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NZ Grassland Association Inc

New Zealand Grassland Trust

New Zealand Grassland Trust Aims - to encourage, promote and foster the advancement of grassland farming in New Zealand.

The Trust was inaugurated in 1964 as the Grassland Memorial Trust, to commemorate the efforts of exceptional grassland pioneers, such as A.H. Cockayne, Sir George Stapledon, Sir Bruce Levy, researchers Dr Peter Sears, Lionel Corkill, Dr C.P. McMeekan and Dr Ray Brougham, and farming leader Dr R.A. Candy, each of whom contributed significantly to build New Zealand’s pastoral farming industry. The name was changed to the NZ Grassland Trust in 2001. Read more

 

Annual Awards

These are awarded annually at the NZGA conference

Ray Brougham Trophy

Fraser and Ludy The Ray Brougham Trophy was instituted in memory of Dr Ray Brougham, director of DSIR's Grasslands Division from 1970 to 1985, an NZGA Life Member and GMT Chairman, who died suddenly in late 1993 not long after having organised the XVII International Grassland Congress in New Zealand and Queensland, arguably the most successful event of its kind.

When Ray died his family donated a bronze statue of a seed sower, and the Trust associated it with its special award for an outstanding national contribution towards the New Zealand grassland industry.

The 2011 winner was Dr Greg Lambert, past Agricultural Systems Group leader AgResearch, for outstanding achievements and leadership in hill country pasture research, development of effective sheep and beef forage grazing systems and better educational methods of conveying knowledge and technical information to farmers and industry users.

For a list of past recipients  

NZGT Regional Award

This award was introduced in 1997 and is made to an appropriate person, living in the region where the annual NZGA Conference is being held. It recognises exceptional effort above and beyond the normal career contribution that supports the regional pastoral agricultural industry, be it technology development or an aspect of farming itself.

For a list of past recipients 

The 2011 award was presented to Ingrid Collins, chairperson Whangara Farms Partnership, the first woman to be appointed to an Incorporations Committee of Management. Ingrid has for many years led significant governance and structural changes in Maori farm business. 

Farming Awards

Pat and visitor NZGA 2010 Each year the Trust makes up to two awards, for excellence in grassland farming, to enterprises within the designated Annual Conference region. Nominations are solicited from individuals, consultants and relevant organisations in the host region, and are usually the farm-owning partners, but can be managers or sharemilkers. The NZGT judges inspect the nominated properties and make award decisions before the Trust's Annual Meeting, which is held every August.

The major requirements sought include:

  • Good grassland farming - an impressive, profitable grassland-based business, run for at least five years on the property.
  • Innovative approach - using the latest grassland technology effectively.
  • Sustainable management - a good degree of sustainability in the enterprise and a strong responsibility for environmental matters.
  • Communication skills - passing on good grassland farming skills to others in the region, and including local community activity.

Each winner receives a framed certificate and five years' NZGA subscription, to enable them to accumulate the latest grassland information through the NZGA Annual Conference and its Proceedings.

Levy Student Scolarship

The NZGT Levy Student Scholarship commemorates the lifetime efforts of agricultural science pioneer, Sir E. Bruce Levy, in developing and communicating grassland science at the old Plant Research Bureau, later DSIR's Grasslands Division, and currently part of AgResearch in Palmerston North.

The Levy Scholarship is an annual scholarship offered by the NZGT for one suitable student from Massey University, and one student from Lincoln University embarking on the second year of a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree or a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in the agricultural area.

Each scholarship is for $3000 over one year. Applications from second year students are invited each year, to be lodged by 7 March (Massey applicants) or 31 March (Lincoln applicants) each year. Instructions on how to apply for application forms are given on university websites under "Levy Student Scholarship".

http://www.grassland.org.nz/userfiles/files/New Zealand Grassland Trust web 2011.docxTo apply, fill out an application form - (PDF, 9KB) or (DOC, 41KB)

Further Information

Anders and Bryan For further information about the New Zealand Grassland Trust please email the Secretary/Treasurer, Bruce Belgrave.

NZGT Trustees

  • Bryan Guy (chair)
  • John Caradus
  • Anders Crofoot
  • Pat Garden
  • John Hay
  • Russell Hurst
  • John Lancashire
  • Gavin Sheath
  • Alan Stewart
  • Keith Widdup
  • Derek Woodfield
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  • The latest information on scientific progress and production advances.
  • The opportunity to interact with colleagues at New Zealand Grassland Association Annual Conferences and other events.
  • Regular newsletters
  • Occasional special technical publications
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