Big day out for Whenua Haumanu programme

Led by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment, and funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, the $26.12 million project brings together universities, Crown Research Institutes and industry partners.

Whenua Haumanu is also linked with other research projects internationally, and several Tasmanian researchers travelled to attend the day, joining visiting scientists from Sri Lanka and Brazil.

Whenua Haumanu measures multiple aspects throughout the farm system, exploring how different pasture mixes and management practices impact soil biology and physical attributes, pasture growth and quality, animal production, quality of milk, meat and wool products, nutrient leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon capture and storage.

Attendees spent time on Massey’s sheep and dairy farms, learning about contemporary and regenerative farming practices across both standard and diverse pastures, and explored early project results, research methodologies, and practical applications for their own farms.

Programme Lead Professor Danny Donaghy says he was really impressed with the turnout at the event, with scientists and students from Massey and Lincoln universities, Crown Research Institutes, and industry organisations all taking part.

The second annual Field Day also attracted huge interest from industry groups and rural professionals as well as farmers.

“With just over four more years to go, we are still welcoming organisations as partners and sponsors of the Whenua Haumanu programme. New collaborative opportunities are also opening overseas, which helps us leverage from other groups’ expertise,” Professor Donaghy says.

Following the Field Day, MPI and research partners from across New Zealand met to exchange more ideas and plan ongoing collaboration within the Whenua Haumanu programme.

Read more about the Whenua Haumanu programme.