Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
Cranston’s PhD research investigated the grazing management of a herb and clover mix for sheep production systems and found it could withstand drier conditions than other pasture.
She worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the university’s dairy group before joining the sheep research centre where, as well as lecturing in several farm management, veterinary, animal and agricultural science papers, she will conduct practical research that adds value on sheep farms.
She says this research is close to her heart, having grown up on a sheep and beef farm near Whanganui.
“I’m passionate about the New Zealand sheep industry,” Cranston says. “The research centre is the premier centre for studying sheep production, welfare, health and biology.”
The centre is led by Professor Steve Morris and Professor Paul Kenyon and includes Dr Rene Corner-Thomas, Dr Rebecca Hickson, Dr Anne Ridler, Dr Sarah Pain, Dr Nicola Schreurs, Dr Kate Griffiths and Dr Rao Dukkipati.
Hickson says each scientist brings a particular specialty to the table.
“We come from different backgrounds but all with a focus on maximising health, performance and efficiency of sheep.”
The team’s current research includes improving sheep nutrition, growth rates and meat quality, and studying sheep behaviour, welfare, breeding and genetics.
