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.
The horticulture sector aims for a $20 billion increase in export earnings by 2030.
It is the key driver for primary industry growth identified by the Ministry of Primary Industries, providing safer, reliable, and trusted products around the world.
New Zealand's economy is being diversified through horticulture and it is shown to have potential to do likewise in traditional and non-traditional horticultural areas in of land traditionally not used for horticultural production.
New Zealand's horticultural industry is diverse: exports are dominated by wine, kiwifruit and apples but growing rapidly in significance are avocadoes, potatoes, blueberries and cherries.
Employment and career opportunities are many and diverse with demand for graduates, in New Zealand and internationally far exceeding supply.
Massey University ranks first in New Zealand for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and 34th in the world - according to the just released QS World University Rankings by Subject (2020).
Massey University is the only New Zealand university offering a dedicated degree in Horticultural Science. This degree was co-developed with the Horticultural Capability Group and is fully supported by the industry to train future leaders. The flexible degree programme can be completed internally on the Palmerston North campus or via distance either full time or part-time.
The degree is interdisciplinary - a key feature - combining science, technology and business. It covers the whole value chain, from breeding and plant growth to the final consumer in domestic and international markets.
Our graduates have priority in the job market and their careers are accelerated due to the wide range of disciplines, knowledge and experience they gain during their study. This includes plant biology and crop production, soil and water management, plant protection, business and post-harvest management and marketing.
Many of our students are offered multiple jobs throughout and at the end of their studies.
Graduates contribute to the industry's innovativeness, productivity and sustainability through diverse careers including orchard and production managers (pipfruit, kiwifruit, vineyard, and other crops) horticultural science managers, grower service provider representatives, and horticultural and environmental consultants.
Last year, a graduate passionate about the industry, joined the team of career-liaison officers for HortNZ-NZ Apples and Pears and is now education supported inspiring local youngsters start a career in horticulture.
Massey University also offers a Masters in Horticultural Science (MSc) for those who want to pursue postgraduate study for further specialised learning and/or a scientific career. This can be completed in 18 months full time study. Many of our Master graduates now work as researchers and in senior positions in the industry.
A professional Masters in Horticultural Science co-delivered with an industry partner is being developed by Massey University. This post graduate qualification is specifically tailored for people working in the primary industries who may be seeking to gain additional knowledge in a specific area while continuing to work in the sector.
Dr Svetla Sofkova-Bobcheva is the programme leader in horticulture science at Massey University.
The Commerce Commission has announced that it has filed proceedings against Westpac New Zealand.
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand says it backs calls for a review on farm transport rules.
A farm owner and two former Waikato contract milkers were recently fined $27,000 over a lack of feed for 230 cattle and a lack of treatment for cows suffering from milk fever.
Scales Corporation has today reported its results for the first half of the 2025 financial year, revealing what it says are outstanding results from its horticulture and logistics divisions.
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride expects a strong mandate from farmers shareholders for the proposed sale of its consumer and related businesses to Lactalis for $3.8 billion.
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