DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ wrap up M. bovis compensation support after $161M in claims
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Please do it again next year.
So said secondary school teachers from the greater Wellington region who got a first-hand look at career opportunities in the agri sector for young people, during a tour organised annually by DairyNZ and Rural News Group.
This, the fourth tour, attracted 30 teachers and careers advisors in science, geography, digital, chemistry and economics, from schools in Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Manawatu and Horowhenua.
They spent the day in Wairarapa, visiting Massey University’s Riverside research farm, seeing a trial of rearing lambs on lucerne.
Professor Paul Kenyon, head of Massey’s Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, explained Massey’s agricultural courses and the careers these can lead to.
And a lecturer, Dr Rene Corner-Thomas, outlined her career progression. She was one of eight young graduates who told the teachers why they chose careers in agriculture.
Also speaking were a rural banker, a fertiliser rep and an extension manager. The teachers found this a highlight – hearing of the range of careers and seeing the passion and obvious success of these young people.
Many were surprised at the high salaries paid to many ag graduates in their first jobs. And they were impressed that many graduates were offered jobs even before they left university.
The group also visited Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre and Urlar Wines, near Masterton.
On the bus to give commentary about the wider agri sector and careers were Massey University chancellor Chris Kelly and agribusiness consultant Lynette Wharfe.
Kelly says he doubts many secondary school teachers know of the wide range of career options in the agri sector. Many don’t know about the high-tech nature of the sector and the highly paid jobs on offer.
Kelly says teachers’ knowledge is improving, but off a very low base.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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