Country Life

It's nearly time for the walnut harvest at Nuts 'n May Orchard near Whanganui. The farm's also a heritage pig stud. When Sally Round visited Hel Loader in the spring, her trees were in bloom and her Berkshires were about to give birth.

The Covid-19 outbreak has meant tricky times for grape growers in the midst of harvest. There are fewer workers around to bring in the grapes and many winegrowers like John Douglas of Te Hera Vineyard were caught short as the country went into lockdown on Wednesday night.

Covid-19 is upsetting the labour supply for some harvests but a dollop of rain in certain drought stricken areas is cheering farmers up, although those in Marlborough are still begging for more.

Growing walnuts, picking grapes, hooking kids up with wool, and the Regional Wrap

Country Life heads to Manawatu and drops in on New Zealand's first spirulina farm which grows the bright green protein-rich superfood from tiny algae. It's hoped the farm's French-style artisan model can be replicated around the country to meet the growing demand for plant protein.

It's cooled off a bit in the North Island but farmers are still hanging out for rain, while in the South Island, West Coast and Southland farms are going into autumn with pretty good pasture growth.

Greg Jerry's New South Wales farm has finally had rain. After three years of drought the grass is green and up to his knees in places.

Country Life heads to Manawatu and drops in on New Zealand's first spirulina farm which grows the bright green protein-rich superfood from tiny algae.

Growing a variety of tall plants with deeper roots and not overgrazing are two key principles for South Otago grazing coach Siobhan Griffin.  She is working with Tony and Michelle Pringle who run a farm focused on regenerative agriculture. The Cyldevale dairy farmers needed a hand to develop plans for mob grazing and stock density and so far, with Siobhan's help, they're pleased with the results.

Matapiro Station farm manager Michael Lowther is on a shopping spree - he's just bought the first of 30,000 lambs that will spend just a few months on the station.