Herd production performance soars
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
One of New Zealand's budding scientists will travel abroad later this year to complete his PhD, after winning the 2012 Doctoral Studentship Award from LIC.
Chad Harland, a former Taradale High student, holds a Master of Science from Canterbury University and is currently an information analyst in the farmer coop's Research & Development Group.
Harland, 28, will now choose a university to attend from August and commence his PhD in the area of genomics or bioinformatics, funded by LIC.
As part of the scholarship, a full time science position will also be made available at LIC when Chad returns to New Zealand.
Without the scholarship, Harland's plans to undertake his PhD were on-hold.
"The scholarship is great, and my PhD wouldn't have been as soon without LIC's support.
"It covers the costs of doing the PhD but also offers a relevant job once you finish it. This is a massive advantage because a PhD isn't much use if you can't get a job that allows you to make use of the skills you developed."
Harland says it's great to be able to use his knowledge and skills to help benefit and impact on the dairy industry with LIC.
"You have room to innovate and develop your career in areas that are of interest to you, and it's a company that's going places and having a real measurable impact."
General manager of Research and Development, Dr Richard Spelman says LIC has a reputation for attracting some of the best scientific minds in the world, and its scholarship programmes ensure this will continue.
"The programmes support our next generation of scientists, allowing them to complete a higher degree of study with funding, mentoring and job opportunities upon completion."
Since starting in 2002, LIC's Patrick Shannon Scholarship and Doctoral Studentship programmes have provided students with funding, support and mentoring from the leaders in the field, to assist them to complete a higher level of study.
The unique programmes encourage those studying genetics, mathematics, statistics, machine learning and/or bioinformatics to complete the study they may otherwise not be able to do, with support from LIC and possibility of employment in their research team.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.