Ravensdown CEO takes out premier award
Ravensdown chief executive Greg Campbell has been named the 2019 Primary Industries Chief Executive of the Year at the inaugural Primary Industries Awards.
MASSEY UNIVERSITY is well placed to provide the education needed to support the 50,000 new jobs in primary industries projected by 2025 in a new report, says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Anderson.
Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy launched the 'Future Capability Needs For Primary Industries in New Zealand' report, revealing over half of the new jobs will require tertiary qualifications in order for New Zealand to double its exports by 2025. Primary industry jobs cover farming, fishing, forestry and mining.
The report predicts the biggest growth to be generated in support services jobs (researchers, rural consultants, veterinarians, agronomists and irrigation specialists) as primary production and processing becomes more sophisticated and greater value is added beyond the farm gate all the way to the consumer.
Professor Anderson says Massey is in a strong position to provide the educational requirements identified in the report. "This is an excellent and timely report and Massey is well placed to play a full part in delivering the education needed. The fact that the future capability requirement covers the entire agricultural value chain, from land-based to consumers, is especially welcome."
Massey University is a world leader in agriculture, recently ranked 19th in the world by the Quacquarelli Symonds world university subject rankings out of thousands of universities. Massey has an unparalleled breadth of expertise across the value chain offering programmes covering sustainable production, managing resources, plant and human health, innovation in food, and food safety and security, Professor Anderson says.
Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says Massey is committed to working alongside companies, industries, communities, local and central governments and international agencies to find solutions. "The university adds value to New Zealand's land-based industries and continues its contribution to the global agenda of food security and developing sustainable resource management strategies. Our flexibility, breadth of capability across the food value chain and our connectedness throughout the world helps us assemble the best expertise."
"Agriculture and food production are important globally, nationally and personally, and the forces influencing them seem greater than ever. They include population expansion, obesity, pandemics, global warming and food security and safety. We will have to work together to ensure we meet these challenges."
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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