Farming
Balancing between land for food and land for housing
The government is proposing changes that would allow homes to be built on land categorised as suitable for farming and horticulture.
Audio
What makes a bull worth $161,000?
The bidder who smashed a national price record at the recent Angus bull sales says his purchase is "beautifully put together".
Flood-hit farm 'more like a riverbed than a farm'
Work to bolster flood resilience along the Motueka River came too late for one flood-hit Tasman farmer who lost dozens of hectares of farmland to the stopbank-bursting river.
More work needed to protect horticultural land, says industry
Despite research ranking New Zealand as one of the most self-sufficient countries, a spokesperson says there's an imbalance in protecting prime horticultural land. Audio
PGG Wrightson acquires Nexan Group for $20 million
Rural services company PGG Wrightson has acquired local animal health company Nexan Group for $20 million in a move the listed company says will keep production of key farm products in New Zealand.
Hugh Jackson named Young Farmer of the Year
The 26-year-old was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening after the final event in Invercargill.
Snorts and snuggles at a second chance sanctuary
Sharlene Wilson has turned her rural property in North Canterbury into a haven for rescued farm animals who find healing, freedom and a place to truly belong.
Snorts, snuggles & second chances at animal sanctuary
Sharlene Wilson has turned her rural property in North Canterbury into a haven for rescued farm animals who find healing, freedom and a place to truly belong. Audio
Crooked Vege's pay-what-you-can model two years on
Crooked Vege's pay-what-you-can model may have been a radical idea two years ago but its vege box plan is working, with those who can't afford to pay subsidised by those who can. The small farm has… Audio
Agrecovery: Rural recycling on the rise
Agrecovery's seen huge growth in the 20 years it's been operating, with those in the primary sector looking for new ways to recycle on-farm plastic. "We know the farmers and growers are wanting… Audio
Conditions on farms and orchards around the motu
Wet and wild weather has lashed much of the country from Taranaki to the top of the South, where many farmers and orchardists are still busy with the cleanup.
On the Farm: a wrap of conditions around the country
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around New Zealand. Audio
Country Life Friday 4 July 2025
This week Country Life returns to a vegetable farm to see whether it's radical plan to feed the community is working and looks at plans for plastic waste on farm... And the team meet an animal… Audio
Thefts fail to wilt trust-based veggie project
Crooked Vege's pay-what-you-can model may have been a radical idea two years ago but its vege box plan is working.
Farmer admits to animal neglect, 14 deer found dead
A deer had to be euthanised after it was found with its antlers entangled in a fence and its body caught in thick mud.
Rural recycling on the rise
Agrecovery has seen huge growth in the 20 years it's been operating, with those in the primary sector looking for new ways to recycle on-farm plastic.
