Dairy Woman of the Year joins AGMARDT as Associate Board Member


AGMARDT has announced the appointment of Trish Rankin as the next Associate Board Member to join its Board of Trustees.

AGMARDT Chairman Richard Green says, “We are thrilled with this appointment. The Associate Board Member position exists to give emerging agribusiness leaders the opportunity to observe and experience governance in action within an innovative agribusiness environment.

“Trish is a proven rural leader, a successful and award-winning dairy farmer with strong executive and governance experience and a real passion for continued professional development to support her drive to help shape a positive future for New Zealand’s food and fibres sector.”

Trish, a Taranaki dairy farmer and 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, is a trustee on the Dairy Women’s Network Trust and has recently ended three years as a member of the NZ Dairy Enviro Leaders Steering Committee for DairyNZ.

Trish also owns and operates a consultation and facilitation business Porohita, supporting farmers and rural communities towards increasing circular economy farming models.

Part of the team facilitating Venture Taranaki’s 2050 Transition to a Low Emission Economy Project and having been a Climate Change Ambassador for four years, Trish has also facilitated Regenerative Ag workshops and designed workshops on improving farm waste.

“I am excited to join team AGMARDT, an organisation that is about optimism and enabling innovative growth and learning and development in our agricultural sector,” says Trish, who received AGMARDT funding to attend the 2020 International annual agribusiness seminar at Harvard Business School.

“Being part of a well-run board, learning how to make governance decisions, learning about the ‘why’ of what AGMARDT is tasked to do, helping shape a better future is a fantastic opportunity.”

As Associate, Trish will attend Board meetings and develop her own Governance Development programme in conjunction with the Board during her 18-month term.

“Developing people with good leadership and governance skills is paramount given the importance of agribusiness to the New Zealand economy,” says Mr Green.

“AGMARDT intends to continue to support initiatives focused on growing leadership skills and good governance.”

ENDS

_________

Trish Rankin can be contacted on 027 461 4586

Contacts:
Richard Green
Chairman

Malcolm Nitschke
General Manager

06 323 8766

www.agmardt.org.nz

Note to editor: AGMARDT, an independent, not-for-profit charitable trust with more than 30 years’ experience funding and fostering innovation, research and leadership capability in the food and fibres sector.

Food & Fibres Challenge seeks new thinking on de-carbonisation

With over $600,000 allocated to innovative research projects tackling big challenges for the primary sector, the Food & Fibres Challenge is now seeking applications for new initiatives to drive zero-carbon.

The Food & Fibres Aotearoa New Zealand Challenge (The Challenge) is a new contestable fund from AGMARDT (the Agriculture and Marketing Research and Development Trust) aimed at giving New Zealand’s ‘on-edge’ creative thinkers an opportunity to solve specific priority challenges facing the sector.

AGMARDT has announced two winners for the first round, which sought innovative industry-led projects to help accelerate on-farm de-carbonisation, minimise waste and provide solutions to improve land use and catchment management.

Methane Mitigation Ventures Ltd (MMV) receives $348,291 to support development of a practical diagnostic tool that can be used to demonstrate successful methane reduction in ruminants treated with natural anti-methane feed supplements.

Pearl Pastures Limited received $325,000 to further develop its business model working with farmers and the dairy industry to provide customers with exceptional ethically produced grass and milk fed ‘pearl’ veal.

“Both these projects bring fresh, creative thinking to turn challenges for farmers and the wider industry into potentially big opportunities,” says AGMARDT Chairman Richard Green.

“They’re commercially sound and collaborative initiatives that will benefit the whole value chain and help accelerate the change we need to see for a better future for food and fibres and ultimately for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Director of Pearl Pastures Alan McDermott says the funding will allow them to accelerate market and customer development together with new products from this new category for New Zealand’s meat and dairy sectors.

“It is very exciting for us to be able to focus on our project and work with farmers, other potential partners and customers with greater confidence. We believe surplus dairy calves provide what can be a profitable opportunity for dairy and livestock farmers that offers diversification and a host of environmental and welfare benefits.”

Tom Sturgess, Director of MMV says the funding will support research on two natural products, Asparagopsis and Mootral™.

“We believe these products are good candidates to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. A key focus is on practical ways to feed these products successfully to animals on pasture, but we need to know that the products are working. Thus, development of a diagnostic is an important part of the whole project.”

