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.
Plans are underway for a standalone bachelor of horticultural science degree course at Massey University.
This is being considered by the Universities New Zealand committee on university academic programmes and an announcement is expected soon.
Plans for the new degree were announced as part of the official opening of the 4ha orchard at Massey, which has the latest planting methods and world leading export varieties including the new Dazzleapple and the globally successful T&G variety Envy.
The orchard is sponsored by the NZ apple and pear industry.
Massey’s pro vice-chancellor for science, Professor Ray Geor, says while Massey has always worked closely with industry, the community and students, it has been challenging itself to find innovative and productive ways to do it better -- to deliver even better results to benefit industry and New Zealand.
“The rapid growth and developments within industry means they need more graduates with an excellent knowledge of science, technology and the horticultural businesses. It will become an integral part of student learning and research including a project exploring how sensors and robotics may be used to automate care of the trees,” says Geor.
The innovation orchard is supported by T&G, NZ Apples & Pears and Fruitcraft -- a collaboration of Mr Apple, Bostock NZ and Freshmax.
NZ Apples & Pears capability manager Erin Simpson said the new partnership represents an opportunity for the horticultural industry to gain the capability to grow into the future and to stay at the forefront of innovative food production globally.
“By working together with Massey University our industry sees significant benefits by enhancing education pathways and programmes in horticulture leading to exciting careers and new job opportunities for graduates.”
Simpson says the phenomenal success of NZ’s apple and pear industry, which is ranked the best in the world for international competitiveness, has seen growers and exporters calling for an industry-specific education pathway that delivers tangible results.
He says NZ’s $800 million apple industry has been experiencing year-on-year record seasons and export returns.
“To keep earning and retaining our world-leading status we need to attract the best young minds to join us in growing and exporting the best apples and pears for the world.”
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?