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Congratulations to NZGSTA 2023 Winner Harriet Barbar.

From Harriet

Although I’ve always been keen on anything outdoors, starting at Massey University has opened a door to the primary sector that my city life growing up never presented. I am now approaching my third year of study in a Bachelor of Horticultural Science, and my passion for ag and hort has never been stronger. 

University has given me an integral foundation of knowledge whilst conjointly developing a deep appreciation for our production sectors and the hardworking individuals within this group that collectively form our country’s backbone.

Upon completion of my degree, I intend to continue with postgraduate study to further the contribution I can make to the NZ seed industry. Learning about the Margot Forde Germplasm Centre whilst working at AgResearch has shown me the importance of conserving genetic material that we can derive future cultivars from to adapt to our changing environment. Experience at PGG Wrightson Seeds has allowed me to explore the plant breeding process and has granted an immersion into the development of some the dairy and sheep and beef sector’s most valued pastoral cultivars. I have found this learning to be unbelievably rewarding and am thankful for NZGSTA’s support in enabling me to continue to follow my interests. Receiving this scholarship will assist in my future studies and help me give back to the industry.

I look forward to the continuation of my studies in 2023 and cannot wait to make the most of the networking opportunities this scholarship will facilitate. Thanks again NZGSTA!

Save the date – 10th August 2023

The Arable Awards of New Zealand will be held at Wigram Air Force Museum.

More details to follow.

Congratulations to Sophie Ridd of Feilding on being the successful recipient of the 2022 NZGSTA Scholarship.

From Sophie

Growing up on a mixed cropping sheep and beef family farm that so heavily resembles the relationship between the sectors within the industry has shown me the importance of New Zealand’s seed and the impact our cultivars have on areas such as sheep and beef.

I’ve just about completed my second year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Degree at Massey University where my passion for the agricultural industry has continued to be ignited by the learning environment and networks surrounding me.

I hope to pursue postgraduate study upon completion of my degree, and I’m excited by the opportunities this will present me with.

I am incredibly grateful to the New Zealand Grain Seed and Trade Association for awarding me this scholarship for 2022, and I am excited for the networking and career development prospects that come with receiving the scholarship.

I look forward to further progressing my career within the industry, with the addition of NZGSTA’s support.

The NZGSTA has developed an A4 fact sheet on the vital importance of the seed sector to NZ’s economy.

The objective of the flyer is to present some quick figures in a user-friendly/readable way.

NZGSTA Executive Council List 2020-21 – as at 13.01.2021