Is it Genetic Engineering’s time?

Posted on behalf of Prof Derrick Moot One of the interesting things of having students from different countries visit Lincoln University is hearing how their world views differ. The visit of the Oregon State students recently highlighted the pragmatic view of Americans. They were intrigued when I explained we are not allowed to grow genetically … Read more

An El Niño start to spring 2023

This week we really welcome El Niño – strong westerlies and warm temperatures. Prof Moot spent the weekend in Marlborough and visited ‘Bonavaree’ (Fraser Avery’s farm). There the ewes and lambs are happy munching on lucerne and the tagasaste, which can provide emergency feed during a drought,  was in full flower. The Wither Hills have … Read more

How to deal with silt deposits post-flood

Posted on behalf of Prof Derrick Moot (Dryland Pastures Research Group) The Dryland Pastures Research Group are thinking of their east coast NI farmers – and we are feeling a long way from being able to help. So, we have put together some practical considerations for when the focus goes on pasture renewal on silt … Read more

Agroecology inappropriate in Africa

Prof Moot was recently sent the link below by a former CEO of Plant and Food Research Ltd. It summarises the pitfalls of “agroecology” which has recently repackaged as “Regenerative Agriculture.” The article, written by David Zaruk a professor at Odisee University College posting as the “Risk-Monger”, suggests science will win in the end because it … Read more

Hill Country Management

Presentation on Hill Country Management by Professor Derrick Moot (Dryland Pastures Research team, Lincoln University) to the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) forum on the “Impact of changing landscapes on primary production” held at Lincoln University, New Zealand on 23/10/2019. (approx 26 mins including questions). An accompanying PDF of the presentation … Read more

Issues surround OVERSEER as a regulatory tool

Professor Moot was pleased to see the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, has outlined his concerns about Overseer being used in a regulatory context. Prof Moot has critiqued that report and believes there are also further issues related to the use of this model in farm environmental plans. He believes Overseer is a … Read more

Lucerne transformation

This presentation was made by Prof Derrick Moot on 31 Aug 2018 at the European Society of Agronomy Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. The presentation discusses the process of moving from a data driven research program to development new grazing management rules for grazing alfalfa through to on-farm adoption of a new system to increase … Read more

Dairying in Canterbury

This video is a presentation by Prof Derrick Moot at the European Society of Agronomy Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland from 27-31 Aug 2018. This presentation was given on 30 Aug 2018. The presentation discusses the changes seen in the dairy industry in the Canterbury region and outlines some problems and potential solutions to some of … Read more

Ray Brougham Trophy Public Lecture – Legumes Regenerate Pastures

Professor Derrick Moot was awarded the Ray Brougham Trophy by the New Zealand Grassland Trust in Nov 2016. As part of this, award Derrick was required to make a series of public lectures. This video is a recording of the lecture which took place at Lincoln University, Canterbury on 6 Sep 2017. The duration of this … Read more

Sub4Spring: finally, it’s spring!

Posted prepared by: Dryland Pastures Research Team – C. Teixeira; R. Lucas, S. Olykan, A. Mills and Prof. Derrick Moot Spring is the most important period for most pastoral farms in New Zealand. It brings lambing, calving, milking, and rapid changes in plant growth rates. The increase in air and soil temperatures and day length, during … Read more