Wednesday, 01 January 2020 13:22

FAR researcher of the year

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size

Diana Mathers.

The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) says it has named one of its own as their 2019 Researcher of the Year.

Diana Mathers, who, joined FAR as cropping systems research Mmnager in 2010, has worked to support cropping farmers in the areas of economic and environmental sustainability.

FAR chief executive Alison Stewart says Mather’s award recognises the significant impact she has had in these areas.

Working with growers around the adoption of new technologies is a current focus for Mathers, who helped to test and calibrate DIY Quick N testing kits as part of the MPI SFF Nitrogen - Measure it and Manage it project.

The results of this project have confirmed that Quick N testing strips are an efficient and inexpensive tool to help growers understand exactly how much nitrogen is available to their crops at any given time, and therefore, how much they need to apply to reach target yields.

More like this

Canadian Spraying Experts Bring Workshops to NZ Growers

Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.

Tickets Now Available for the 2026 Arable Awards in Christchurch

Tickets are now available for the 2026 Arable Awards, set to be held in Christchurch on 20th August.

NZ Food Brands Back New Zealand Grown Grains Campaign

Some of New Zealand’s best-loved food brands have been quick to sign up for a new campaign which reinforces their home-grown status.

Arable Farmers Turn to Precision Tools as Input Costs Surge

With arable farmers heading into the busy planting season, increasing fuel and fertiliser prices, driven by the Iranian conflict, are a daily and ongoing concern.

FAR Urges Maize Growers to Check Crop Maturity Early for Optimal Silage Quality

With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.

Featured

Taupiri Farmers Chase Ownership After Awards Success

For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.

West Otago Farmer Luke Kane Wins Rabobank 2026 Prize

West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.

Editorial: Hunting Policy Misses The Mark

OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.

Timaru-Bred Bull Takes Out 2026 Mahoe Trophy

An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

Palmerston North Shearer Sentenced After MPI Investigation Into Sheep Abuse

A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.