The New Zealand Association of Ruminant Nutritionists

Brief overview for NZFMA meeting, 18 July 2012Dr Julian Waters

www.nzarn.org

Introduction

• Early 2009– Informal occasional meetings of small group of

nutritionists• Mid-2010– Agree to form Ruminant Nutritionist Association

• Early 2011– Incorporated not-for-profit association formed

Original Core Objectives• To promote an understanding of the basics of ruminant nutrition• To promote putting good ruminant nutrition principles into practice, and to

define good practice• To improve efficiency and profitability of the ruminant industry through

improved nutrition• To integrate members’ ideas, thoughts and advice with other industry

groups• To fit ruminant nutrition in as a key part of the holistic approach to

improving farm performance• To promote continuing professional development• To become the primary point of contact regarding ruminant nutrition

matters• To provide a forum for exchange of views and information between

members

Governance

• Agreed that providing specific nutritional advice would not be within the remit of the Association

• Governance structure ensures that the Association’s actions are not influenced by individual vested interests within the membership

Membership

• Membership of NZARN is open to all practicing New Zealand-based ruminant nutritionists with two year’s practical experience

• Membership– 16 Consulting– 8 Commercial– 3 Research– 1 Vet– 28 Total

Website

• Limited at present• Discussion forums in members’ section• Articles of interest in public section– not done yet

www.nzarn.org

Aims on Website

• Provide a forum to:– Discuss topical issues and seek a consensus for

dissemination to the industry– Share experiences in the field to raise the standard of

practice amongst members– Provide a reference point for government, industry bodies

and commercial companies, and address public concerns– Be involved in dissemination of accurate information to

farmers through involvement in training provision, press releases and involvement in conferences and meetings

– Encourage the next generation of ruminant nutritionists

Meetings

• Originally quarterly, now three per year• Cover topics on previous slide• Usually an invited speaker• Venue & speaker costs often sponsored by

commercial company or other organisation• Met with feed testing laboratories to discuss

feed testing & reporting

Relevance to Feed Manufacturers?

• Request to assist rewriting of compound feeding booklet

NZFMA Booklet.pdf• Members decided it would not be possible to

produce such a NZARN-endorsed booklet• Any such publication would have to present a

balanced view of all feeding options, not just identify benefits associated with offering manufactured feed

Future

• NZARN is new & evolving• Run by volunteers• Diverse interests group• Silage competitions?• Ability to raise profile?