Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
Ravensdown has appointed Dr Will Talbot to the newly created position of scientific officer, supporting the chief scientific officer Ants Roberts in an ongoing programme of innovative science and technology projects.
Will brings strong soil knowledge to the innovation challenge from his undergraduate agricultural science and post graduate soil science studies as well as lecturing at Lincoln University in soil erosion, cultivation and physical properties.
It was through Ravensdown's many projects with Lincoln that Will saw first-hand the co-operative's innovative approach to solving production and environmental challenges simultaneously.
"I was really impressed. Here was a company investingin science I loved, to make practical tools that are used by real farmers. I knew I wanted to be part of that."
Will's PhD looked at the effect of pasture types on one of the big farming issues of our time; nitrogen loss. He found that pasture with increased winter growth reduced nitrogen loss.
Roberts said Will's farm-hand experience and pragmatic agricultural and soil science knowledge made him a valuable addition to the company's expanding work on new tools and technology.
"We have ongoing development of existing tools as well as actively investigating new technologies such as precision fertiliser application, remote aerial sensing, novel soil tests, nitrogen and trace element product development, multiple projects in reducing direct fertiliser N and P losses and bio-inoculants.
"Will's addition to the Innovation and Strategy team here at Ravensdown will allow us to accelerate our efforts towards enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand."
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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