18 February 2010 South Island dairying partnership gets added boost

AgResearch has joined the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC) partnership.

Making the announcement, SIDDC Chairman Professor Roger Field, said that the current SIDDC partners were pleased to extend an invitation to AgResearch.

“The addition of AgResearch will add further scientific capability into the partnership.  This will complement the existing partners’ expertise in extension, nutrient management, feed production, animal improvement, farm information systems and the overall management of high performing sustainable pastoral dairy farms,” he said.

Professor Field said the dairy industry has identified a number of important research and development gaps in the South Island.  “These include dairy support blocks, water use efficiency, effects of winter management on soils, pasture and animals, labour productivity and climate change. SIDDC can play an important role in closing these gaps and looks forward to AgResearch’s contribution to these key areas.”

AgResearch CEO, Dr Andrew West is delighted that AgResearch has become a member of SIDDC. “As the Government's pastoral agricultural research institute, AgResearch is committed to providing the best possible support to the New Zealand dairy industry. 
 
“AgResearch has very good existing working relationships with each of the SIDDC partners.  We believe our participation in SIDDC will be a meaningful extension to these relationships and an excellent opportunity to work even more collectively together for the benefit of the industry.

“Working with SIDDC partners will enable us to work even more effectively to support the ongoing development of profitable and sustainable farming systems in the South Island,” Dr West said.

“AgResearch has great respect for the achievements of SIDDC, particularly in the management of the Lincoln University Dairy Farm, and extension activities that have taken place in association with that.”

Professor Field said the SIDDC partners are impressed by AgResearch’s desire to focus its research capability in the areas of key need for South Island dairying.

“AgResearch already has joint projects with many areas of interest to the SIDDC partners. Formally joining the SIDDC partnership will enhance these activities and further strengthen the sustainability of South Island dairy farming.”

SIDDC was formed in 2001 to enhance the competitive advantage of South Island dairy farmers, and is a partnership between Lincoln University, DairyNZ, Ravensdown, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Plant & Food Research, and SIDE, the South Island Dairy Event farmer network.