This week Country Life learns more about LIC's project to breed bulls which emit less methane, while a Waikato sheep farmer does the same, using genetics to reduce emissions. Also, from the future to the past, step back in time with the volunteers at Eketāhuna Museum.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

In this episode:

• 0:45 - On the Farm
• 8:17 - A 'numbers game': LIC's quest to breed low methane emitting bulls
• 18:00 - Breeding the 'wagyu of lamb' for an every-changing farm environment
• 32:49 - Eketāhuna Museum - keeper of the community's stories

With thanks to:

• Dr Lorna McNaughton, LIC
• Alastair Reeves, Waimai Romney
• Bruce Laurence, Chris Petersen, Ian Day, and Bridget Ferguson, Eketāhuna Museum

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Volunteers at the Eketāhuna Museum are getting ready to reopen. This treasure chest of curiosities shines a light on the small town's Scandinavian heritage and the challenges of running a country museum.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

You can read more about the Eketāhuna Museum, here.

With thanks to:

• Bruce Laurence, Chris Petersen, Ian Day, and Bridget Ferguson

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Alastair Reeves has followed in his father's footsteps, using genetics to help farmers solve problems on farm by breeding sheep that make for good eating, are tolerant of facial eczema and emit lower amounts of methane.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

You can learn more about Waimai Romney, here.

With thanks to:

• Alastair Reeves

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The team of scientists at LIC, the Livestock Improvement Corporation, hope to know by late next year if they can offer farmers more methane-friendly bulls.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

You can learn more about LIC, here.

With thanks to:

• Dr Lorna McNaughton

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A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

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This week Country Life meets some characterful Clydesdale horses, finds out about the Waimate Trail, explores rural life through objects via a new book and heads to threatened Thornton Lagoon in Bay of Plenty.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

In this episode:

• 0:44 - Rural News Wrap
• 8:06 - Kiwi Country: New book explores rural New Zealand through 100 objects
• 16:37 - The Waimate Trail
• 23:10 - Battling off-roaders and pests at Thornton Lagoon
• 33:53 - Clydesdales - the gentle giants of the horse world

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Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nz

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They used to be a regular sight on New Zealand's roads and paddocks - the plodding but magnificent Clydesdales. The horses with the hobbit hooves are becoming rare and their personality, dignity and legacy have inspired Susie Izard and her daughter Cate Smith to help save the breed.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

With thanks to:

• Suzie Izard and Cate Smith, Silverstream Clydesdales

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Ben Banks is trying to protect the fragile dunes, wildlife and vegetation at a coastal lagoon near Whakatāne. Volunteering his time, he and his family trap for predators and pests but there's another threat to the area - the four-wheeled kind.

You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.

With thanks to:

• Ben Banks

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