New apricots a sweet success
New apricot varieties especially bred to give the New Zealand industry a shot in the arm are looking “amazing” in their first full commercial season, says grower Sharon Kirk.
Dr Trish Fraser, a soil scientist at Plant & Food Research, has won the 2020 Women of Influence Award (Rural Category).
She received the award in recognition of her three decades of contributions to the rural sector and community.
The judges praised her collaborative approach and her rare skill in communicating science to farmers.
Fraser says the award is a great honour.
“I never think of myself as a trailblazer,” she said, “but in retrospect what I’ve done out of passion and interest did make an impact on the communities that I serve.”
Fraser has worked closely with the cropping sector to understand the interactions among soils, crops and the environment.
She has been at the fore of research addressing a wide-range of soil-related issues in the cropping sector, delivering practical knowledge to the farming community.
In her work for Plant & Food Research, Fraser leads a team of seven to investigate soil-related issues in cropping.
Fraser has been a member of the NZ Society for Soil Science since 1989, acting as its President from 2012-2014.
She has mentored many scientists throughout her career and is passionate about inspiring a new generation’s interest in sustainable production and communicating science directly to farmers and rural professionals.
“When I first started as a soil scientist almost 30 years ago, the rural community was extremely dominated by men,” she said.
She said that at the time she felt she had to prove herself and the quality of her work, which she did by attending field days to communicate her findings and educate farmers on how to improve soil health.
“Gradually they’ve come around, and they now value and respect me for the work I’ve done.”
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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