Ron Pellow

Ron gets a real buzz working with great farmers across New Zealand – people who are passionate about their family, livestock, the environment, and their community.

“DairyNZ’s Solutions and Development team is the bridge that connects science and farmers, ensuring new developments turn into everyday opportunities. Our sector’s success relies on credible research – and innovative, committed farmers who see and adopt new ideas. They also have a deep commitment to providing high-quality food, while protecting and enhancing their environment.”

Giving farmers easy access to research, presented in a clear and practical way, is key, says Ron. “By helping farmers to understand and contribute to the science, together we can identify relevant on-farm opportunities.”

After gaining a Bachelor of Agriculture degree and later a Master’s in Business Administration, Ron worked across New Zealand’s dairy sector. He’s also been involved in everything from maize to business management and led the Lincoln University Dairy Farm through a significant farm system change.

These days, he carries out a wide range of activities, with a key focus on implementing research that drives continual improvements in on-farm efficiency.

“I’m privileged to contribute from a farm systems perspective and work with a wide range of our teams, from research to our regional teams. Our combined input ensures results are credible, can be implemented and will achieve real-farm outcomes.”

Ron says farm systems – the interaction of all aspects of the farming operation – is at the core of much of DairyNZ’s work and is critical to how farmers incorporate new practices on-farm.

“Together, DairyNZ, farmers and scientists are continually looking for research and ideas to achieve even greater on-farm efficiencies and gains,” says Ron. “Many research ideas come from farmers. Research often validates and builds on their experiences, then others take it to the next level. By keeping connected across farmers and science and research teams, we can open up the flow of information both ways to benefit everyone.”