The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) welcomes on board Ingrid Platt who has joined the team as Trials Officer.
FAR’s involvement in arable research and extension has grown over the years and as such, has clearly defined the need for a Trials Officer to come on board to fulfil a variety of roles.
Ingrid will work predominantly in the South Island with occasional visits to the North Island as required. Planning and assessing research trials, protocols, treatment and designs will be a key constituent of her role, with the management process of these trials such as application of nutrients, cultivation, water and agrichemical application. External research providers will liaise with Ingrid where cooperative and coordinated research is applicable.
In addition to direct trials work, Ingrid will also be responsible for following developments in the area of precision agriculture, with a view to facilitating demonstrations, organising field days and coordinating FAR Arable Updates on the subject. With a Diploma in Horticulture, Ingrid held various management roles in the horticulture industry in South Africa before relocating to New Zealand in 2001. Since her relocation, Ingrid has fulfilled the role of Nursery Manager at Wai-Ora Forest Landscapes where she was responsible for the overall management of the nursery and staffing.
Nick Pyke, FAR’s Chief Executive says having an in-house trials officer will substantially enhance FAR’s capacity to progress with in-field research trials throughout the South Island. Ingrid’s technical background will be a real asset and I’m sure she will greatly enhance FAR’s capability in both in-field trials and precision agriculture.
FAR has also recruited an Accounts Administrator to replace Tracey Harris. Melanie Bates has considerable experience working as a self employed mobile farm administrator in the UK, looking after on-farm accounts and secretarial duties. As Accounts Administrator, Melanie will be responsible for looking after FAR’s finance related work whilst also supporting the Administration Manager with day-today administrative duties.