Waikato and Taranaki dairy farms have never looked better at this time of year, and it's been relatively balmy in the deep south; Bringing More Kai to Kaipara; Sending fine wine to Finland; Made of clay and full of history.

Russell Lowe has spent almost 50 years selecting, observing, propagating and tasting kiwifruit at Plant and Food Research in Te Puke. Earlier this year Russell was recognised for his role in developing Zespri's SunGold kiwifruit.

A farmer-owned earth dam near Fairlie provides reliable irrigation for 16,000 hectares of farmland in South Canterbury. It also has a seven megawatt power station that contributes to the local electricity network. The 50-metre high structure was completed in 1998 and Opuha Water chief executive Andrew Mockford says it has boosted the local economy well beyond the farm gate.

Cooks will have to peel fewer gnarly kūmara this year thanks to a very unusual growing season.

We're taking you to Northland, Bay of Plenty and to South Canterbury to hear about how kumara defied the drought, learn about a farmer-owned dam and meet a man who's devoted nearly half a century to the kiwifruit industry.

Tikikino farmer Hadley Boyle budgets on spending $20,000 a year on supplementary feed for his animals. This year, because of the drought, it has cost $250,000 to keep his cattle alive. The Boyle's 1500 South Aftrican Angora goats have fared better in the dry conditions.

There's a huge feed deficit in Hawke's Bay despite the green landscape. Ag consultant Lochie MacGillivray, who heads the Rural Advisory Group, says farmers have a tough few months ahead of them.

Ravenswood Stud has a long history breeding the hardy English Leicester whose long curly wool has been likened to Bob Marley's dreadlocks. Fiona and John Robinson are continuing the tradition, finding a niche market for their flock's lustrous wool.

Calving's been keeping farmers busy over a mostly dull, wet and chilly week weather-wise as hares and rabbits pester growers around Pukekohe.

This week Country Life is in Hawkes Bay with New Zealand's largest herd of South African angora goats, discovering how the effects of drought continue to ripple on, and meeting a couple who've carried on a 130 year tradition breeding sheep also famous for their lustrous fleece.