New pasture guide launched to support farmers in a changing climate
A new publication has been launched that offers a comprehensive and up-to-date resource on commercially available grazing pasture species in New Zealand.
Despite experiencing the PSA outbreak first-hand growing up, Animal and Plant Health scholarship winner Sarah Wilson says deciding to study agribusiness was the best decision she could make.
The 19-year-old attributes her enthusiasm to “an awesome ag school teacher, people working in the sector, and growing up in the heart of horticulture” in Te Puke where her family has strong connections with the kiwifruit industry.
Wilson says the outbreak of the bacterial vine disease PSA in 2011 gave her an appreciation for the tools needed to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases.
She says the “sickening hum of chainsaws” echoed in the districts as orchardists were forced to chop down their vines.
Wilson, a third year agribusiness student at Massey University, says it is important consumers understand the value of agrichemicals and the effort that the industry goes to in order to keep consumers safe.
“Each product has been thoroughly researched and industry bodies are always looking at how they can use agrichemicals more efficiently,” she says.
“If we cannot get our products to market due to pest and disease incursions, we have the potential for economic collapse.”
Wilson says she had contemplated taking the “safe option” of a career in business before settling on agribusiness and horticulture.
She says the decision to study agribusiness was “the best decision of my life”, due to the extensive opportunities and career pathways available to her.
“My degree I giving me a broad overview of primary industries that few other degrees can give.”
When she’s finished her studies, Wilson says she wants to add value and make a positive difference to the sector.
The $2,500 scholarship will go towards next year’s study costs.
Animal and Plant Health NZ chief executive Mark Ross says the association is pleased to contribute to the future of someone with so much enthusiasm for agriculture.
“We were impressed with Sarah’s drive and the commitment she showed to enhancing the primary industries,” he says.
“It’s clear that she will be an asset to the industry, and we wish her well with her career”.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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