More than 220 Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture), Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Agricultural Science students from Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University put forth their solutions to help solve some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges, via a new student innovation challenge.
Developed in partnership between Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Lincoln University, with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries' Future Ready Farms programme, the Ballance Future Farming Student Innovation Challenge was open to first-year students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate Primary Industry Systems course.
The students were tasked with examining critical challenges across dairy, sheep and beef, horticulture and arable farming sectors, covering areas such as nutrient efficiency, water quality and soil health. They worked through a process to unpack the farmer or industry challenge and then develop innovative and practical solutions.
Professor Hamish Gow from Lincoln University’s Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce said the challenge presents a unique, real-world opportunity for students to explore innovative solutions to real farmer problems.
“Partnering with industry enables students to build industry connections, identify and define real farmer problems, explore and propose possible solutions and contribute towards shaping the future of farming.
“Students working as individuals explored the challenges posed and were guided through a process to help them develop workable solution concepts,” explains Professor Gow.
The top 15 concepts were presented to the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Innovation team at a pitch event at the University in May. Concept highlights included the use of fungi like T. melanosporum to naturally suppress weeds and producing a hybrid methane-reducing feed additive tailored to New Zealand dairy cows.
Several students have been invited to be hosted at Ballance Agri-Nutrient’s national support office in Mount Maunganui, where they will connect with experts to further develop their ideas.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Innovation Leader Stuart Kay said the partnership with Lincoln University supports the co-operative's commitment to growing the expertise and capability of new graduates entering the food and fibre industries.
“Lincoln University produces high-calibre graduates. We want to support those coming into the sector to gain further real-world experience. This event provided an opportunity for students to come up with fresh ideas, as well as giving them the ability to engage directly with farmers and growers in their region.
“We are really proud to get behind the Ballance Future Farming Student Innovation Challenge; it’s a fantastic opportunity to encourage students to shine with their take on how to solve some of the current challenges facing food and fibre industries today,” said Stuart.
From left: Lincoln University Profession Hamish Gow with students James Clark, Abby Johnstone, Samual Cranstone and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Innovation Leader Stuart Kay.