Government funding for three AgResearch projects, new technology alliance aims to enhance rural connectivity, and Alliance shareholders to choose new leadership.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

Government funding for three AgResearch projects

Three major agricultural breakthroughs are on the horizon as AgResearch secures three million dollars in government funding to tackle some of farming's most challenging issues.

The first innovation targets facial eczema, a disease currently costing our agricultural sector more than three hundred million dollars annually. Scientists are developing a new type of treatment that works differently from traditional zinc dosing, targeting the harmful fungus in grass before it can harm animals.

Research leader Kwasi Adusei-Fosu says this new approach acts like "cutting the head off the snake," eliminating the threat before it reaches livestock. 

The second advancement looks at creating better fertilisers using extremely small particles. This innovation aims to help farmers maintain production while using less nitrogen, addressing both environmental concerns and upcoming regulatory changes.

The third initiative takes an innovative look at natural materials like wool. Scientists are learning to break down and rebuild these materials at a microscopic level, creating new products that maintain wool's natural advantages such as fire resistance and breathability.

All three initiatives aim to deliver practical solutions for farming challenges while supporting better environmental outcomes. 

AgResearch expects to see initial results from these projects emerging over the next several years.

 

Natural growing methods deliver early results in Gisborne

Market gardeners and arable land owners nationwide may gain new earth management alternatives as Gisborne growing trials reveal encouraging outcomes. The research, examining natural alternatives to traditional methods, shows meaningful advances in land care techniques.

Initial data emerging through commercial growing trials at two market gardens indicate natural methods might enhance growing conditions while reducing ongoing costs. The research, undertaken with government backing, includes major commercial entities and leading agricultural researchers.

Early outcomes demonstrate increased earth activity, a key marker indicating enhanced growing conditions. Researchers monitoring the trial are seeing changes in natural nutrient availability, which could mean reduced reliance on additional materials.

LeaderBrand’s sustainability manager Stuart Davis says his team now understands more about making natural methods work within commercial growing arrangements, including timing considerations and material management.

The research brings together major industry names including national retailer Woolworths, regional market garden leader LeaderBrand, and government agricultural researchers from Plant & Food Research. This alliance ensures the trials maintain commercial reality while advancing understanding.

Research teams will continue examining these outcomes through until early next year, gathering additional data about long-term advantages.

 

New technology alliance aims to enhance rural connectivity

Rural communities are at the heart of a groundbreaking telecommunications initiative aimed at delivering enhanced internet and mobile coverage to remote areas. 

A new alliance between Māori-owned telecommunications company Tū Ātea and American technology leader Mavenir will create modern network solutions tailored to meet rural needs. 

The technology rollout includes advanced local networks designed to meet the unique requirements of agricultural enterprises, including modern dairy operations, meat and wool handling centres, and remote manufacturing locations. These networks will enable real-time data management and remote monitoring across rural activities.

Under the arrangement, major telecommunications carriers including One NZ, Two Degrees, and other national networks will gain additional coverage capability through shared infrastructure. 

Tū Ātea's chef executive Antony Royal says the initiative will make modern communications more economical through innovative technology and resource allocation.

 

Farmers missing out on valuable genetic tools

New research reveals many commercial meat farmers are missing valuable income opportunities by not utilising modern genetic tools in their breeding decisions.

Beef and Lamb New Zealand's head of genetics, Dr. Jason Archer, says that while more farmers now use genetic information when buying bulls, many overlook other valuable genetic management options that could enhance their returns.

The research, conducted under the Informing New Zealand Beef initiative, identifies three key areas where genetic tools offer immediate advantages: choosing replacement heifers, making informed weaner buying decisions, and using targeted artificial insemination.

Current selection methods often rely on visual assessment, particularly when choosing replacement heifers. Dr. Archer says this traditional approach, while common, may not identify animals with the best genetic potential for long-term herd improvement.

The research also highlights missed opportunities in weaner sales. Current market arrangements often mean farmers receive no extra return for using better genetics or management techniques like yard weaning, which can enhance animal temperament and later growth.

Looking at artificial insemination, Dr. Archer notes while New Zealand's extensive farming layout creates challenges, selective use could bring significant advantages. He suggests targeting AI for first-time heifers, using genetics from easy-calving bulls to reduce complications.

These genetic tools form key elements of an industry advancement initiative aimed at increasing meat sector returns by more than four hundred million dollars over twenty-five years.

 

Alliance shareholders to choose new leadership

Alliance Group has opened voting for two key director roles, marking an important moment for the organisation's leadership.

Three candidates are competing for the available roles. They include Gray Baldwin from Putāruru in South Waikato, Cameron Black from Riverton in Southland, and Matt Iremonger from Banks Peninsula in Canterbury.

The election comes as Alliance navigates significant change in its leadership team. Recent months saw the retirement of former chair Murray Taggart, while current farmer-director Jason Miller announced he would not seek another term.

Alliance Group chair Mark Wynne says this election remains central to the co-operative's future direction. He encourages every member to take an active role in determining who will guide their organisation forward.

The voting method allows maximum accessibility for all members, with both internet and mail-in options available. Each Alliance member should now have received detailed information about all candidates.

The outcome will be announced at Alliance's Annual Meeting, taking place in Gore on December eighteenth.

 

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