Country Life

A South Wairarapa riverside farm is turning into a rich classroom, offering lessons in science and the environment, maths, language, and legends of the land.

Duration:00:21:04

Cashmere goat farmer wants to reboot luxurious fibre industry

David Shaw has been on a 35-year goat fibre journey on his farm in South Otago. It began with 50 multi-coloured feral goats and now, through selective breeding, he runs 700 creamy white goats and believes their fine cashmere fibre is cut out for the world's top fashion brands.

Duration:00:12:36

Rural News Wrap

A round-up of the week's agricultural news.

Duration:00:07:37

Tips for farmworkers from dirt bike champions

Four of the country's champion endurance motorbike riders are offering lessons around the country on how to ride farm bikes safely. They're hoping the fundraiser will help them get to Spain in October for the world's premier off-road motorbike event, the International Six Days of Enduro.

Duration:00:07:58

Country Life for Friday 26 July 2024

Country Life meets a farmer who's been on a 35-year quest to breed the perfect cashmere goat, a dirtbike enduro champion is helping farm workers ride their two wheelers safely, and a riverside farm restores its wetland and gets kids excited about freshwater science.

Duration:00:50:52

From pup to pro: Following a Wairarapa working dog's journey

Meet Miley, a seven-month-old huntaway with great potential. She's the third generation bred by award-winning dog triallist Chris Shaw and we'll follow along as he trains her up.

Duration:00:19:29

Mosgiel tech company uses AI to help farmers figure out when - and how - to drench sheep

New technology is helping farmers to prevent drench resistance and keep sheep parasite-free.

Duration:00:13:24

Retired Working Dogs charity sees jump in old dogs needing new homes

The cost of living crunch has seen the number of retired working dogs looking for homes explode. We talk to the charity helping rehome them about why they make such great pets

Duration:00:07:12

Rural News Wrap

A round-up of the week's agricultural news.

Duration:00:07:46

Country Life Friday 19 July 2024

This week Country Life meets a Huntaway pup with great potential to become a top farm dog, we learn about the science behind protecting sheep from worms, a charity is helping to rehome old working dogs plus a wrap of the week's rural news.

Duration:00:49:59

AI cameras in pest traps recognise predators and birds

A pilot using artificial technology to differentiate predators from native birds could be a game-changer for pest control.

Duration:00:22:17

Eltham hotel an unlikely home to war relief project

Step inside an old post office in rural Taranaki and you'd think you were in a grand mansion in Europe. It's been converted into a small luxury hotel, but there's more than meets the eye behind its beautifully refurbished walls.

Duration:00:13:45

India poses challenges and opportunity for NZ meat producers

Strategic thinking is needed to break into the Indian market, Meat Industry Association's Sirma Karapeeva says.

Duration:00:04:51

Rural News Wrap

A round-up of the week's agricultural news.

Duration:00:06:41

Country Life for Friday 12 July 2024

This week Country Life meets a couple who have restored the old post office in rural Taranaki and ... a new pest trap driven by artificial intelligence is being rolled out around the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Otago.

Duration:00:50:52

Kohirā Solar Farm: Northland sheep benefiting from the power of the sun

Kohirā is a solar farm near Kaitaia that is experimenting with agrivoltaics - combining agriculture with harvesting the energy of the sun. They run sheep under the solar panels and are looking at other forms of ag to integrate into the farm.

Duration:00:20:26

What's the model sheep of the future?

Sheep breeders will increasingly have to address issues like animal welfare and the right to farm when they consider improving their sheep's genetics, experts say. But the biggest issue facing breeders is profitability.

Duration:00:13:05

East Coast farmers 'feel forgotten'

Farmers in Te Tai Rāwhiti have made huge progress since Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc on the region last year. However, successive severe weather events mean the work is far from over.

Duration:00:06:44

On the Farm - a wrap of conditions around the country

Apple growers in Hawkes Bay are busy pruning trees and pulling out old blocks. Further south, farmers on the West Coast are feeding out silage, moving breaks and getting ready for calving.

Duration:00:07:06

Country Life for Friday 5 July 2024