RNZ: Country Life

This week Country Life bids farewell to long-time producer Cosmo Kentish-Barnes who shares some of the magic moments he's had covering the South Island beat over nearly two decades. The team's also in the calving shed, and meeting a young entrepreneur who stumbled on shoelaces as a way of helping lift the profile of wool. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:00 - Treading Lightly - shoelaces made from sheep and salad0:00 - Flat out calving but the robots are on the job0:00 - Tracks Well Travelled: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes Leaves His Mark on Country LifeWith thanks to guests:Jacob SmithDan SchatsCosmo Kentish-BarnesMake 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

After 17 years Country Life's South Island producer is signing off from RNZ. Cosmo Kentish-Barnes' farewell feature is a rich tapestry of voices and stories, woven from some of the 600 recordings he's captured, edited and shared with listeners over the years. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With best wishes and huge thanks to:Cosmo Kentish-BarnesGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It's all go in the calving shed, but with tech doing the heavy lifting, dairy farmer Dan Schat has time for a yarn about the cold, the costs, and the season so far. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Dan SchatGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Meet Jacob Smith, the 21-year-old turning wool and veggie scraps into fashion-forward biodegradable shoelaces. It started as a university project and has turned into a commercial venture sourcing wool directly from New Zealand farmers and using vegetable-based dyes. With strong wool struggling to find a market, his mission is to add real value to the product. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Jacob SmithGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is on a nighttime nature walk in the Bay of Plenty alongside a young conservationist with a passion for bugs, meets Te Horo's backyard builders on a fledgling trapping project and revisits a North Canterbury farm where native trees are making a comeback, all in celebration of Conservation Week. 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

After a lifetime of working to clear land, Chris Bolderston is rewilding parts of his sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury. This story was first broadcast in September 2024.You can find photos and read more about this story here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Showing off bugs under torchlight is just one of Jack Karetai-Barret's extra curricular activities. The 15-year-old takes Country Life on a night walk through the bush on the trail of wildlife, showing what it's like to be a volunteer on Whakatāne's kiwi conservation project. 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 wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the countryYou 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 garage in Te Horo is buzzing as backyard builders make traps for a predator-free zone from the beach to the hills.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

This week on Country Life, Kiwi and Aussie dairy farmers gather in Leeston to explore regenerative, low-input farming methods aimed at improving sustainability and profitability, and a look at the ancient skill of using a scythe with a Coromandel woman who's encouraging others to take up the sharp-bladed tools. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:46 - Rural News Wrap5:51 - Green brew benefits for livestock emissions14:03 - Could old-school tools change how we garden?28:26 - Symposium reflects shift in dairy farmingWith thanks to guests:Peter Ralph, University of Technology SydneyBryan Innes, Beth and Joanna PearsallChloë Dear, Sue Cuberworth, Deane Parker, Chris Hibbert, and Kate Mirams, Dairy's Regenerative Transition SymposiumMake 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

More than 70 farmers, researchers and advisors from New Zealand and Australia gathered in Leeston, to share lessons on low-input, regenerative dairy practices - swapping science, stories and solutions for farming's future. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more about the symposium, here.With thanks to:Chloë Dear, Sue Cuberworth, Deane Parker, Chris Hibbert, and Kate Mirams.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

