Department of Agricultural Sciences
Lead the way in pasture, crop and animal production sciences.
Farming is the backbone of Aotearoa New Zealand, and this department is committed to ensuring a bright future for the industry. Teaching and research uses a hands-on, applied focus to explore the science that underpins New Zealand’s land-based industries, whether in crop, pasture or livestock production, environmental sustainability, or innovation in agriculture.
Key themes for the department
- Dryland pasture species
- Animal nutrition
- Pasture agronomy
- Crop agronomy and modelling
- Nitrogen leaching and nitrogen cycling
- Environmental and social sustainability in farming systems
- Animal production science
- Animal genetics and breeding
- Neurophysiology
- Parasitology.
Study programmes
We attract nationally and internationally renowned researchers who teach courses that contribute to a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, the Bachelor of Agriculture, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) and the Diplomas in Agriculture and Farm Management. The department also supervises a number of postgraduate programmes, including Master's degrees and PhDs.
We have a fantastic reputation in the agricultural sector and graduates from all levels are highly sought after by employers.
Research centres
- Dryland pastures
- Centre of Excellence: Designing future productive landscapes
- Living laboratory
- Gene marker laboratory.
Contact
Dr Sandy Slow - Head of Department
Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences