Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is expanding a scholarship programme for tertiary students as part of its efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers.
MPI director of On Farm Support Dr John Roche says that ensuring farmers and growers are assisted to adapt to change will help contribute to the Government's goal of doubling the value of exports within 10 years.
“Farmers’ ability to access support hinges on having a highly skilled primary industry advisory sector with the capacity to provide specialised on-the-ground extension services and advice,” says Roche.
“We have decided to offer our On Farm Support Science Scholarships for a second year and to widen eligibility for the programme,” he adds.
Six scholarships, valued at a total of $30,000 are available for the 2025 academic year to tertiary students enrolled in relevant agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture degrees.
Roche says MPI is seeking applications from students who have a genuine interest in joining the agricultural and horticultural advisory sector.
“Applicants must be studying at Massey, Lincoln, Otago, or Waikato universities, or the Eastern Institute of Technology or Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and have completed their first year of study,” he says.
“The profession can be hugely rewarding, especially if you like getting out in an orchard or paddock and supporting farmers to improve business performance with advice backed by science and analysis.”
Scholarship recipients receive mentoring and development opportunities from MPI’s On Farm Support team as part of the programme.
One of the inaugural 2024 scholarship recipients, Nerissa Edwards, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North. She urges students to apply.
“I have found the scholarship programme hugely beneficial,” Edwards says.
“My On Farm Support mentor has helped me build connections within the advisory sector, leading to an internship with a local advisory company. I am grateful for these relationships and excited to see what opportunities arise when I graduate this year.”
Another 2024 scholarship recipient, Jed McCready, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University in Canterbury. He says the scholarship has had unexpected benefits.
“Having the majority of my tuition fees covered this year has removed a huge amount of pressure and enabled me to focus on my studies,” McCready says.
“Being mentored by a member of the On Farm Support team has been a valuable part of the scholarship. I’ve been fortunate to attend events, talk with farmers, and grow my networks. It has shown me the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations in the field.”
Applications for the MPI On Farm Support Science Scholarships opened on 19 August 2024 and close at 5pm on 16 September 2024.
Successful recipients will be chosen by an evaluation panel made up of representatives from across MPI.
Further information, including how to apply, is available on MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/our-work/mpi-scholarships-and-awards/on-farm-support-science-scholarships/
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Tighter beef and lamb production globally have worked to the advantage of NZ, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…
OPINION: The huge success of former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's new TV show, Clarkson's Farm, and the boost it…