Set up the young to succeed

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.