The second round of The Challenge, opens for Expressions of Interest from 14 May, seeks industry-led projects that will revolutionise the carbon challenge and achieve zero-carbon outcomes throughout the food and fibres value chain.

“This is an opportunity for New Zealanders who think outside to progress their ideas. We’re looking for innovative and industry-led projects that will change business as usual to have a real and rapid impact on New Zealand’s ability to meet our zero-carbon commitments domestically and globally.”

The Challenge is a contestable fund open to applications for AGMARDT funding from $200,000 up to $500,000 (incl. of GST*).

Applications follow a two-stage process with initial Expressions of Interest opening from 14 May and closing 30 June 2021. Finalists will be notified by 23 July 2021 and then invited to complete a full funding application with winners expected to be announced in September 2021.

Meanwhile, Mr Green says three further projects were identified through the first Challenge process that have been transferred to other AGMARDT funding streams, worth a total of $470,000.

“While The Challenge is about stimulating and supporting Kiwis who think outside the square and giving them an opportunity to progress their ideas, other projects with real merit for AGMARDT’s wider funding channels haven’t gone unnoticed.”

These projects are Big Wool Ltd, $170,000 for work to develop NZ Strong Wool; DairyNZ Ltd, $100,000 to support Dynamic ‘N’ Modelling from Farm to Catchment and Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd, $200,000 for its Restore Wholefoods bone broth.

To apply for Food & Fibres Challenge visit the AGMARDT website.

Contacts:
Richard Green, Chairman
06 323 8766
www.agmardt.org.nz

ENDS
The Food and Fibres Challenge Aotearoa New Zealand is designed and led by AGMARDT, an independent, not-for-profit charitable trust with more than 30 years’ experience funding and fostering innovation, research and leadership capability in the food and fibres sector.

Applications for AGMARDT Leadership Scholarships Now Open

AGMARDT

 

Applications for five leadership scholarships through the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) are now open.

Each year AGMARDT awards up to $15,000 per scholarship to individuals committed to a personal development plan leading to future leadership roles within the primary sector.

AGMARDT’s General Manager Malcolm Nitschke says since 2016, AGMARDT has awarded the leadership scholarship to 23 professionals so they can grow their management, leadership and/or governance skills.

“The success of New Zealand agribusiness is driven by talented and inspired leadership. Our ability to ensure a sustainable sector for generations to come relies on attracting, supporting and developing those leaders now.”

“We are offering up to $15,000 for each scholar so they can participate in governance training, business or management programmes, either here or overseas, and achieve their potential through a comprehensive personalised development plan” says Mr Nitschke.

“We are looking for passionate, forward-thinking people who have an interest in the agriculture, horticulture or forestry sector and are preferably nominated by their business, industry organisations or groups and who are committed to their own personal development.”

Application forms are online at applications.agmardt.org.nz

Applications for the five scholarships close on 30 September 2019

 

 

AGMARDT International Internship at AbacusBio 2019/20

intern

 

The AGMARDT International Internship at AbacusBio 2019/20 – Last year, AGMARDT and AbacusBio introduced an exciting new internship programme. The programme is back, this year with two openings available for the 2019/2020 intake. The internship is for 16 weeks. The internship is intended for early-career self-starters employed in the agri-tech, agri-business, and/or agri-food sectors. The programme will be managed and delivered by AbacusBio. Details and application form available here.

Hear about the experience that Jack Keeys had as the first AGMARDT international intern!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=460_15a6n5AA

FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner

Young-farmer

 

An Auckland-based business graduate has made history after being named the 51st FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

James Robertson took out the coveted title in front of a crowd of almost 700 people in Napier on Saturday 6 July.

There was loud applause and cheering as he made his way through a standing ovation and onto the stage.

The 22-year-old is the youngest contestant ever to win the grand final of the iconic agricultural contest. “When my name was called out I went into shock. I just can’t believe it, it’s a dream come true,” said James. “It’s always been a goal of mine to win this title.”

James grew up on a 200 cow dairy farm in the Waikato and works for Fonterra in its trade strategy team.

He’s proof you don’t have to milk cows to have a career in New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar dairy sector.

“The opportunities in the agri-food sector are endless, even if you live in the city. You just have to be passionate,” he said.

