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.
Setting popele up to be successful – that’s the challenge Massey University faces according to its new pro vice-chancellor, science, Professor Ray Geor.
Geor, a veterinary graduate of Massey who has worked most of his life in academia in the US and Canada has just returned to take up his new post at the university.
He says New Zealand faces the same challenges as other countries in trying to attract young people into agricultural and science, because the world is becoming urbanised.
“The urban myth is that milk comes from a carton or a bottle not a cow. There is an education challenge for us inform people about the excellent career opportunities that exist in agriculture. This is a big challenge and as universities we need to be outward facing and be as connected as possible to the industries we are linked to.
“But the world outside the university also has a role to play in informing young people of the opportunities that lie before them. Young people may not know about them and it’s our collective responsibility to get that message to them.”
Geor says he’s impressed with the mini farm venture at Mt Albert Grammar school in Auckland. He says universities have to work with them and support that initiative. City kids need to hear that they can have a successful career in agriculture even though they don’t come from a farming background.
According to Geor, the fundamental role of a university is teaching and research. He says the challenge is having qualifications that are constantly evolving and are future-proofed to meet the needs of industry and the goals of students.
He says it’s also pleasing to see that the importance of science and innovation in agriculture are being recognised at the highest level in the country. At Fieldays the Prime Minister spoke about the importance of science and innovation in the primary sector as one of the main tools for economic growth in NZ.
“It’s outstanding that the Prime Minister is recognising the importance of science in agriculture. Those of us on the inside have recognised that for decades and some for our entire working lives. It is excellent that the public is learning more about that and that there is wider recognition that science and innovation will allow the economy to grow.
“The efficiency of agricultural production and our ability to add value to the products we produce is all going to come from innovation, and we need bright people with the right skills to do that,” he says.
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other…
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…