17 May 2013
Lincoln University to strengthen farm outputs
Lincoln University has today announced the formation of a new Farms Committee to oversee the development of the 3,900ha
of farmland owned and operated by the University.
Assistant Vice-Chancellor Stefanie Rixecker says the new committee’s role will be to deliver improved outcomes from the
University’s portfolio of farms and farming partnerships, as well as expanding the portfolio in the future.
“The Farms Committee has been established to help Lincoln University make the most of its farms for better student
experience, for more and better scientific research on productivity and the environment and, perhaps most importantly of
all, for an enhanced interface between the University and New Zealand’s farmers” says Dr Rixecker.
“The University will also be looking to expand the portfolio in partnership with other entities in a strategic manner,
over time. To this end we have been fortunate to appoint a number of extremely talented farmers from throughout New
Zealand to the Farms Committee. This group brings expertise from a diverse range of farming systems and, together with
the expertise from within the University, this collective knowledge will drive the University’s farming portfolio into
the future”.
The eight farmers appointed are involved in sheep, beef, intensive lamb finishing, merino fine wool, deer, precision
agriculture, intensive vegetable growing and arable, dairying and forestry. Senior University academics - Professors
Bruce McKenzie, Ken Hughey, Grant Edwards and Keith Woodford - will join the committee alongside SIDDC’s Director Ron
Pellow and the University’s Farms Manager Andrew Lingard.
The new committee will be chaired by well-known New Zealand agri-businessman, Ross Hyland, from the Waikato. Mr Hyland
anticipates the combination of academic expertise and practical experience will create a “wonderful incubator for ideas
and innovation”.
Mr Hyland goes on to say “The University has traditionally used the farms well for research, student experience,
commercial demonstration, and investment. We want to build on that now. The University is breaking ground in the primary
production and environmental space and we need to use the farms even more for this research and education – and then we
need to be able to share what we learn with the New Zealand primary sector to grow its capability and knowledge in a
wider sense. Having such a group coming together is exciting and is a testament to the University’s determination to
remain relevant to the New Zealand primary sector”.
Lincoln University Farms Committee:
• Ross Hyland (Chair) – Waikato
• Assistant Vice-Chancellor Scholarship and Research, Dr Stefanie Rixecker (Lincoln University)
• Murray Jamieson – Okahau, Northland
• Hew Dalrymple – Bulls
• Shane Miles – New Plymouth
• Sue Prouting – Peel Forest, South Canterbury
• Lisa Anderson – Kurow, North Otago
• Andrew Morrison – Willowbank
• Murray Turley – Temuka
• Charles Duncan - Hunterville
• Professor Bruce McKenzie (Lincoln University)
• Professor Ken Hughey (Lincoln University)
• Professor Grant Edwards (Lincoln University)
• Professor Keith Woodford (Lincoln University)
• Ron Pellow (Lincoln University and Director, South Island Dairying Development Centre)
• Andrew Lingard (Lincoln University)
Lincoln University farms:
Lincoln University Dairy Farm180ha - SelwynCommercial demonstration farm managed by SIDDCLincoln University Dairy Research Farm55ha - SelwynResearch and demonstrationCropping Farm125ha - SelwynCropping – leased to Plant and Food ResearchAshley Dene Farm355ha – SelwynDryland farming research, some irrigationMt Grand2127ha – Central OtagoHigh country station. In trust with the University as sole administrator. Funds a postgraduate scholarship.Argyle433ha – MarlboroughDryland beef and sheep. In trust with the University as sole administrator. Subleased. Funds undergraduate scholarships.Silverwood418ha – HororataDryland sheep and dairy support. Leased by the University from Silverwood Trust.Kowhai Farm35ha – SelwynOrganic. Johnson Memorial Lab Research Farm37ha – SelwynIntensive research and teaching - sheep/deer/beef.Iversen Field20ha – SelwynIntensive research and teaching – plants.Horticultural Research Area20ha – SelwynHorticultural teaching resource – includes vineyards.Biohusbandry Unit (BHU)10ha – SelwynOrganic farming practices in conjunction with BHU Organics Trust.Deep Stream92ha – RangitataLeased to Mesopotamia and Forest Creek Stations.
ENDS