Wednesday, 02 November 2016 07:55

Ag back in fashion

Written by 
Peter Kemp. Peter Kemp.

Agriculture is back in fashion, says the head of Massey University’s Institute of Agriculture & Environment, Professor Peter Kemp.

He says although agriculture was never really out of fashion it is now definitely back in its rightful place with good student numbers at the university and great support from industry.

“This is a brilliant evening -- a great event where students, staff and industry celebrate the success of top students. It’s amazing compared with those at many universities…. Usually it’s just shake hands and give out a certificate, whereas having the industry involved adds a whole different dimension to it.”

Kemp says it is now widely recognised that there are good jobs out there for ag graduates. Despite the GFC and other ups and downs in the primary sector, people realise agriculture is a lot more stable than some thought it was.

The awards event grows yearly with more sponsors and more awards.

A notable award was for the best video promoting Massey to new students, sponsored by Rural News Group and won by Sam Tipping. He shot video over a year, including sporting events, field trips and activities the ag students take part in.

The award was presented by Rural News Group reporter Peter Burke, who said the video gives a great insight into life at Massey and will encourage students to take up ag related courses. The video was played at the awards dinner and drew a lot of laughs and positive feedback.

More like this

Seedy milk

OPINION: Seeds of legume plants are being used to make dairy-free milk products by scientists at Massey University’s Palmerston North labs.

The power of the puggo stick

A Massey University lecturer has devised a simple No. 8 wire device to help shed some light on how to improve the persistence of plantain in dairy farm pastures.

Science supports NZ's reputation

Farmers, scientists, rural professionals and policy makers from around the country last week converged on Massey University in Palmerston North for the 36th annual workshop of the Farmed Landscape Research Centre.

Featured

Rural Change to merge with RST

The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.

Strong growth in farm salaries - report

A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter