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Evolution of NZARN: Ruminant Nutritionists' Association

Formed in 2010, NZARN aims to improve ruminant nutrition practices, support industry growth, and provide a platform for professional exchange. With a diverse membership and evolving initiatives, the association focuses on knowledge-sharing and industry development.

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Evolution of NZARN: Ruminant Nutritionists' Association

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  1. The New Zealand Association of Ruminant NutritionistsBrief overview for NZFMA meeting, 18 July 2012Dr Julian Waters www.nzarn.org

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Website • Limited at present • Discussion forums in members’ section • Articles of interest in public section • not done yet www.nzarn.org

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

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

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