Analysis

Lincoln students stepping up to help rural contractors

Lincoln students will be able to help ease the pressure on rural contractors struggling to fill the gap a lack of migrant workers is creating in the primary sector due to Covid-19 restrictions. Alongside offering qualifications designed to meet the future employment needs of the food and fibre sector, Lincoln has taken the move to help the sector now, modifying its rules around compulsory practical work requirements to include contracting. The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund is covering course costs for four Lincoln University sub-degree programmes, Diplomas in Horticulture, Agriculture, Farm Management and Organic Agri-Food Production, from July 2020 until December 2022. All have a practical work requirement, as do many other programmes at the land-based university. Contractor work could include hay baling and silage baling, as well as spraying, muck spreading, shearing, ploughing and other tractor operation and bulk supplementary feed production. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, said Lincoln was strongly connected to the sector and he had a discussion with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor about how to help fill this need. Agribusiness lecturer, Dan Smith, said typically a large number of British and Irish workers travel here to complete this work and many contractors would usually be in the United Kingdom recruiting staff now. “Given the current global pandemic it is unlikely these workers will have the freedom to come here which will place a lot of pressure on these businesses, and this was putting pressure on contractors to fill their needs.” He said agricultural degrees and diplomas at Lincoln include a practical work component where students are required to work on farm to gain experience. “This year Lincoln University will extend the parameters of this practical work to allow students to get out and work for rural contractors. We see the value in this experience and […]

Faces of the future, youth making their mark in the Agri-sector

The Fieldays Online, ‘This Working Life – Careers in the Agri-sector’ series, shines a light on six young people making a difference in the primary sector. The series offers a snapshot into their journeys into the industry and why they are passionate about what they do. For Cheyenne Wilson and Sam Waugh, two dairy farmers featured, education, telling our stories better and shifting culture are key to securing a bright future for the Agri-industry. We caught up with them to hear more about their experiences. Cheyenne Wilson’s dream is to see rangatahi move into and thrive in the primary industries. The 27-year-old Southlander worked in the dairy sector full time for seven years, progressing from a calf rearer to farm manager before making the decision to head to Lincoln University and study towards an Agriculture Commerce Degree. She trained through Primary ITO while working in the industry but took the opportunity to broaden and strengthen her knowledge and skillset. Of Ngati Awa and Tuhoe descent, Cheyenne was also a finalist in the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer of the Year Award in 2018. Her vision of the future is about solving two issues, getting young Maori passionate about the industry and into jobs while shifting the culture in and outside of the primary sector. As someone who wasn’t sure about what she wanted to do after high school Cheyenne recognises the need to keep ones’ options open. “I don’t think the answer is saying ok you don’t have a job, just go and milk cows. That only adds to the stigma. If someone isn’t passionate about it then don’t put them in the dairy sector. It’s not a one size fits all job. “There’s also a lack of relatable people, especially for young Maori, this is also a bigger issue for young people […]

Fieldays Online

The first ever digital Fieldays was opened by The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister of New Zealand, followed by an address by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The Prime Minister opened the virtual gates to Fieldays Online with a nod to the efforts of the primary sector, who kept the country moving during the national lockdown. Ardern acknowledged the event is part of the fabric of the rural community and its significance in the local and national economy. The Prince, who is an avid supporter of sustainable agriculture, last visited Fieldays in 1970 when the event was in only its second year. In his message for Fieldays Online, His Royal Highness commended the Society for their decades of hard work and importance to the nation. “The idea behind Fieldays, to which I was first introduced all those years ago, has certainly flourished over these past five decades. All those who have nurtured it and helped it to grow can feel rightly proud of the way in which Fieldays has established its place in New Zealand life. It has come to be an indispensable opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge, to connect different parts of the community, and to celebrate our shared relationships to the land.” New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation was delighted to receive the royal reinforcement. “We don’t do things by halves here and we knew having an online event was a huge undertaking. But given the current circumstances we knew we had to do something, and we’ve worked really hard to bring the event to life in an utterly new and unique way. “Having the Prime Minister and The Prince offer their support is wonderful. We’re really proud of what’s on offer for the community both here in New Zealand and […]

$40 million to support NZ businesses a welcome relief

Minister for Economic Development Phil Twyford and Minister for Small Business Stuart announced a further $40 million will be invested in the Regional Business Partner programme (RBP) today. This is a welcome relief for businesses trying to plot a path back to a thriving business after the COVID-19 pandemic says the EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley. “Financial support via the wage subsidy and small loan scheme helped businesses stay afloat, but what is going to get them back to profitability long term is good advice and mentoring around changing the way they operate,” said Brett. The RBP offers eligible businesses help with HR, health and wellbeing, business continuity, cashflow and finance management, strategy and digital capability. In the announcement today a further $10 million of funding for tourism businesses will also be channeled through the RBP. “One of the sectors that was hit as far back as January by COVID-19 was tourism. They were feeling the effects of dwindling tourist numbers, the China tourist ban and accommodation, hospitality, tourism, and tourism related retail were all on the decline. “Six months later and with border closures still in place they are in desperate need of the type of support the RBP offers.” Brett said. The fund is open to registered New Zealand businesses with fewer than 100 full time equivalent employees and provides access to up to $5000 of expert advice and support. The RBP is a partnership between NZTE and Callaghan Innovation. Businesses looking to register should call the Business Helpline on 0800 500 362 in the North Island or 0800 505 096 in the South Island.

