2020 Reports
Lucy Moss
Historically Dairy farming was seen as an attractive career path where hard work and dedication was rewarded with the trophy of farm ownership, but that reward is all but out of the grasp of most; this amongst a plethora of other reasons has led to an ever increasing struggle to attract and retain talented individuals on farm. With 60% of new entrants to the dairy industry leaving within the first twelve months, retention is a very real issue on our dairy farms. Research has shown engaged employees are not only less likely to leave the farm or organisation, but when employees are engaged, the organisation will be both more productive and profitable.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Luke Beehre
To develop an understanding of the implications of this change – the scale and breadth of it along with the potential opportunities this report looks to develop context, perspective and a deep understanding of the subject by exploring the past, present and future of the industry, understanding what influences farmer change, work through current strategies in place and then consider some of the potential pathways ahead and finally discuss some conclusions and recommendations.
This is approached via a mix of in-depth interviews, selected readings, and critique to develop the context, perspective and deep understanding desired.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Erin McIlmurray
The objective of this report is to build awareness. Awareness of what people are experiencing internally before being able to accept and embody change. Lockdown has given a global lesson in empathy. In my opinion, building a community of support, where people can lean on each other when they are struggling and celebrate with each other when they win, is crucial for achieving decreased GHG emissions.
Achieving reduced GHG emission targets is a New Zealand Inc challenge, not solely an Agricultural sector challenge. This report proposes a Team New Zealand approach to achieving national GHG emission targets.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Julia Galwey
The purpose of this report was to provide some context and further understand the issue with bobby calves and the risk to social licence to operate, and then understand what the opportunities, benefits, challenges, and implications might be at the various points of the value chain with establishing a veal industry in New Zealand as a partial solution to reducing the number of calves slaughtered early.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Clare Easton
The objective of the research is to provide another layer of insight and use this as a platform for further collaboration and conversation – understanding the social impacts (real and perceived) of contrasting primary sector investment in rural Hawke’s Bay – comparing sheep and beef, horticulture, dairy and forestry.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Kate Downie-Melrose
The purpose of this research was to explore the rise in veganism and the factors which influence a shift in perception and behaviour when it comes to consuming protein sources.
Through a study of literature, the role of protein in our diets has been explored as well as production and consumption trends in New Zealand and globally. The relationship with protein sources and the human behavioural aspect towards varying food messages was woven into the discussion. Unstructured interviews were conducted amongst animal and plant protein producers as well as industry partners and consumers.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Keegan Blignaut
In this report a comparison is made between Northland and Waikato to highlight the risks of beekeeping in Northland and determine the key focus areas that can reduce these risks and deliver profitability.
Using the data provided in MPI’s Apiculture Monitoring Reports from June 2008 to June 2018, it is clear that a ~12% net profit before tax was achieved during these ten years in Northland. At ~12%, this profitability is exposed to significant downward pressure due to overstocking of beehives in the region and unsettled weather.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Richard Ridd
This research explores the value of connection to nature and each other. It explores that state of our connection and contrasts connection with rural disconnect (often referred to as the Urban-Rural Divide).
Peri-urban catchments are catchments that pass through or border an urban centre. This report identifies these catchments as having an opportunity to connect a significant amount of people to each other and nature.
The report starts with a literature review of connection in New Zealand. The study looks at two aspects of connection; the benefits of connection and the current state of connection in New Zealand.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Catherine Dickson
Sheep and beef farms are home to a quarter of New Zealand’s total national native vegetation. This means that sheep and beef property owners make up the second largest native biodiversity land holders, second only to Public Conservation land. As such, a large part of New Zealand’s conservation effort is in their hands.
Many landowners have already taken steps to protect and enhance their slice of native bush. With appreciation for what has already been achieved it encourages more progress to be made by that person and those around them.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Alby Hanson
Through my research, I have sought to understand how government institutions internationally and locally are innovating and experimenting to better understand these perspectives. The value and promise of these innovations is already being demonstrated.
I have also sought to understand farmer perspectives myself, and what matters to them. Through a range of semi- formal interviews, I captured a variety of themes. Views of government, the realities of farming, Māori agribusiness, communication and engagement and community and the importance of people were expressed.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Annie Fleming
In an ever-changing world of requirements for freshwater management, biodiversity and climate change policy changes, biosecurity threats, volatile markets due to societal trends and economic fluctuations - a profitable business and a solid balance sheet is crucial in today’s farming operations in order to be prepared for anything.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41
Oscar Beattie
This study uses an analytical framework to measure the carbon footprint of orchards and vineyards as a proxy for environmental sustainability. The model uses a case study of six different orchards and vineyards, owned by Craigmore Sustainables, to get an understanding of the variability within the sector. In addition to the carbon footprint modelling, four informal interviews of leading New Zealand primary industry investment managers and large-scale corporate farmers and foresters were performed to get an understanding of the extent to which the primary industry and its investors are concerned and report on sustainability.
- 2020
- Kellogg 41