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.
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.
The Innovation Awards at June's National Fieldays showcased several new ideas, alongside previous entries that had reached commercial reality.
To assist the flower industry in reducing waste and drive up demand, Wonky Box has partnered with Burwood to create Wonky Flowers.
Three new directors are joining Horticulture New Zealand’s board from this month.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will leave the door wide open for continued conversions of productive sheep and beef farms into carbon forestry.
Federated Farmers says a report to Parliament on the subject of a ban on carbon forestry does not go far enough to prevent continued farm to forestry conversions.
New Zealand Apples and Pears annual conference was a success with delegates and exhibitors alike making the most of three days of exhibitions, tours, insightful discussions, valuable networking and thoughtful presentations.