James was one of seven contestants from across the country who competed in this year’s grand final. The victory was the culmination of days of gruelling practical and technical challenges which tested their skills, knowledge and stamina. Competitors had to drive a large grape harvester, make sausages, assess health and safety risks using a virtual reality simulator, install an irrigation system for fruit trees, market a line of sheep and sit an agri-business exam.

James won a prize package worth at least $75,000, which includes a trip to Ireland. He also took out the FMG People’s Choice Award, winning $1,000 for his Auckland Young Farmers club.

Despite his young age, James has had a long involvement with NZ Young Farmers which started during high school. In 2013, James and a fellow team mate from Hamilton Boys’ High School won the TeenAg Grand Final. It means the Massey University graduate is the only person to take out both grand finals.

“The work NZ Young Farmers does in schools to show students the diverse range of careers in agriculture is extremely important,” he said. “I probably wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for my involvement with NZ Young Farmers early on.”
Central Hawke’s Bay technical field representative Joseph Watts, 28, took out second place in the grand final. He also won the innovation prize, the award for showcasing food production and was named the most tech-savvy contestant.

Waikato vet Emma Dangen, 24, came third and picked up the award for championing environmental best practice.

Alex Field, 25, who’s a stock manager south of Whanganui, won the award for outstanding leadership skills.

The total grand final prize pool is worth $100,000. The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is an iconic contest which began in 1969 and showcases the country’s agri-food sector.

The contest is supported by FMG, Ravensdown, Honda, WorkSafe, Zero Harm Farm, STIHL, Lincoln University, Massey University, Southfuels, Northfuels, Betacraft and New Holland.

Taranaki Farmer Joins AGMARDT as Associate Trustee

liam-news

 

AGMARDT has announced the appointment of Liam O’Sullivan as the next Associate Board Member to join its Board of Trustees.

AGMARDT Chairman Tony Egan said, “The Board is delighted with Liam’s appointment. There was a lot of interest in the role and the quality of applications was excellent.”

“The purpose of creating the Associate Board Member position is to provide an emerging agribusiness leader with an opportunity to observe and experience governance in action within an innovative agribusiness environment.”

Liam O’Sullivan farms a Coastal Taranaki dairy farm milking 400 cows where he and his family have been since 2014. Prior to this he had a 16-year Agri banking career working in roles across the North Island which included holding Senior Regional leadership positions. He is a recent graduate of the Fonterra Governance Development Programme (2018), holds a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Studies (Valuation) and has held governance and advisory board positions in farming companies. He is currently a member of the Taranaki Dairy Environment leaders’ group.

“I am stoked to be part of the AGMARDT team and look forward to contributing to the good work the Trust does to add to the bright future of the Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestry sectors through supporting science, innovation, customer insights and people development.”

“Developing people with good leadership and governance skills is paramount given the importance of agribusiness to the New Zealand economy. AGMARDT intends to continue to support initiatives focused on growing leadership skills and good governance” said Mr Egan.

2019 Young Horticulturist competition launched

2019-horticulturist

The hunt is on for New Zealand’s 2019 Young Horticulturist.

The 2019 event is being officially launched this month with the country’s best young men and women preparing to go head-to-head in six sector competitions throughout New Zealand. These competitions determine who will qualify to compete in the Young Horticulturist annual competition held in November. The competition recognises and celebrates excellence in people aged under 30, employed in the horticulture industry.

One finalist will represent each of the six sectors, with these being Young Amenity, Young Achiever (representing NZ plant producers), Young Grower, Young Viticulturist, Young Landscaper and Young Florist/floriculturist.

2019 Young Horticulturist Competition chairperson Elle Anderson is thrilled to announce the continued support of four partnering sponsors. These are AGMARDT, Countdown, Fruitfed Supplies and T&G.

She says this year marks a milestone with the competition celebrating its 15th year.

Last year’s winner Annabel Bulk encourages young horticulturists to pit their talents. Annabel, who is a viticulturist with Felton Road Wines in Central Otago’s Bannockburn, says the competition gave her the opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded young people from across the horticulture sector.

For more information see the media release from Young Horticulturist:
www.younghort.co.nz/news/20190507.htm

Primary Industries Summit & Awards

primary-industry

 

Federated Farmers of New Zealand and Conferenz will co-host the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards on 1 & 2 July at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.