Farming sector pleased visa changes provide certainty

DairyNZ and Federated Farmers are pleased to see the government announcement that it is extending employer assisted temporary work visas due to expire by the end of 2020. DairyNZ people team leader Jane Muir says the six month extension is excellent news for farmers and the estimated 3000 dairy farm employees whose temporary visas are due to expire. “The dairy sector, farm employers and our farm employees on temporary visas have been calling on the government to provide a solution. We are pleased they have listened,” said Ms Muir. “We are about to go into the busiest time of the farming year with calving and urgently sought certainty that farmers would be able to keep their existing staff.” Federated Farmers and DairyNZ have repeatedly highlighted to government the plight of migrant workers needed by the dairy sector, both those already working in the country and those stuck overseas. “We need these people. They are key to our daily business on-farm,” Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says. DairyNZ has a GoDairy campaign underway to attract and train Kiwis for the 1000 additional jobs currently up for grabs on dairy farms. “In the medium to long-term we expect to see dairy’s reliance on migrants decrease but it will take time – our migrants have skills we can’t replace quickly, they are highly valued and they can help train Kiwis,” said Ms Muir. Immigration Minister Ian Lees-Galloway announced the government is shifting a stand down period that applies to some migrants by six months to February 2021. Migrant workers who were subject to the 12-month stand-down period and were going to have to leave New Zealand this year, will now be able to stay for the duration of the extension.

Connectivity key to health and wellbeing at Fieldays Online

If you can do it at Fieldays at Mystery Creek you can do it at Fieldays Online – with the possible exception that you might have to make your own hot bacon roll. The virtual event means you can be immersed in everything you love about the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, at the click of your fingertips. “With connectivity at the centre of the event combined with innovation and adaptability, Fieldays Online is all about bringing Fieldays to anyone, anywhere at any time. The content includes live and on-demand TV, webinars, articles, exclusive deals and much more. This is all delivered in an engaging way and is accessible on any device, so audiences can engage at a time and in a format that suits them,” says Nikki Streater, GM of Satellite, the digital agency building the Fieldays Online platform in partnership with the New Zealand National Fieldays Society. “Satellite are working with exhibitors to turn their product updates/launches, sales, promotions, news & info, activations and features into a digital site that the visitors can easily access and explore. We’ll also have live stream and on-demand videos, panel discussions and webinars bringing the latest innovation and insight for the sector.” The Fieldays Health and Wellbeing Hub, a central part of the traditional event, will be an interactive space for visitors to enjoy during Fieldays Online. Kiwi favourites Hyundai, who have been attending Fieldays since 2004, are bringing their ‘Good as Gold’ Fieldays deals as well as a unique health and wellbeing offering to the virtual event. At Fieldays Online, one of Hyundai’s ambassadors, ‘Dr Tom’ will be hosting a series of ‘talks’ on Fieldays TV, both live and on-demand, sharing with viewers some of his PGG Wrightson ‘Walk the Talk’ Wellness Tour stories from his travels meeting farmers around the countryside. […]

Fonterra to pay farmers more for sustainable, high value milk

Fonterra farmers producing sustainable, high quality milk will be eligible for a new payment, as Fonterra announces important changes to the way it pays farmers for their milk. From 1 June 2021, Fonterra is introducing a Co-operative Difference Payment of up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) if the farm meets the Co-op’s on-farm sustainability and value targets. It’s part of the Co-op’s strategy to add value to New Zealand milk and responds to increasing demand from customers here and around the world for sustainably-produced dairy. The payment will be funded out of the Farmgate Milk Price. “The total Farmgate Milk Price will remain the same across the Co-operative, but the amount that each individual farm is paid will vary depending on their contribution under The Co-operative Difference, in addition to the other variables, like fat and protein, which affect the amount that’s paid,” says Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell. “We’ve always paid our farmers based on the value that milk provides to the Co-operative. The reality is that the drivers of value are changing, and we need to reflect that. Our customers want to know that the products they are buying are not only safe, but also produced sustainably. “This payment helps us meet the changing needs of our customers, so they continue to choose our milk and enjoy dairy as a sustainable and nutritious choice. “We want to deliver the innovation, sustainability and efficiency needed to make the most difference to our strategy and our bottom line. It makes sense to financially reward those farmers who go the extra mile to help our Co-op differentiate its milk.” Last year Fonterra launched The Co-operative Difference – a straight-forward framework to help farmers produce high-quality, sustainable milk and prepare for any changes […]

