Adam Duker, Senior Environmental Specialist

Details

Role

Senior Environment Specialist

Region

Lower North Island

When farmers adjust their systems, they need to consider economic, social and environmental impacts. Adam outlines how his technical and on-farm support can help them balance all three.

“I’m a technical expert in environmental best practice on-farm, and a project manager of catchment and community environmental projects,” explains Adam. “My role often involves providing the link between new research tools and their use on-farm and in the community. I also love nothing more than getting out with dairy farmers and community groups to support the work on the ground.”

Adam believes that farmers understand their own farm systems and landscapes. “Often, they’re also stalwarts of the local community. I work with them to develop and test environmental initiatives so they can select the best options that also operate within current regulations – it’s never a ‘one size fits all’ solution.”

With a Bachelor of Applied Science (majoring in Agribusiness), Adam has also had extensive experience managing System 3-5 farms. He draws on this, and his environmental knowledge, to plan, lead, and enable catchment and industry initiatives. For example, he manages DairyNZ’s farmer-led Dairy Environment Leaders programme (DEL), which helps farmers’ build their environmental knowledge and leadership skills, and share learnings to inspire change.

Adams says DairyNZ brings a huge amount of science to the table, influencing decision-makers and supporting dairy farmers.

“I also enjoy bringing farmers, our science and research team, and other partners together to realise the power of working together for a common purpose. I’d like to thank every farmer who’s worked with us on catchment projects, research programmes, and any initiative that helps the whole dairy sector continue to improve.”

For Adam, working with passionate, driven farmers who eagerly put their hand up to drive environmental initiatives is incredibly rewarding.

“Especially seeing the penny drop within local communities when they learn the complexity of the challenge - and then hear about the many landowners and catchment initiatives all working towards healthy waterways; resilient, vibrant local communities; and a strong national economy.”