Precision N application test costs 'outweigh returns'
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
Dr Trish Fraser, a soil scientist at Plant & Food Research, has won the 2020 Women of Influence Award (Rural Category).
She received the award in recognition of her three decades of contributions to the rural sector and community.
The judges praised her collaborative approach and her rare skill in communicating science to farmers.
Fraser says the award is a great honour.
“I never think of myself as a trailblazer,” she said, “but in retrospect what I’ve done out of passion and interest did make an impact on the communities that I serve.”
Fraser has worked closely with the cropping sector to understand the interactions among soils, crops and the environment.
She has been at the fore of research addressing a wide-range of soil-related issues in the cropping sector, delivering practical knowledge to the farming community.
In her work for Plant & Food Research, Fraser leads a team of seven to investigate soil-related issues in cropping.
Fraser has been a member of the NZ Society for Soil Science since 1989, acting as its President from 2012-2014.
She has mentored many scientists throughout her career and is passionate about inspiring a new generation’s interest in sustainable production and communicating science directly to farmers and rural professionals.
“When I first started as a soil scientist almost 30 years ago, the rural community was extremely dominated by men,” she said.
She said that at the time she felt she had to prove herself and the quality of her work, which she did by attending field days to communicate her findings and educate farmers on how to improve soil health.
“Gradually they’ve come around, and they now value and respect me for the work I’ve done.”
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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