Beth Pearsall wants to revive the ancient skill of scything. She loves swishing the sharp-bladed tool through her own garden and holds workshops to teach others about the scythe and its uses. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Bryan Innes, Beth and Joanna PearsallGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney and brewers at Young Henrys are using algae to remove carbon dioxide from the brewing process, which can then be fed to livestock to help cut down methane emissions. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Peter Ralph, University of Technology SydneyGo 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 learns more about a dairy alternative made from barley and how farm life influences a Waitaki illustrator's work. The team also revisits a Cambridge farming family using regenerative agriculture to finish sheep and cattle they process for their butchery, Wholly Cow.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:37 - Creamy, sustainable and high in fibre - barley eyes up the dairy aisle9:33 - Rural News Wrap17:16 - From gumboots to storybooks - Farming with a twist of magic29:19 - Wholly Cow: Cambridge butcher's childhood dream come trueWith thanks to guests:Dr Gert-Jan Moggré, Plant and Food ResearchEmma Nowell, EJV DesignLuke, Tom and Carrie Andrews of Wholly Cow and FlockMake 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 Andrews family has gone from selling farm-raised meats at the Cambridge Farmers' Market to running their own butchery, adding a micro-abattoir, tannery and tallow production to complete the whole. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can also listen back to when we first met the family here.In this episode:0:20 - Luke takes us round Wholly Cow4:41 - Paddock to plate7:38 - We meet Tom and Carrie back at the farm9:33 - From tallow to tannery14:05 - The micro-abattoir and a regenerative approachWith thanks to:Luke, Tom and Carrie Andrews of Wholly Cow and FlockMake 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

Emma Nowell transforms life on the land into art, children's stories and games, while keeping the farm and family at the heart of it all. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to guests:Emma Nowell, EJV DesignGo 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

A new barley, bred for high fibre and low waste, is being turned into milk and yoghurt - a sustainable alternative with benefits for farmers and big potential in the global dairy-free market. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to guests:Dr Gert-Jan Moggré, Plant and Food ResearchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life learns more about a woman trialling growing rice at her home in Nelson, we check in with dog trainer Chris and his young star Miley one last time and we take a look back through the archives to revisit the battle for the West Coast's top rugby prize, the Woodham Shield.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap6:22 - Here Now: Yuki Fukuda's trials with rice10:23 - Miley the Huntaway's a 'main act' now25:02 - From the Archive: Mud and bloodWith thanks to:Dr Yuki FukudaChris Shaw and Miley the HuntawayMake 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

A trip to the archives where tradition meets passion as four South Westland teams compete for the region's foremost rugby prize, the Woodham Shield. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find photos from the day, 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

For the past year, Country Life has been in the yards or out in the paddock watching Wairarapa dog triallist Chris Shaw train up his latest working dog, Miley - a young Huntaway that's got that "X-factor". You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Revisit our first meeting with Chris and Miley to see what progress she has made.You can also find previous training sessions to track her progress, here and here.With thanks to:Chris Shaw and Miley the HuntawayGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Pretty much the last place you'd think you'd find a rice paddy growing is on a hill in Nelson, but Yuki Fukuda is doing just that. You can find photos and more information from this story, here. Or take a listen, here.Here Now is another of RNZ's podcasts meeting people from all over the world who've made New Zealand home, bringing their music, sport, traditions and food with themWith thanks to:Dr Yuki FukudaGo 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 takes a look at efforts to save soil on farms at both ends of the country and takes you to taste some traditional kai in the Bay of Plenty. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:36- 'Planning key' to getting winter grazing right10:00 - Rural News Wrap15:52 - The Soil Hacker - one farmer's quest to outsmart the weather30:55 - Kōrero and Kai - sharing stories and flavours on the maraeWith thanks to:Karl Erikson and Brad Thomas, Environment SouthlandStephen NewmanReon Tuanau and Oscar NathanMake 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

Producer Justine Murray flexes her tastebuds on traditional kai cooked up at Otawhiwhi Marae where food and stories came together as part of this year's Flavours of Plenty Festival. It's the first time a marae has taken part in the Bay of Plenty's annual foodie event. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Reon Tuanau and Oscar NathanMake 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

Kaipara farmer Stephen Newman is intent on improving soils and pasture in low cost, natural ways. He's now helping others too and hopes these methods will become even more useful as the country experiences more and more intense weather events like flooding, heavy rainfall and drought. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find our previous episode on City to Farm, here, or learn more on their website.With thanks to:Stephen NewmanGo 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

