Bar to be set for Rural Advisors

Rural professionals may soon have an industry standard to work towards that carries an accreditation, assuring farmers and fellow professionals they meet an industry standard for advice and knowledge.

The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) has just completed a road show seeking feedback from members about what sort of programme and its content could best meet industry needs and farmer expectations.

Interest in agriculture drives sharp rise in Lincoln University enrolments

Enrolments at Lincoln University are up 20 percent on last year thanks to strong uptake in agriculture based studies. The university said domestic enrolments for semester one were up 21 percent while international enrolments had risen 13 percent.

What NZ’s Climate-related Disclosure Requirements mean for Business

New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce laws around climate-related financial reporting and has now released its disclosure requirements. Industry experts explain what this means for your business.

Study Reveals the Size of the Job to Achieve Water Quality Goals

It will be extremely challenging to achieve New Zealand’s water quality goals, according to new research.

A new report evaluates the current state of four contaminants (nitrogen, phosphorus, Escherichia coli, and sediment) in rivers, lakes, and estuaries across Aotearoa New Zealand.

On Farm Support Science Scholarships

Applications have opened for six scholarships that are being offered to students studying agriculture and horticulture at Massey and Lincoln universities to help boost the number of advisers providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers.

New report backs OverseerFM

A comprehensive two-year independent scientific evaluation of OverseerFM has confirmed its effectiveness as New Zealand’s most comprehensive farm management tool.

Emerging rural professional Sarah Hawkins wins top award

Environmental and dairy consultant, Sarah Hawkins, has been named as the Farmax/FarmIQ Emerging Rural Professional of the Year for 2023, the top contender in a field of highly talented and passionate nominees.

Deferral of Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) reporting obligations for animal farmers

The Ministry for the Environment is seeking feedback on the Government's proposal to defer the date animals–farmers become liable for their emissions under the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS).

Principles-Centred Leadership Model released by Food and Fibre Cove

In 2022, Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence commissioned New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust to research and design a leadership development ecosystem for Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. The interim report was released in February 2023, with a survey and focus groups (February – April) further informing the leadership model.

Seeking applications for the 2023 Emerging Professional of the Year

Has your work had a positive impact on the New Zealand farmers' business and the primary industry? The FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional of the Year Award is now open for applicants who have demonstrated excellence within the rural profession.

Final Ten Projects Granted Research Funding

Ten projects have been selected in the final round of funding for rural professionals from the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge. The projects range from the surprising (the potential to grow daffodils in hill country to supply a key ingredient in Alzheimer's medication) to the practical (analysing the impact of the nitrogen fertiliser cap introduced in 2020).

NZ Police Rural Support: NZ Sharemilkers Relocating in the Month of June

NZ Police Rural Support provide advice for farmers and sharemilkers on the move on 1 June.

If you are moving on to other pastures in the month of June, we have some tips to keep you and your property safe. This advice also applies to farm owners and the rural community in general.

Support for Farmers, Growers and whenua Māori entities significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle

The Government is providing $25 million for recovery grants to help undertake urgent work, including fencing, and clearing silt to save fruit trees and vines.

MPI Postgraduate Science Scholarships: Now Open

The Ministry for Primary Industries are pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 MPI Postgraduate Science Scholarships have opened to Master’s and PhD candidates from New Zealand universities. These scholarships are for candidates planning to study (or currently studying) a wide range of fields relevant to the primary sector, including (but not limited to) economics, physical or social sciences and Mātauranga Māori.

Impact of Forestry Conversions on Farms

The research report, Forestry on Farms: Implications for Farm Sustainability and Regional Impact, was released late last year. It highlights wide concern that the social and economic impact of these changes could be significant. Planting forest to sequester carbon, either for carbon farming or directly offsetting farm emissions, is likely to increase, the research, conducted by AgFirst, Groundtruth and Market Economics shows.

Growing Rural Professionals to Support Farmers

Growing rural professionals to support farmers through change is key to wider sector transformation and is the focus of a workshop being delivered by the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM).

Rural Professionals Fund

Rural professionals are invited to team up with farmers to apply for funding to test innovative ideas that help farmers add diversity, increase resilience, and tackle environmental challenges for their farm, catchment, and community.

NZIPIM Newsletter - 1 December 2022

Our Members would have seen the new look Newsletter last Thursday, here is a link to the Newsletter for those who may have missed it.

