Ewe losses on NZ farms may be reduced, says Massey University researcher
A Massey University researcher and veterinarian says it may be possible to reduce the percentage of ewes culled or that die each year on some New Zealand farms.
The other winner was Lachie Davidson who is currently studying in the US.
The award is for the best video or photograph that represents life as a Massey ag student. The picture in Megan Robertson’s entry was taken on the family farm. Lachie Davidson produced an excellent video.
Megan, now finishing her second year of studies for an agri commerce degree majoring in international business, says her experience of life on her parents’ dairy farm influenced her to study at Massey University.
“They talked about their finances and their experiences as farmers and that really struck an interest in me and made me pursue my degree in agri commerce — the business side of farming.
“In my major in international business I am looking at international trade and sales and that really makes me tick because it is such a big thing for NZ and there are so many opportunities.”
In the summer break she will work at Fonterra’s Longburn Farm Source store near Palmerston North.
Passion for cows
Bradford Smith, who was awarded the William Gerrish Memorial Award at the annual Massey University Ag Students Awards dinner, is passionate about the dairy industry and already has his career mapped out.
The award recognises outstanding performance in farm management.
At least 250 students, industry leaders and Massey staff attended the event which has been held for 25 years.
Smith was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mangatangi, north Waikato and attended Hauraki Plains College.
From a young age he took a keen interest in farming and working with animals, going out on the farm with his dad and grandad.
“This developed in me a keen interest in the numbers side of things and the breeding of cows. I particularly enjoy choosing which bulls went to which cows to improve their gene pool and overall productivity.
So it made sense for me to study at Massey University, taking a bachelor of agri commerce majoring in farm management to build on my underlying passion and practical background.”
