It is often easy in New Zealand to think that as a country we don’t put enough emphasis into supporting our pastoral sector. That is why it is so helpful to get an ‘outsider’s’ perspective on what we are in fact doing and the opportunities we have as a country. Andrew Cartmill gives us just this view after 18 months spent here in Aotearoa New Zealand as a T.R Ellett Trust Senior Lecturer in Grassland Science residing at Massey University, Palmerston North.
Andrew, his wife Donita and dog Molly, took a giant leap of faith 18 months ago, upping sticks after living in Wisconsin in the United States for ten years and heading to Palmerston North, to a country neither of them had ever visited until considering this opportunity. Both Andrew, originally from England and Donita, from Texas, were ready for a change which was partially driven by the very long, cold Wisconsin winters.
There was some trepidation in moving to New Zealand, with advice being given that New Zealand was very isolating, particularly for academics, however Andrew has found this to not be the case at all. Donita, who is a senior lecturer in horticulture, was snapped up by Massey University before they had even moved here!
Andrew’s focus, while at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was more in the agroecology space however at Massey he is much more focused on pastoral and grazing systems which were not as prevalent in Wisconsin, given the harsh climate. He sees his skillset as very transferable and has enjoyed supervising and co-supervising a number of Massey students. His aim is to leave a lasting impact on the respective industries here in New Zealand and is enjoying the approach to learning which is very applied and is “right up my street” given a lot of the research is farmer-driven.
Andrew is enjoying working within the Whenua Haumanu project where he is leading the pastoral research part. Whenua Haumanu is a Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures project with Massey University partnering with Ministry for Primary Industries on the effects of contemporary and regenerative pastoral practices.
When asking Andrew of his reflections on New Zealand to date and the work he is carrying out, he is very enthusiastic.
“Because New Zealand is so reliant on the pastoral sector, there is an emphasis in supporting farmers to succeed. This simply does not happen elsewhere” notes Andrew “People in other parts of the world have forgotten where their food comes from. Agriculture is taken seriously here and given the attention that it deserves because it is a major industry and because of this you have environmental, societal and economic challenges to be tackled. Being farmer-led is incredibly important too and my work has involved engaging directly with farmers which has been very rewarding.”
Having a better work/life balance was also part of the reason for a move from Wisconsin. Molly the dog is an important part of their lives. She is a staffy/bulldog cross and appears to have adjusted well to New Zealand, particularly the more temperate climate! Andrew and Donita have bought a house and it’s the first time seven year old Molly has had a proper yard of her own. Foxton Beach is a favourite for the three of them to visit alongside the rose gardens and Manawatu River. They are enjoying the slower pace of life and looking forward to spending more time traveling around the country as their jobs allow.
“People here are open to new ideas and trying things, the University is friendly, and we have not had any sense of isolation”, says Andrew.
As Andrew and others across New Zealand continue to do important, cutting-edge work in the pastoral space, we should be commending all of them and reminding ourselves that we do have opportunities to support our farmers and growers that may not be there in other countries. Long may this continue!