Ag&Ed | July 17th, 2023

Educational resources for schools & students

Read, listen to, and watch what is happening in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector by scanning the QR codes or following the links. Answer the questions to complete the exercises.

What made Winston focus on lame cows?

Winston Mason grew up in the city, but during a placement for his vet studies he discovered a passion for helping cows. bit.ly/lame-cows

Have a go:

1. What university did Winston attend?

2. What does he love about his job?

3. Why is it important to combat lameness in cows?

Stretch yourself:

4. What does Winston say is the key to being able to make a difference in any role?

5. What led him to set up his own research company, EpiVets?

6. How is lameness monitored and managed in the United Kingdom compared to in New Zealand?

Did you know?

How did Leander end up consulting on orchards?

There are thousands of jobs in horticulture across New Zealand. Read about Leander Archer’s journey to being an AgFirst Horticulture and Environment Consultant. bit.ly/adviser-orchards

Have a go:

1. At school what were Leander’s passions?

2. What are some of the tasks Leander does as a consultant?

3. What does Leander love about working in the horticultural industry?

Stretch yourself:

4. Fruit growing and the environment are complex, linked systems. How do you think the systems are linked? Can you give some examples?

5. Check out career pathways at gohorticulture.co.nz and list the steps you would take to become a horticultural adviser.

Why does native biodiversity matter?

The importance of native biodiversity is looked at in this Beef + Lamb New Zealand video, which also gives information about planning and management. bit.ly/native-biodiversity

Have a go:

1. What does New Zealand’s native biodiversity include?

2. What are the benefits of managing our native biodiversity?

3. When implementing a biodiversity plan, what type of tasks are recommended to tackle first and why?

Stretch yourself:

4. What does a biodiversity plan need to include?

5. What is the difference between operational monitoring and outcome monitoring?

See more at beeflambnz.com

Did you know?

How do consumers pick quality beef and lamb?

Quality ingredients are vital for any recipe. When consumers select beef and lamb with a New Zealand Beef and Lamb Quality Mark, they can be assured that the meat is top quality. bit.ly/pick-quality

Have a go:

1. What year was the Quality Mark established?

2. The Quality Mark is guaranteed through regular auditing. What is auditing and how does it guarantee quality for consumers?

3. What are six characteristics of Quality Marked beef and lamb?

Stretch yourself:

4. Looking at the six characteristics, why do you think each is important to a consumer?

5. How does the Quality Mark help with marketing on a global stage? What might it do for the producer of the beef and lamb in New Zealand?

Watch this

What are the five freedoms?

Learn about industry standards for animal welfare in this Agricademy video. After watching the video, complete the online quiz to test your knowledge.

bit.ly/animal-freedoms

Have a go:

1. The Animal Welfare Act 1999, the updated Codes of Welfare 2018 and the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare are the basic legislation and guidelines that determine how dairy cows should be treated on the farm. True or false?

2. What is the Animal Welfare Act based on?

3. Why is good animal welfare important?

4. What are the characteristics of a good stock handler?

5. List the actions a farmer can take to make sure cows are free from hunger and thirst.

6. Good observation and prompt treatment are important to ensure that cows are free from pain, injury and disease. True or false?

7. Cows don’t need much space and they are happy on their own without other cows around. True or false?

8. From the video, list three actions that help keep stock free from fear and distress.

The big issue

Why is BVD tricky to manage?

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a serious disease. In this video, MSD animal health veterinary technical manager Jo Holter explains biosecurity measures for BVD. bit.ly/in-out-over

Have a go:

1. How much is BVD estimated to cost New Zealand annually?

2. What are three ways BVD can spread?

3. What does PI stand for?

4. What is biosecurity and why is it important?

Stretch yourself:

5. What is a “trojan cow”?

6. Explain each part of the “in, out and over” framework, along with why each part is important.

For more see bvdfree.org.nz

Why have a cup of tea and a kōrero?

Trevor Waikawa is a catchment adviser, passionate about supporting landowners to get better outcomes for the taiao (environment). He does this through listening to the landowners and their aspirations, working for the benefit of the people and the land (whenua). “Healthy land means healthy people”, he says.

https://bit.ly/adviser-catchments

Have a go:

1. What gives Trevor the most buzz in his role?

2. In Trevor’s catchment area what is the main issue?

3. Why is it beneficial for an adviser like Trevor to take the time for a cup of tea and a kōrero?

Stretch yourself:

4. Trevor says if the environment is healthy, our people are healthy. Explain what this means.

5. List all the people Trevor says are needed to collectively achieve the best outcomes. Why do you think it is important they are all included?

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

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agrihq.co.nz/our-education-resources

...is back!

...is back!

Learn about on farm scenarios, use real life case studies and understand what it takes to work in the ag sector in New Zealand. Students also have the opportunity to apply for our Ag&Ed Innovation Challenge, where 20 lucky students will work in teams to address key issues in the ag sector.

Learn about on farm scenarios, use real life case studies and understand what it takes to work in the ag sector in New Zealand. Students also have the opportunity to apply for our Ag&Ed Innovation Challenge, where 20 lucky students will work in teams to address key issues in the ag sector.

Applications are now open!

Applications are now open!

Thinking about a career in the primary sector?

Thinking about a career in the primary sector?

Whether you’re just starting out, or looking for that next step, there are education and training options. Some training options are even on the job, which means you’ll upskill and learn while you are earning.

Whether you’re just starting out, or looking for that next step, there are education and training options. Some training options are even on the job, which means you’ll upskill and learn while you are earning.

Other courses are free of charge, or have support options available.

Other courses are free of charge, or have support options available.