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Peter Kemp.
Agriculture is back in fashion, says the head of Massey University’s Institute of Agriculture & Environment, Professor Peter Kemp.
He says although agriculture was never really out of fashion it is now definitely back in its rightful place with good student numbers at the university and great support from industry.
“This is a brilliant evening -- a great event where students, staff and industry celebrate the success of top students. It’s amazing compared with those at many universities…. Usually it’s just shake hands and give out a certificate, whereas having the industry involved adds a whole different dimension to it.”
Kemp says it is now widely recognised that there are good jobs out there for ag graduates. Despite the GFC and other ups and downs in the primary sector, people realise agriculture is a lot more stable than some thought it was.
The awards event grows yearly with more sponsors and more awards.
A notable award was for the best video promoting Massey to new students, sponsored by Rural News Group and won by Sam Tipping. He shot video over a year, including sporting events, field trips and activities the ag students take part in.
The award was presented by Rural News Group reporter Peter Burke, who said the video gives a great insight into life at Massey and will encourage students to take up ag related courses. The video was played at the awards dinner and drew a lot of laughs and positive feedback.
Many farmers have invested in solar energy for dairy sheds or houses, but little hard data exists on the viability of solar panels in open paddocks or the loss of drymatter this may cause. Massey University scientist Dr Sam Wilson is conducting research to get more information about this. Rural News reporter Peter Burke went to investigate.
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