Distance education on the rise - Massey University
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
Professor Jon Huxley, head of Massey University's School of Veterinary Science says the school's jump in QS rankings is "a remarkable performance".
Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science has entered the global top 20 in the latest QS World University Rankings.
The new results see the school up nine places from 28th in the 2020 results to 19th in 2021.
Professor Jon Huxley, head of the School of Veterinary Science, says a world top 20 ranking is good news for students, staff, the school and the university.
“It is a remarkable performance for a veterinary school in a small, geographically remote nation like New Zealand,” Huxley says.
He says that within the rankings, the school has a particularly high employer reputation.
“Our graduates are known around the world for their practical skills and approach. At the same time, we have an excellent academic reputation amongst our peers and we are strong in veterinary research.”
The school currently accepts 100 domestic students per year, plus an additional 25 international students each year.
Alongside its everyday academic functions, the school runs a veterinary teaching hospital offering services to the public in three areas; small animals, horses and farm animals.
The school has also established and operated the Wildbase Hospital which serves New Zealand’s wildlife and native species.
Huxley says he is incredibly proud of staff, particularly given the current challenges of trying to rebuild the School and cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our performance reflects their dedication to deliver an excellent learning environment for our students, and to project our research and veterinary expertise globally.”
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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