The Primary Industries NZ Summit will be a platform and focal point for NZ decision-makers and influencers involved in the primary industries value chain from producers through to research and science communities, technologists, marketers, Iwi and government to hear key analysis and expert insight informing the outlook for a sustainable future. It will facilitate openings for high-level collaboration across the commercial and primary sectors and conversations centred around issues close to the hearts of our primary producers and showcase the best of New Zealand’s primary industries on a national stage.

Primary Industries NZ Summit themes:

Geopolitics and trade outlook
The latest from MPI on the Situation & Outlook data
The Māori economy and its importance to leveraging New Zealand’s primary industry
Trends and shifts in consumer preferences, and their impact on food and agriculture
New Zealand’s contribution to climate change and living within our planetary limits
Showcasing exemplars for innovation and technology

View the agenda:
primaryindustries.co.nz/agenda

Agmardt members / receipients of this email are entitled to a discount of $100 off rate chosen to the Primary Industries Summit to be held in Wellington on 1 & 2 July 2019. To qualify, enter the promotional code MC78K8 when booking online: primaryindustries.co.nz/register

Booking Options:

Summit Pass – Business & Govt $1599 + GST
Summit Pass – Independent farmer & producer* $599 + GST
*Please note, in order to qualify for the discounted rate, you must be a full-time, independent farmer or producer. Registrations will be verified.

Super Saver pricing ends on 13 May, 2019.

AGMARDT Associate Board Member

AGMARDT

 

Due to the current Associate being appointed to the AGMARDT Board, a further opportunity is being offered to a talented individual interested in gaining Governance experience in the agribusiness sector.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Gain Governance experience
  • Gain a broad overview of agribusiness; and
  • It is a fixed term of up to 18 months

AGMARDT is an independent not-for-profit trust that aims to foster and encourage leadership, innovation and research capability within the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors of New Zealand.

The Board which meets regularly throughout the year would invite the Associate trustee to attend Board meetings and participate fully in discussion. Essentially it is an opportunity to observe and experience Governance in action within an innovative agribusiness environment.

The Associate Trustee will be given the opportunity to develop their own Governance Development programme in conjunction with the Board during their term.

We are seeking applications from talented individuals and emerging leaders who:

  • Have demonstrated leadership within agribusiness or the wider community;
  • Have the desire and motivation to take on future governance roles and make a positive contribution to agribusiness; and
  • Have broad experience within the agribusiness or forestry sectors.
    If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form online or call 06 323 8766 for more information.

Applications close Thursday 28th February 2019

AGMARDT Trustee Announcement

AGMARDT-trustee

Justine Gilliland been appointed a Trustee of the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) following the recent retirement of Barry Brook.

Mrs Gilliland has been an associate board member with AGMARDT since May and from March 2019 is CEO for Venture Taranaki. She has previously worked in leadership roles with the Ministry of Primary Industries, the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission, and establishing the one billion trees programme with Te Uru Rakau (Forestry New Zealand).

Gilliland says she is looking forward to her new role.

As an associate and in my previous work I have seen the difference AGMARDT can make to progressive businesses and leaders in our sector. I’m excited about playing a greater role in helping to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for New Zealand agribusiness.

Trust Chairman, Tony Egan says with her background in strategy, law, policy and communications Mrs Gilliland will make a valuable contribution. He also thanked Mr Brook for his exemplary efforts as Trustee for the past eight years.

Barry has been with the Trust since 2010, which included two years as Chair from 2014 to 2016, says Mr Egan. During his tenure AGMARDT has gone from investing about two million a year to around $5 million, and the quality of the applicant and grants have also increased.

He played a significant role in helping to establish the MPI/AGMARDT Emerging Primary Industry Leadership Scholarship and our in-market grants. His contribution will be missed.

Mr Brook says it has been a privilege to serve on the Board, We’re consistently presented with innovative solutions and it’s rewarding to help bring them to life.

For example, we recently helped to back an anti-pollution face mask, developed by wool-technology company Lanaco. It’s a clever idea which uses the breathable properties of wool to combat a growing health issue and tap into a multi-billion industry.

Innovations like this are a win for our farmers, agribusiness and New Zealand’s economy too. I have loved being a part of it, he says.