Waikato Dairy Farmer Danielle Hovmand Named Primary Sector's Top Emerging Leader
Waikato dairy farmer Danielle Hovmand has been named the primary sector's top emerging leader.
Five research primary sector projects have been announced as recipients of funding from the Massey - Lincoln and Agricultural Industry Trust Capability Development and Research Fund.
Five research projects which will benefit the primary sector have been announced as recipients of funding from the Massey – Lincoln and Agricultural Industry Trust Capability Development and Research Fund (MLAIT CDR).
The year-long projects which are led by researchers from Massey and Lincoln Universities have received combined funding of $611,000.
Spanning a diverse range of research topics and approaches, these projects reflect the highly collaborative intent of the fund, with teams comprising researchers from both universities working alongside industry partners and stakeholders to achieve positive impacts for the primary sector.
The research topics include creating novel 3D printed foods from plant and animal proteins, delivering a resilience and positive mental health programme for students from the rural community, and converting wastewater from legume manufacturing processes into high-value, nutritious ingredients.
Massey University’s Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says collaborating with Lincoln University strengthens the outputs of the projects.
“Both universities are internationally recognised for our research, teaching and knowledge translation across the broad fields of agriculture, horticulture, agri-technology and biological sciences. The CDR Fund seeks to capitalise on these strengths, by supporting genuine collaborations between the two universities, working alongside industry stakeholders and end users,” Byrnes says.
Professor Travis Glare, Director of Lincoln’s Research Management Office says that the projects offer the potential to deliver a high degree of capability development in a way that will maximise benefits to New Zealand’s primary sector.
“These projects will foster productive collaborations between the two universities and with industry and other relevant stakeholders,” Glare says.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected as the new president of Federated Farmers.

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