Consultants and scientists work together for farmers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 28, 8 December 1987, Page 8

Consultants and scientists work together for farmers

"A successful partnership that couldn't have been formed at a more opportune time". This is the best way of describing the new liaison between Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries farm consultants and scientists, according to MAFTech Regional Manager, Dr. Bill Kain. Since April, staff of the Ministry's former advisory and research division have been working together in a new business grouping called MAFTech. "The closer liaison between farm consultants and

scientists means that commercially viable new technology can be rapidly moved into the production system at a practical level," said Dr. Kain. "And with the current drive to move the agricultural industry from a commodity to market orientated base that is more important than ever before". "A good example is the developments that have occurred within certain meat processing firms this year associated with the introduction of contract production to specifica-

tion. By working together farm consultants and scientists have been able to ensure that new technology is available when and where it is needed." Similar situations are occurring right across the agricultural industry. New technologies more exacting and demanding o n management than ever before are having to be introduced. Even before the introduction of the 'user-pays' system, it was obvious that the Ministry had to change in order to meet the de-

mands of the rapidly changing agricultural environment. The introduction of the user pays system hastened this and lead to the formation of MAFTech, according to Dr. Kain. He believes that while many in the farming community were initially irritated about 'user-pays' they are now starting to feel the benefits. "We've had to become more client orientated and are better able to meet the needs of our traditional

clients. Links have also started to be developed with the finance and investment sectors." MAFTech, is in fact, more than just staff from the former advisory and research divisions working together. The organisation's structure has been closely examined to ensure that farm consultants and scientists can work as an effective team able to service clients needs. There have been a number of changes. Firstly com-

mercially experienced staff with skills in financial analysis and marketing have been added to the team. Emphasis has also been placed on the development of the Flbck House Farm Learning Centre as a technology development and extension centre to service the North Island. In recognition of Flock House's wider role it has been renamed the Flock House Agricultural Centre, stated Dr. Kain. Cont'd on p. 18

Consultants and scientists

Cont'd from p. 8 New technologies, both scientific and financial, are now being developed at Flock House. These include computer based information delivery systems and animal technologies such as mohair, cashmere and goat meat production. Year round production of large lean lambs for the chilled meat trade, and development of fine wool Merino sheep adapted for southern

North Island conditions are also under investigation. 'Flock House has also become home base for farm consultants, servicing the west coast of the southern North Island, said Dr Kain. Similar linkages between consultants, scientific and support staff have been developed at the Levin Horticultural Research Centre on the east coast. 'Since April MAFTech has made significant progress developing its consultancy and scientific team. The changes that have been made mean the Ministry should be able to effectively service its clients needs in what is rapidly becoming a more demanding technologically based agricultural industry', concluded Dr Kain.