Errol Thom

Qualifications   

• D Phil, 1984, The University of Waikato
• M Agr Sc, 1975, (Hon 2, Div 1), Massey University
• B Agr Sc, 1972, Massey University

Areas of interest

Dairying systems, pasture production and persistence, pasture ecology, ryegrass and tall fescue endophyte, crop agronomy, soils and insect pest interactions.

Key achievements

Developed principles for pasture renewal/renovation, summarised in two editions of the Pasture Renovation Manual and presented to farmers at a series of field days.

Assessed ryegrass endophyte effects on pastures and cows and developed principles for establishment and maintenance of pastures based on ryegrass containing novel endophytes.

Carried out a farmlet evaluation of the effects of annual ryegrass on pasture and milksolids production.
                                  
Provided data on performance of new ryegrass cultivars in Waikato on behalf of NZ Plant Breeders Research Association.
                                   
Presented to numerous scientific and farmer meetings, conferences and field days, and author of many industry and scientific articles.

Award

The Distinguished Service Award for the NZ Dairy Industry, 2007.

 Career output summary

Other roles

Local organising committee member (2006-2007) for sixth International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses held 25-28 March 2007, Christchurch. Co-editor of the Proceedings of this Symposium.

Occasional reviewer for the New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, and Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture.