FULL SHOW: Country Life for 17 October 2025

This week Country Life talks to researchers who say there’s potential for the brown kiwi to become a pest patroller in orchards and vineyards. Mark Leishman pulls on his Country Life gumboots to meet an entrepreneur behind an intriguing gateway made of the toughest timber – ironbark, and a visit to a Waikato farming family who’ve been integrating robotics and automation into their dairy operation. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:36 - Kiwi on pest patrol14:33 - Rural News Wrap18:32 - Ironbark - the wood as hard as steel32:51 - Tech is key on this Tirau dairy farmWith thanks to guests:Isobel Castro and Karen MasonSteve EvansBrett and Linda CoubroughMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details