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AgResearch scientists are at the forefront of improving pastoral agriculture practices and outcomes to position New Zealand as a global leader in the development of environmentally sustainable, safe and ethical pastoral production systems.
We work to increase the resilience of pasture-based agriculture by improving the performance of forages within pastures. This is being achieved through the applications of genetics, investigation of management approaches and the discovery of microbes for biocontrol of pasture pests.
Our scientists work at the cutting edge of enhanced ryegrass, clover and forage research and their aim is to unlock energy and nutritional gains for animals so they become healthier and better producers and to discover important traits to unlock environmental benefits.
This includes lowering the amount of methane gas produced as a byproduct of ruminant digestion as well as changing nitrogen requirements for grass forage in order to reduce nitrate runoff.
An example of our quality science is our long-term research into Epichloë endophytes that occur naturally in some grasses, such as those used to feed livestock on New Zealand farms.
While some types of endophyte can be harmful to livestock, selected endophytes introduced to varieties of grass offer benefits such as deterring insect pests from feeding on the grasses, while minimising any negative health effects.
For more than 35 years we've focused on selecting endophyte strains that can improve the productivity of pastures while also improving livestock health.
We have identified and commercialised strains of such benefit that they are now critical components of pastures in New Zealand.
The benefits are undoubtedly in the billions of dollars over time from increased farm productivity, reduced costs for animal health and reduced pasture losses to pests and costs to control those pests. New endophyte strains alone contribute about $200 million every year to the New Zealand economy.
The Margot Forde Genebank is a key asset at AgResearch and is New Zealand's national genebank of grassland plants and also hosts the New Zealand Indigenous Flora Seed Bank.
Find out moreActive
Farmers can now measure and, as a result, better manage weeds on their property with the help of a phone app developed by AgResearch.
2 Min Read
An experiment is providing enduring benefits for scientists to study and manage the effects of climate change on pastoral agriculture.
3 Min Read
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the science evidence behind "grass-fed" livestock production.
This handbook has been produced for farmers and others who grow, or want to grow and learn about tagasaste.
Send an email to one of our team or check out our facilities located across Aotearoa New Zealand.
