RNZ: Country Life

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

Whanganui farming couple Clare and Grant Adkins are growing plant protein alongside their animals proteins. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Summer Hill Seeds, here.If you want to hear from the Welches back in 2019, you can catch the previous episode, here.In this episode:0:14 - Meet Clare and Grant2:50 - A different kind of pumpkin7:25 - Processing the seeds13:55 - 'Grand old lady'18:00 - The colour graderWith thanks to:Clare and Grant AdkinsMake 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

Raymond Sagapolutele was not sure what to expect when he arrived at Castle Hill Station for a Creative NZ residency. The photographer hadn't spent time on a farm before.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Raymond SagapouteleGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Winter's coming up and that means pruning time in the vineyard. How do you prune a grapevine and why? You can learn more about 144 Islands, here.With thanks to:Jake DromgoolGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of conditions on farms and orchards around the country.You can find photos from around the country on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life meets Hawke's bay stud owner Tony Thompson who's been breeding cattle for half a century. The team also find out about an organic vege growing business in Canterbury and chat to a sheep and beef farming family about diversifying their business.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap6:40 - Organic vege business mushrooms under green fingered growers16:42 - Heights Farms built on family29:20 - A Life of Legacy: Tony Thompson and the Glen Anthony StudWith thanks to guests:Penny Platt and Isaac Green, Untamed Earth Organic FarmAnna and Blair Robinson, Heights FarmsTony Thompson, Glen Anthony Super SimmentalsMake 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

Collecting fine china is one of the passions of long-time Simmental cattle breeder Tony Thompson, bringing new meaning to the saying "like a bull in a china shop". You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Glen Anthony Super Simmentals, here.In this episode:0:12 - The origins of the Glen Anthony stud2:56 - Shaping the stud4:30 - Meet the girls and the sale bulls13:30 - Memorable moments over 50 years16:18 - Collecting fine ChinaWith thanks to:Tony ThompsonMake 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

Tucked under the Tararua Range, fifth generation sheep and beef farmers, the Robinsons, have added a diverse range of income streams to the family farm including finding new purposes for the old woolshed. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Heights Farms, here. Or for the Heights Experience, see here.With thanks to:Anna and Blair RobinsonGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

They started growing vegetables in paddock for lockdown vege boxes. Five years on, Penny Platt, her brother Ollie and Issac Green grow over 40 crops on 24 hectares of chemical free farmland in Canterbury. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Untamed Earth Organic Farm, here.With thanks to:Penny Platt and Isaac GreenGo 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 on Country Life we check out an artificially constructed lake on Braemore Farm that's built for water storage and fun we're out with Anna and Mitch Munro are out on the farm every day with 18-month-old Charlie in tow. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:35 - A garden to munch on6:23 - Rural News Wrap14:15 - Wairarapa farmer 'proud' of DIY lake27:26 - Farming with a toddler in towWith thanks to guests:Cath Goodrick, Kai RotoruaLen French, Lake BraemoreAnna and Mitch Munro, Muster PhotographyMake 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

20-month-old Charlie Munro already knows some dog calls and how to open gates. His mum, Anna, also grew up at Cravendale, a hill country farm near Mount Somers. She and husband Mitch, a builder who's quickly learnt the art of farming, lease her parents' 450-hectare farm. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can also find some of Anna's other photos here.In this episode:0:12 - Shifting stock at Cravendale4:00 - Working with toddler in tow8:30 - Learning the ropes13:50 - A homecoming on the family farm16:00 - Behind the lens, capturing rural life with a camera18:15 - SongbirdWith thanks to guests:Mitch and Anna Munro, and Charlie MunroMake 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

Len French wanted a lake to help with water security on his eastern Wairarapa farm. What he's built, Lake Braemore, is now a community asset that can be enjoyed by all.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Lake Braemore, here.With thanks to:Len FrenchGo 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

Landscape designer and market gardener Cath Goodrick enjoys showing how people to incorporate kai into their gardens.You can hear more about Kai Rotorua and the kumara harvest which we featured recently here.With thanks to:Cath Goodrick.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week on Country Life the team take a walk on the wild side with a herd of water buffalo in Clevedon, check out a botanical growing trial in Taranaki and visit an Invercargill native nursery. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap7:18 - Eco-sourced plants flying out the door at Rūnaka-owned native nursery20:12 - On farm with organic dairy farmer Janet Fleming, Taranaki30:08 - Clevedon - where the water buffalo roamWith thanks to guests:Phil Moeke, Te Tapu o TāneJanet FlemingRichard and Helen Dorresteyn, Clevedon BuffaloMake 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

Clevedon couple Richard and Helen Dorresteyn were the first to farm water buffalo in New Zealand. These giant, burly beasts produce the softest award-winning cheeses. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:35 - A history of water buffalo stories3:04 - Meet the Clevedon Buffalo herd6:40 - Helen at the Clevedon Village Farmers Market10:0 - Water buffalo 10111:06 - An introduction to New Zealand13:00 - Nearly 20 years onWith thanks to guests:Richard and Helen Dorresteyn, Clevedon BuffaloMake 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

Organic dairy farmer Janet Fleming is in her eighth season of once a day milking, something she credits with helping get her through Taranaki's recent drought. She's also trialing growing a range of new botanicals. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Venture Taranaki's Branching Out trial here.With thanks to:Janet FlemingGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Phil Moeke is the manager of Te Kōhaka o Tāne, a commercial nursery in Invercargill that has grown over 800,000 native trees and plants since it opened in 2022. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Phil Moeke, Te Tapu o TāneGo 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 on Country Life the team catch up with a Wairarapa farming family that's added sheep dairy to their farming operation, and every day is a hoot for Gloria Harris, who runs a little owl and morepork rescue service near Invercargill. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:37 - On the Farm 9:23 - Dean Martin from Glenlands Farm14:25 - Southland owl rescue centre29:00 - Fernglen Farm's sheep dairy additionWith thanks to guests:Dean Martin, from Glenlands FarmGloria HarrisJeff and Cameron Ravenwood, from Fernglen FarmMake 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