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.
We must stop thinking about agriculture in the traditional sense, says Massey University vice-chancellor Jan Thomas.
She told Rural News that she would like to think of graduates of many other colleges at Massey – besides agriculture and veterinary – moving into jobs relating to the wider primary sector.
In the past year, Thomas has developed a new strategic plan for the university that will better align its courses with industry needs and ensure its teaching methods meet the needs of the digital age. Changes have included separating out the veterinary school as a stand-alone college and bringing other aspects of agriculture into one large college.
Thomas says it is now important to see agriculture through a different lens and be aware of the digital era, with innovations such as remote sensing playing an increasing role.
Graduates in agriculture must have a wide range of skills that prepare them for their future roles, she says. Students need to spend time with industry as part of their degree course and understand and be able to work in the rapidly rising Maori economy.
“I want all our graduates – pakeha, international or whatever – to be able to work effectively in the Maori economy in a way that is respectful and that recognises the culture. To be a successful New Zealander you need to be successful in that space,” she says.
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.
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