Study on Red Meat Carbon Efficiency & the Return of the A&P Show

Two News articles of interest this week:

Released by Beef + Lamb NZ, the lifecycle assessment (LCA) study has determined NZ’s red meat is among the most efficiently produced in the world.

Isn't it great to have A&P shows back this year? Looking forward to seeing you all at the Fieldays in a few weeks.

NZIPIM Strategy Update

The NZIPIM Board and Chief Executive are pleased to launch the Institutes refreshed Strategy for 2023 – 2025. This builds on the former purpose and adds a new strategic objective, with a focus on professional excellence.

MPI On Farm Support Team Update

MPI is continuing to build the On Farm Support service, focused on helping farmers and growers to adapt to regulatory change and provide connections to resources, expertise and opportunities. The service will complement existing services offered by the primary advisory sector and regional councils.

Interesting Innovations making National and International news

We are sharing a couple of interesting innovations which are currently in national and international news.

NZIPIM Board Director appointment – North Island

The Board of NZIPIM are pleased to announce the appointment of a new North Island Director

FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional Awards

Judging the FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional has been a difficult task for the judges this year, given the high calibre of applicants. All 16 applicants showed an insightful understanding of the challenges facing New Zealand’s primary industries, a vast range of skills, and positive contribution to the food and fibre sector.

Boost for Ag and Hort Science

Last week, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor announced funding of $1.6 million over five years, through MPI, to fund the initiative. He says the aim is to build resilience and meet future workforce demand as the sector grows.

Foot and Mouth Disease information for Rural Professionals

If foot and mouth disease reached New Zealand, all rural trade would be stopped and more than 100,000 jobs would be at risk. The New Zealand border is generally well managed and the risk of FMD entering is extremely low. The Government has taken steps in the last week to strengthen our borders.

NZIPIM Announce New Independent Director

The Board of NZIPIM are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Independent Director.

Webinar: Our Land and Water Rural Professionals Fund

Find out more about the third round of the Rural Professionals Fund, which will invest up to $75,000 in projects that will rapidly test ideas and innovations within a short nine-month time frame. Project teams must include a rural professional, and a farmer or grower. The team also must include a person with relevant scientific or technical expertise, or mātauranga Māori, or kaupapa Māori research expertise (this may be the rural professional in some cases).

Fresh Water Farm Plans - event recording and presentation

The Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries presented an update on the development of the Freshwater Farm Planning system and infrastructure to NZIPIM members in June. The seminar covered the delivery and relevant aspects of the system, focusing on parts related to rural professionals and farm environment planners.

Are you the next FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional of the Year?

Are you the next Emerging Rural Professional of the Year??

Applications are open for the FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional of the Year Award recognises excellence within the rural profession.

Rural Professionals Funding Round – Now Open

“Maverick” farm advisors are encouraged to team up with farmers to test smart ideas that could create real change for Kiwi farmers, in the third round of the Rural Professionals Fund from Our Land and Water

FMG Associate Director Opportunity

Ever wondered what it’d be like to sit on the Board of one of New Zealand’s leading rural businesses?

MPI: On Farm Support Services

MPI launched a new On Farm Support service as part of Budget 22 announcements. The service will offer more on-the-ground support for farmers and growers in the regions. On Farm Support will provide connections to the right resources, expertise and opportunities within the public and private sector, and industry organisations. The team will help navigate information and requirements around climate, water and the environment.

Primary sector backed to grow and innovate

Government has announced more than $118 million over four years will go towards boosting advisory services for farmers, foresters, growers and whenua Māori owners, as part of Budget 2022.

NZIPIM Independent Board Director

This is a unique governance opportunity with a professional membership body in arguably New Zealand’s most important industry sector. This is your chance to be fully engaged in some of the most challenging issues facing the nation’s primary sector. NZIPIM is in very good shape, is very well respected and with a recently appointed, passionate and energetic Chief Executive, is well positioned to grow. Please note that this is an Independent Director role so is open to non-members only, therefore we are requesting that members share with their contacts as appropriate.

Government to fund farm advisor training

The Government is investing $25 million in recruiting and training farm advisors to help farmers meet growing compliance requirements, but to also grow primary sector exports.

NZIPIM appoints new Chief Executive - Jo Finer

The new Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management wants to help enable rural professionals to be the best they can be, to support farmers. Jo Finer spoke to Colin Williscroft about how the institute can help those in the primary sector and her role in facilitating that.