Lincoln’s land-based legacy delivers for Government

Lincoln University’s 142-year record of delivering practical land-based courses is matching the Government’s need to encourage workers into the food and fibre sector. Lincoln is the only New Zealand university included in the Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund, which is covering course costs for four sub-degree programmes from July 2020 until December 2022: the Diploma in Horticulture (you can begin studying for this diploma in July 2020), Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Farm Management and Diploma in Organic Agri-Food Production. Each has practical work requirements, rising to 44 weeks for the farm management diploma. No previous tertiary study experience is necessary and the courses enhance employability by teaching specific skills for the industry. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, said Lincoln focused on improving New Zealand’s land-based knowledge, wealth and productivity, and was enthusiastic about being included in the scheme. “There are urgent industry demands in areas such agriculture for skilled workers, and these practical -based courses will assist with that, producing graduates who have the skills to hit the ground running and help drive the New Zealand economy.” “It’s very encouraging to know the Government values our contribution to the sector.” Lincoln is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities in agriculture and forestry, and is already waiving tuition fees for a number of postgraduate courses to feed skilled people into rewarding careers in agriculture and horticulture, essential to earning export income after the impact of Covid-19 on the economy. Practical work is a requirement of over 20 qualifications offered at Lincoln, enabled by the university’s longstanding links with industry stakeholders such as PGG Wrightson, Pioneer, Ravensdown, Anzco Foods, and Yili Dairy, as well as sector organisations such as DairyNZ and research bodies like AgResearch. Lincoln University graduates completing diplomas, certificates and degrees represent about 10% of the ‘replacement rate’ […]

Government supports dairy farming jobs for kiwis

The Government and dairy sector have joined forces on a new campaign to support COVID-19 affected workers into a farming career, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said. The 2020 GoDairy campaign was launched today by DairyNZ, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry for Social Development (MSD), and with support from Federated Farmers. “We know that people have lost their jobs because of COVID-19, and we know there is significant and urgent demand for trained workers in the dairy sector,” Damien O’Connor said. “We want to continue to connect people with jobs in dairy, and more broadly in the primary industries because we know these sectors will be key to our economic recovery. “GoDairy has a crucial role to play. The programme has a history of successfully recruiting and supporting people into dairy careers, over the past 15 years. The Government and the sector are giving it a welcome boost to encourage new-found farmers, by investing $3.5 million to expand this crucial work during our economic recovery,” Damien O’Connor said. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said that although the new campaign is still in its early days, there is good interest from people wanting to pursue a dairy farming career. “Like all successful businesses, dairy farming needs good talent. Currently there are 1,000 job vacancies on dairy farms nationwide,” Tim Mackle said. “There are excellent career opportunities in farming – from doing the books, to working with machinery, caring for animals, and managing staff. Technology plays a major part in the business too. “To date, GoDairy has interest from people across a range of career backgrounds – from tourism and hospitality to engineering, finance, and truck drivers. While many people might not be familiar with the day-to-day of dairy farming, most have work and life skills that […]

Tuition fees on postgraduate courses waived to meet employment needs

Lincoln University is endeavouring to meet the need of the thriving food and fibre sector for skilled and qualified workers by waiving tuition fees on a number of postgraduate courses which feed into it. The move also boosts retraining options for those who might have suffered job losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The essentially free course offering includes taught master’s degrees in areas such as agricultural systems, food innovation, pest management, accounting, and sport and recreation management, as well as graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas in applied science, environmental management and commerce (and many more), all offered from Semester 2 in July. They range from one to three semesters long, include online options, and are only available to domestic students. Lincoln, as a specialised land-based university, has a long connection to the food and fibre sector, conducting valuable research and growing qualified work-ready graduates, as well as promoting sustainable initiatives. Over 350,000 New Zealanders work in the food and fibre sector, which includes agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, as well as agribusiness. It contributes over 11% of New Zealand’s GDP, and has an increasing need for skilled and qualified workers. Lincoln University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce McKenzie, said the university was well connected to industry, and aware of the need the primary sector had for the graduates Lincoln produced to keep driving the New Zealand economy, and this was particularly important in the wake of COVID-19, with other industries under pressure. “We want to do all we can to meet that need, as well as offering people from other industries the chance to train for a new career. We have removed that barrier of cost, and are offering innovative courses in many different areas that add to the knowledge and qualifications they already have to make them very employable.” […]

«‹ 12 13 14 15 ›»

News Ticker

Analysis