGregor and Kate BuckleyMake 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

While Americans have their pick-ups, Kiwis and Aussies have the ute. Mark Leishman finds out about the ubiquitous farmers' and tradies' vehicle at the Methven A & P Show's Ute Muster You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Laura Watson is a the fourth generation of her family to run Monowai Station. She's not only helping restore wetlands and pockets of native bush on her family farm but across wider Te Tairāwhiti. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Laura Watson, Monowai StationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

This week Country Life meets some pioneer egg producers and a farmer growing and harvesting an ancient grain.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:38 - Answering the roar - hunting venison for people in need6:34 - Rural News Wrap13:19 - Four farmers, one forgotten grain and the pasta-maker bringing it to the plate28:57 - Poultry 'pioneers': Three generations of Bennik's behind an egg empireWith thanks to:Lisa DauntonMonty Petrie and Mick Williams, Wairarapa Grains CollectiveNick, Harry, Rhonda and Courtney Bennik, Bennik's EggsMake 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

From moving to cage-free farming in the 90's, becoming SPCA animal welfare accredited and launching a liquid egg processing plant - the Bennik family has never been afraid to try something new and ruffle a few feathers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Bennik's Eggs, here, or the NZ Egg Group, here.With thanks to:Nick, Harry, Rhonda and Courtney BennikMake 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

Amid a growing eat local movement, durum wheat is being grown and turned into pasta by an artisan food producer and a group of Wairarapa farmers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Find out more about the Wairarapa Grains Collective here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

For a few years now Lisa Daunton has been stocking food banks in Te Tai Rāwhiti with wild venison which she harvests with fellow hunters. With thanks to Lisa DauntonFor more on the story, click hereTo find out more about Kaiwhakangau and Kai Connect, click hereGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life meets a family using bullock-power instead of diesel to grow their own food, and gets a taste of the tomatoes grown by some of Wellington's Italian community.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:47 - Conditions wrap7:04- Standing up for migrant farmers14:45 - Roots that run deep - Capri tomatoes26:24 - Off-grid, thriving and feeding whānau without fossil fuelsWith thanks to:Kristine AsuncionNina and Teresa CuccurulloMarissa DowlingThe Land familyMake 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

Bullocks and horses power the Land's farm in the Hokianga where three generations live off-grid, growing practically all their own food without the need for fossil fuels. Country Life spent a morning with the families whose way of life echoes more traditional modes of farming last century.With thanks to:The Land familyHead here for photos and more informationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From Italy to Wellington's south coast, growing and eating great food is central to the Cuccurullo family maintaining its cultural heritage. For the past 60 years, they've kept the tradition of growing tomatoes from seeds first sourced in Capri in the 1960s.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Nina and Teresa CuccurulloGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha Satya chats with Kristine Asuncion, Filipina dairy farmer and advocate.With thanks to:Kristine AsuncionGo 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

Country Life visits a mosque in remote Southland, the sheep of the future in Northland, and traverses Mid Canterbury's rivers and shorelines with pest trappers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:45 - The Masjid that's made a home in Mataura5:26 - Rural News Wrap10:06 - The future role of meat and dairy in feeding humans18:22 - Meaty, eco-friendly, good-looking but not so woolly - the making of NZ's future flock30:53 - A trap down the river: Pest control along Mid Canterbury's waterwaysWith thanks to:Haji Zamberi MatyunusDonald MooreKapiro FarmAlastair Stewart and Ray CossarKen BodyThe Rickard familyMake 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

Farmers, tradies and 4x4 enthusiasts are doing their bit to protect Mid Canterbury's rivers and oceans.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Alastair StewartRay CossarKen BodyThe Rickard familyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Climate change, increasing costs, fussier consumers and changing rules have researchers and breeders working hard to develop a sheep that will not only be economic to farm but good for the planet. Country Life visits Kapiro Farm in Northland which is five years into a seven-year project to design the sheep of the future.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ian Leaf, PāmuGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Chicago-based Global Dairy Platform's executive director Donald Moore on the importance of addressing emissions reductions with a 'global mass' approach. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Donald MooreGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

The Mataura Masjid provides a place of community for those from as far as Roxborough and Tapanui to Wyndham.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Haji Zamberi MatyunusGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

