Massey Uses Portable Analyser to Measure Pasture Soil GHGs
Researchers at Massey University are using a special piece of scientific equipment to improve the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture soils.
Massey University Chancellor Chris Kelly has come under fire over a comment he made about women veterinary graduates.
Kelly said a woman graduate is equivalent to two-fifths of a full-time equivalent vet.
His comment was made in a recent Rural News article.
Kelly says currently the majority of veterinary students and graduates at Massey University are women. He says women make up 75-85% of vet students in first year and more go on to second year than men do.
“That’s because women mature earlier than men, work hard and pass. Whereas men find out about booze and all sorts of crazy things during their first year.” He said.
Kelly, a veterinary graduate himself, noted how men used to dominate vet schools, but this has changed.
“When I went through vet school, many years ago, it was dominated by men; today it’s dominated by women.” He said.
“That’s fine, but the problem is one woman graduate is equivalent to two-fifths of a full-time equivalent vet throughout her life because she gets married and has a family, which is normal. So, though we’re graduating a lot of vets, we’re getting a high fallout rate later on.”
This comment was met with animosity from both women and men on social media.
“One woman graduate is equivalent to two-fifths of a full-time equivalent vet"??! Shame on Chancellor Kelly for spouting such sexist nonsense.” Wrote Meg deBlanc-Knowles.
“C'mon guys, you can hold this pratt to account, surely to goodness.” Angela McLeod said.
Linda Stewart added, “Really? Did I just wake up in the 1800's?”
“How on earth can a man say that women are worth 2/5 of men?” said Fred Vanholsbeeck.
Women veterinary graduates also shared these views.
Merlyn Hay, a senior vet with 15 years experience wrote, “This is outrageous sexist nonsense and is insulting to male and female graduates. I can't believe it's been published and am very embarrassed that the chancellor would have such an outdated attitude.”
Miriam Bates wrote, “Turns out I've dedicated the last 5 years of my life to becoming 2/5 of a man. Who knew.”
UPDATE: Chancellor Chris Kelly has since apologised.
The Chancellor has apologised and conceded the information he gave in the article was incorrect. pic.twitter.com/5S5xftDWi9
— Massey University (@MasseyUni) December 13, 2016
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.