Science Snippet: Cryopreservation Protects Grapevines at Lincoln University
A Lincoln University research fellow is working to safeguard grapevine species from extinction, using careful science and liquid nitrogen.
PALMERSTON NORTH student Braydon Schroder is the latest winner of the Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial University Scholarship.
"Growing up on a dairy farm in the Tararua district, I have built a strong passion for the dairy industry and general farm life," says Schroder.
He plans to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree with a major in nutrition.
"I also aim to complete an honours year to develop a greater understanding in dairy nutrition and farm systems. I love the idea of working with farmers and helping them achieve their financial and production targets to create a better farming business."
Recipients of the scholarship often go on to work for Ravensdown eventually; the fertiliser co-op's general manager research and innovation, Mike Manning says the grant is "good for Braydon, good for Ravensdown and, by developing future leaders in the agricultural sector, good for New Zealand".
The scholarship was established in memory of the late Hugh Williams, who was a Ravensdown director from 1987 to 2000. The grant offers sons or daughters of Ravensdown shareholders $5,000 a year for the duration of their studies for an agricultural or horticultural degree at Lincoln or Massey Universities.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced it will pay a $10 million special dividend to the Crown off the back of a strong outlook for the business and a capital repayment of $9.5 million following Fonterra's consumer business sale.
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