The gloom and wet of winter is especially challenging for Southland's farms where pasture can go for nearly a third of the year without growth. Country Life heads south to find out how to keep paddocks and stock in good nick. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Karl Erikson and Brad Thomas, Environment SouthlandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life takes you to a dairy farm with a difference, supplying milk direct to the customer, and the team checks in at a lab where work is underway to stop a tiny pest munching through grapevines.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:43- One year, one hospital, one community8:01 - On the Farm: a wrap of conditions around the country15:25 - Harnessing plant power to combat vineyard threats28:05 - Calving a Niche - Faith Farm Fresh keeps milk flowing direct to customersWith thanks to guests:Sophia ZohrabMichelle Thompson, Plant and Food ResearchStacey Faith, Faith Farm FreshMake 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

It's a busy time of year for Stacey Faith, calving 300-plus cows, rearing their calves and keeping the Faith Farm's roadside milk dispensing outlet going, providing locals with milk fresh from the cows over the fence - with the cream on top. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:16 - Faith Farm Fresh3:44 - Raw milk direct to the customer7:33 - Milking time14:14 - In the calf shed19:24 - A side(hustle) of beefWith thanks to:Stacey Faith, Faith Farm FreshMake 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

Are some grapevines better that others at naturally defending themselves from a disease-spreading pest? Michelle Thompson is running trials at Plant & Food Research in Lincoln to find out. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Michelle Thompson, Plant and Food ResearchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With rural health care under the spotlight, our guest this week sheds some light on working in a small country hospital. Sophia Zohrab is among 12 med students on Auckland University's rural medicine immersion programme, sprinkled around North Island towns. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sophia ZohrabGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life speaks to farmers and growers around New Zealand to find out about growing conditions over the past month. 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

This week Country Life takes you to a farm grazing pigs and cattle beneath solar panels and meets organic honey producers Shayne and Elizabeth Mackenzie, and a recent Lincoln University graduate. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:44 - An update on Tasman2:22 - Rural News Wrap7:32 - Connecting people 'from the land' with those working on the land14:38 - Sweet success for Coromandel couple's organic honey29:30 - 'Learning along the way' with agrivoltaicsWith thanks to guests:Harris MoanaShayne and Elizabeth Mackenzie, Woodlands Organic HoneyNigel and Merrin Upchurch, and Matt ShanksMake 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

Dual land use, with pigs and cattle grazing under solar panels, has unlocked new opportunities for Waitangi Farm in Waiuku. Mostly importantly say Nigel and Merrin Upchurch, it aligns with their values. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:16 - Feeding time at Waitangi Farm5:03 - Homecoming and an ecologist's 'classroom'9:10 - What is agrivoltaics?12:40 - Lightyears Solar17:52 - Pioneering effortWith thanks to:Nigel and Merrin Upchurch, and Matt Shanks of Lightyears SolarMake 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

A honey shed on a hill is buzzing with the sound of honey flowing into jars as the bees take a hard-earned rest from honey making. Country Life meets Shayne and Elizabeth Mackenzie whose organic honey is produced from hives scattered over remote parts of the northern Coromandel peninsula. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Woodland's Honey, here.With thanks to:Shayne and Elizabeth MackenzieGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Time spent helping his grandparents on their whenua near Kāwhia inspired a love of farming for Harris Moana. Having just finished his Agribusiness studies he's now focussed on building his reo so he can act as a bridge between industry and tangata whenua. With thanks to:Harris MoanaGo 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 producer Cosmo Kentish-Barnes is in his wet weather gear in the Tasman district meeting farmers and other rural residents, still battered and bruised from one catastrophic weather event, staring down the barrel of another deluge. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode here.In this episode:0.38 News wrap6.20 Tasman's rural resilience tested by back-to-back stormsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As a second weather bomb lashed the Tasman region, Cosmo Kentish-Barnes was on the ground with farmers and rural people, still battered and bruised from the first flood and staring down the barrel of another deluge. You can find photos and read more here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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