Volume 155 – November 13, 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
Did you know?
Why is Pāmu smitten with a bittern? It was a surprise to see the normally elusive wetland bird photobombing a camera at a predator control site.
What can emerging achievers bring to the sheep and beef sector? Amy Hoogenboom has won an Emerging Achiever award. This award recognises an up and coming individual currently employed in the NZ sheep and beef sector who demonstrates qualities of a future leader or is someone capable of making an impact in the industry. bit.ly/impact-leaders
bit.ly/smitten-pic Have a go: 1. Where was the rare bittern seen? 2. Why does Pāmu have cameras at predator control sites? 3. How many bitterns are thought to be left? 4. What does the ‘nationally critical’ status mean? Stretch yourself: 5. Describe the different projects and work being done on farms that are helping wider conservation efforts, and how they are making a difference. For more info and to vote for the Bird of the Century, see birdoftheyear.org.nz
Watch this
Have a go: 1. Who does Amy work for and what is her job? 2. What does Amy say needs to happen for the agriculture industry to thrive? 3. What does sustainable food production mean to Amy? 4. What does Amy want to use her voice for in the industry? Stretch yourself: 5. What qualities do you think an individual needs to become a future leader or a driver of positive change in the agricultural industry in NZ? Explain how each quality listed would be of benefit For more see beeflambnz.com
Analyse this
How do store cattle prices compare? This table shows an example of average North Island store cattle prices this year per head and per kilogram of live weight for different stock classes. Have a go: 1. Which category of yearling store cattle has the highest average per kilogram value on this table? 2. What category has the most average per head value? 3. Looking at the steers and heifers, do beef breeds or dairy-cross breeds have higher values? Why do you think this is? 4. How much less are the 1yr beef steers making per kilogram, and per head, compared to last year? Stretch yourself: 5. Why do you think the values differ from last year?
How did Aroha end up supervising a team? Watch this Meat Industry Association video to learn about Aroha Huirama’s career at AFFCO. Find out what her job involves and how she got to where she is. bit.ly/supervising-team Have a go: 1. What is Aroha’s role? 2. How long has she been in the boning room? 3. Aroha has taken every opportunity that has come her way and progressed through different roles at AFFCO. What was her first role? 4. What traits does Aroha think are important to succeed in your career? Stretch yourself: 5. List as many careers as you can in the red meat sector between paddock and plate. Learn more at https://www.meatyourcareer.co.nz/people-in-meat