Volume 153 – October 30, 2023
Ag&Ed Educational resources for schools & students
Read, listen to and watch what is happening in New Zealand agriculture by scanning the QR codes or following the links. Answer the questions to complete the exercises. In the news
Watch this
Can saloon doors prevent injuries?
Can we future-proof global food supply? Global food producers and agricultural companies have committed to new regenerative agriculture practices. bit.ly/regen-framework Have a go: 1. What does the SAI stand for, and what is the SAI Platform? 2. Name three companies taking part in the framework. 3. What are the four key areas of environmental impact that have been identified by the Regenerating Together programme?
DairyNZ is trialling a range of practical ideas to help farmers avoid sprains and strains, particularly around calving time. Watch to learn about one of the prototypes. bit.ly/saloon-doors Have a go: 1. What are the advantages of the saloon door gate? 2. What problem is the prototype trying to solve? 3. Why do you think more sprains and strains happen on farms around calving time? Stretch yourself: 4. Design another practical solution that could reduce injury risk for farmers. To see more dairynz.co.nz/sprains-strains
Did you know
Stretch yourself: 4. Why is regenerative agriculture important and how might it help future-proof global food supply? 5. How will a global framework, developed through cross-industry collaboration, help achieve more sustainable farming and growing practices?
The big issue
Are there cost-effective fertiliser alternatives? Tesco has announced it will partner with five of its largest field vegetable suppliers to launch the UK’s biggest ever commercial roll-out of low-carbon fertiliser. bit.ly/low-carbon-fert Have a go: 1. What percentage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is this roll-out expected to generate? 2. What other produce areas does Tesco want to reduce emissions in? 3. Eight fertiliser alternatives will be used over 1300 hectares in the 2023 growing season. How many hectares have been earmarked for the 2024 season? 4. How much have chemical fertiliser costs risen by in the past year? Stretch yourself: 5. Six of the eight fertilisers will be manufactured within the UK. Can you name five different ingredients that will be used?
What are the opportunities? Meat Industry Association (MIA) scholarship applications are now open for tertiary students who are looking to a career in the red meat sector beyond the farm gate. bit.ly/MIA-opportunity Have a go: 1. The meat industry is New Zealand’s largest manufacturing sector providing jobs for 25,000 people nationwide. Why does the MIA want to attract more students into careers in this sector? 2. Find three off-farm jobs in different areas of the red meat industry. What skills do you think each job would require? 3. How much financial support and for how long are the undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships? 4. As well as financial support, what are other advantages that a MIA scholarship can provide? Stretch yourself: 5. Check out meatyourcareer.co.nz and list the steps you would take to work towards a career in the red meat industry.