Media Release
2 November 2016
Grasses of the future offer huge benefits
Grasses of the future being developed by AgResearch scientists are expected to result in healthier animals, better
production on the farm and less impact on the environment.
Dr Tony Conner, the Forage Science Group Leader at AgResearch and one of New Zealand’s leading plant scientists, has
spoken today about the cutting edge research into enhanced ryegrass at the annual NZ Grassland Association (NZGA)
conference in Timaru.
A recent grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund, along with funding from
AgResearch and other stakeholders, means an investment of $25 million over five years into the genetically modified
forages research.
“What we are doing is enhancing the ryegrass so that there is more energy and nutrition stored in the grass,” Dr Conner
says.
“This means the animals feeding on it are healthier, and therefore they become better producers for the farm. The result
will be a major boost for the agricultural economy.”
“What we are also finding is that a by-product of these changes to the grass will be important gains as far as the
impacts on the environment. This includes less methane gas produced by the animals, and the change in nitrogen
requirements with these grasses could reduce nitrate runoff.”
Dr Conner says the NZGA conference is timely given the important work that AgResearch and other organisations are doing
in the area of forage science, and the gains being made in this sector. He says there is much benefit for New Zealand in
building upon the DairyNZ Forage Value Index and the future vision of the emerging Pastoral Industry Forage Strategy.
“We are mindful of the need to continue strong working relationships in this sector, including the scientists and its
many stakeholders, so that our advances are relevant to industry. The NZGA conference provides a key opportunity.”
The conference runs until Friday.
ENDS