On Farm Support Science for Farmers

What is Science for Farmers

Science for Farmers debuted at National Fieldays in the Waikato in June 2024.

It is a collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) On Farm Support service and research partners.

The initiative aims to better connect scientists and researchers with farmers and growers on-the-ground to talk about the latest research and innovation and its practical application on-farm.

The Science for Farmers programme supports farmers and growers with information and resources to:

• boost on-farm productivity, profitability, and resilience
• improve sustainability and environmental outcomes
• reduce on-farm agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and
• adapt to change.

Our partners

The programme’s government and industry partners are:

• AgResearch
• AgriZeroNZ
• DairyNZ
• LIC
• Massey University
• New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC)
• On Farm Support (MPI)
• Pāmu.

Bringing scientists to the regions

Science for Farmers is bringing leading scientists directly to the regions.

In 2025, Science for Farmers will feature at these agricultural shows:

• Northland Field Days, Dargaville
• Wānaka A&P Show, Wānaka
• Central Districts Field Days, Feilding
• Southland Agricultural Field Days, Kirwee
• National Fieldays, Mystery Creek, Waikato.

Media release: Backing farmers to innovate and make more money – Beehive

Interactive modules

A highight of the Science for Farmers site is interactive modules focusing on 5 areas:

• genetics technology
• managing for a future climate
• technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation
• improving on-farm performance, and
• improving freshwater quality.

Importantly, the site will showcase tools and technology being developed to help in the future.

Science for Farmers engagement programme

Free presentations from industry experts and farmers are an important feature of the Science for Farmers site.

They aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and how it can be applied in a practical way on-farm.

The programme runs multiple daily presentations.

2025 Fieldays Science for Farmers Engagement Schedule [PDF, 310 KB]

Find out more

The On Farm Support team is here to provide on-the-ground help for farmers and growers:

• Freephone: 0800 707 133
• Email: onfarmsupport@mpi.govt.nz

Find out more about On Farm Support