After her time at the Shepherdess muster, Country Life presenter Gianina Schwanecke shares the latest podcast from RNZ made in collaboration with the team at Shepherdess magazine, Far From Town. Host Arpége Taratoa-Rangikura meets women at the end of gravel roads and up remote valleys across Aotearoa. Over cups of tea, they talk about love, loss and connection to whenua.Jenny Sandford's life is a whirlwind. From a beauty school dropout to wild times in Canada, from being a cop to now being a mum of four and a sheep and beef farmer in Tairāwhiti. From the immense grief of miscarriage when they lost their firstborn daughter, Nina, to finding joy in line dancing in her wool shed. Jenny takes on whatever comes her way and somehow finds a silver lining.To see more images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: rnz.co.nz/farfromtownGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is helping with the grape harvest, taking you line-dancing and meeting rural women at the Shepherdess Muster.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:37 - Dairy payouts and Kiwisaver changes with Steve Hayidakis5:50 - Rural News Wrap9:40 - Pick and be merry - harvest time at Big Sky Wines17:42 - Let's go line dancing30:00 - Making memories at the Shepherdess MusterWith thanks to:Steve HayidakisJeremy Corban and Katherine Jacobs, Big Sky VineyardNigel Mooney, Linedance ChristchurchKristy McGregor, ShepherdessMake 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 weekend retreat filled with crafts, relaxation, learning, fun and connection in the remote rural community of Tokanui in Southland.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can hear more from Julie Keast and the Far From Town women, here.With thanks to:Kristy McGregor, ShepherdessAnd Allesha Ballard-Conway, Louise Patterson, Sophie Green, Dr Helen Paterson from the Women's Health Bus, Johnny Mauchline from Flying Trestles, Tokanui local Sheila Smith from the Small Prophet Design ShedMake 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 rurally-rooted dance style has had a resurgence across New Zealand. Country Life attends a class to learn why. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Harvest time at Big Sky Wines, established by Kath Jacobs and Jeremy Corban, begins or ends with friends and neighbours in the vineyard helping to bring in the first grapes of the season. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

ANZ's general manager for business and agri discusses how the Fonterra consumer brands sale will impact rural towns and supermarket shelves.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life visits the Duff family's permaculture farm in the Hawke's Bay, a farming festival in North Canterbury, chats to young Kiwi pilot Henry Phelps, who's fighting Australia's bushfires, and Gary Lancaster of the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:05 - Weird, wacky wild food8:51 - Conditions Wrap16:48 - Permaculture power in Poukawa30:45 - Young kiwi pilot helps map and fight Victoria's devastating bushfires37:47 - A walk through Aotearoa's farming festivalGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Underground Festival brings rural folk from across the motu together to learn about regenerative agriculture, and share kai from the land. Anisha Satya toured around the event. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about the Underground Festival, here.With thanks to:Fran BaileyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Duff family's focus is working with nature when it comes to their permaculture farm and organic nursery, Kahikatea Farm. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more information about Kahikatea Farm, here.With thanks to:Jo DuffGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Kiwi pilot Henry Phelps has gone from wilderness flying to helping combat Australia's bushfires, flying planes with special technology which provide photos to assist in the tracking and fighting of fires on the ground. He's not the only Phelps in the air over the fires. Sometimes his brother is flying over the same area in a helicopter, also on a similar mission. Henry chats to Country Life about his job and working alongside his brother as fires rage below.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From wild deer to huhu grubs - the Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika celebrates all foods foraged and feral. Anisha Satya talks to vender coordinator Cary Lancaster. Go 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

Country Life is with blade shearers from around the world in a woolshed in Tinui and immersed in the many attractions of the tiny community of Duntroon. Sir Charles Godfray is the show's guest talking about how food systems will have to change in the face of global warming. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For a town of only 100 people, Duntroon has more than its share of attractions, with a blacksmiths, a master saddler, the intriguing Vanished World Heritage Centre with its fossils, and a Heritage Trail. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Blade shearers from around the world have been sharpening their tools and their eye before the Golden Shears in Masterton under the tutelage of Allan Oldfield, a world champion blade shearer, at a woolshed in Tinui.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details