A declaration of drought for Otago and Canterbury unlocking new funding support for struggling farmers.

A chat about the top stories this week from RNZ's rural news team with Sally Murphy in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

From a proposal to cut jobs at the Ministry for Primary Industries, to a declaration of drought for Otago and Canterbury unlocking new funding support, to challenges finding new homes for Kaimanawa horses from the upcoming muster.

While apple growers hoping for a come back year are pleased with feedback about exports from parts of Europe and Asia, a bumper tomato crop has seen prices dive for growers.

Here's this week's rural news.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details