Massey University to upskill teachers amid rising ag subject demand
There's been unprecedented demand from secondary school students across the country to study agricultural related subjects.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership programme at Lincoln University has had a makeover with a new structure and fresh content.
"The changes introduced this year include a shortened six-month programme and a second course starting in June," says Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme general manager Anne Hindson.
Twenty-three participants have enrolled under the new structure, which includes three residential components and an industry-based project.
"The previous model was an 11-month programme with one residential module in January and another in November, causing issues for some of the large sectors. A January course is difficult for those in arable and horticulture sectors, particularly if they are hands-on farmers," says Hindson.
Field trips are another new initiative, giving participants the opportunity to visit different producers and businesses in the larger sectors.
"This is linked to syndicate work, where strategy and leadership are explored in the context of visited organisations," Hindson says.
Programme participants are selected to ensure a varied mix in terms of sector, age, gender, and geographical location.
According to Hindson the cross-sector mix encourages greater knowledge of the New Zealand primary industries and builds networks
"As well as people from the dairy, red meat, horticulture and arable industries, there is a large group from the agri-business sector including bankers, consultants and vets working in rural communities," She says.
Hindson says the course provides the tools and knowledge necessary for leadership success in the primary sector. However, she adds, the programme relies on industry support and sponsorship.
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.