Johnstone Memorial Laboratory (JML) Research Farm
The Johnstone Memorial Laboratory (JML) Research Farm supports undergraduate research, postgraduate teaching and Battens Research Programme.
The 37 hectare Johnstone Memorial Laboratory (JML) Research Farm is used for research and teaching in sheep production, alongside opportunities for research in deer production.
Objective
The purpose of JML is to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to livestock research emphasising animal husbandry, biochemistry, neurosciences, endocrinology, animal physiology, sheep surgery, radiology and imaging.
Farm details
About the farm
The JML Research Farm is used for research in sheep and deer production.
Location
The Johnson Memorial Lab Research Farm is located on the University campus, land area surrounding Johnson Memorial Lab (JMLB).
Area
46ha
Current land use
- Grazing Pastures 32ha
- Diverse Pastures 12.5ha
Approximate livestock numbers
Total stock: 28 Hinds, 170 ewes
Sales of deer weaners Feb/March
80-100 LURDF cows on pasture wintering for 2 months
Staffing
Sustainability
Toitū Envirocare's Farm Emissions Carbon Reduce Programme
Lincoln University is proud to be Toitū carbonreduce certified, demonstrating its commitment to measuring, managing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with ISO 14064-1 and Toitū requirements.
This certification reflects Lincoln University's ongoing efforts to create a sustainable future.
Visit the Toitū Environcare website
Farm Environment Plans (FEP)
The Johnstone Memorial Laboratory (JML) Research Farm achieved an A Grade status for Farm Environment Plans Land Use Activity issued by ECan. This is the highest rating for an FEP audit.
Research
Batten disease research
There are 13 forms of Batten disease, each caused by the lack of a particular gene, and there is currently no cure.
The research team: Dr Nadia Mitchell and Dr Samantha Murray
The disease, often appearing early in a child’s life, causes brain degeneration manifesting in devastating symptoms including vision loss, seizures, dementia, abnormal movements and inability to communicate. Sufferers typically die in their teens.
With the help of the grants, awarded by Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) Australia, Cure Kids New Zealand and Neurogene Inc (USA), Dr Nadia Mitchell and Dr Samantha Murray could be close to changing that grim prognosis.
The Lincoln pair have been studying gene therapy in sheep with the naturally occurring CLN5 form of Batten disease. Their successful studies have led to the first in-human clinical trials for a gene therapy to fight CLN5 Batten disease..
Dr Mitchell explains, “The brains of sheep with Batten disease shrink, as do the brains of humans with the condition. When we replace the missing gene in affected sheep before they display symptoms, in most cases the disease can be prevented. When we replace the gene after the sheep begin to display symptoms, the therapy slows the progress of the disease.
“The implications of our research are hugely significant, and offer considerable hope to the families of Batten disease sufferers.”
More information
Dr Nadia Mitchell – Researcher profile
Dr Samantha Murray – Researcher profile