The 2023 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards were announced last night as part of the fifth Primary Industries of NZ Summit. The awards were held at Tākina, Wellington’s new Convention and Exhibition Centre. AgResearch personnel took out three of the coveted trophies. The AgResearch Endophyte Discovery Team won for their world-leading development of strains of ryegrass with improved insect protection and plant persistence, coupled with fewer adverse effects on animal health. AgResearch Scientist Dr Louise won the Emerging Leader Award for a learning approach that blends matauranga Māori with western science.
Dr Dave Leathwick, was presented with the Primary Industries Champion Award for his knowledge sharing and effective communication. The Team & Collaboration Award was won by DairyNZ’s Tararua Plantain Project which has been able to show that with 30% of plantain in pasture sward, nitrogen loss reductions of up to 50% are possible. The Outstanding Contribution Award was won by Professor Keith Woodford – Honorary Professor of Agri-Food Systems at Lincoln University was recognised for his five decades long contribution to teaching generations of New Zealanders.