Over the past 60 years, the world has experienced rapid technological change. During that same time, Lincoln Agritech has moved from heavy machinery to algorithms, from irrigation and drainage to protecting water as a vital natural resource, and from researching low-cost fencing systems to transforming low-value strong wool into high-value new materials.
Founded in 1964 as the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute, it originally undertook applied research to accelerate agricultural engineering innovation in New Zealand. Research concentrated on tractor safety frame testing, fencing, carcass disposal, farm water supply, and agricultural aviation, financed mostly by Ministry of Agriculture grants.
Thirty years later it merged with Lincoln University’s Kellog Farm Management Unit and the Centre for Resource Management, becoming an independent research company fully owned by Lincoln University and changing its name to Lincoln Ventures Ltd. The name changed again in 2012 to Lincoln Agritech Limited – more closely representing the agritech-focused science and engineering research the company specialises in.
In the past decade Lincoln Agritech has expanded to become a leading innovator for the agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors. With more than 80 staff, its multi-disciplinary science teams address big areas of social, environmental, and economic benefit, including sustainable production, protecting water resources, enhancing natural materials, action on climate change, and sustainable economic growth.
“Many of the existential issues the world is facing today are directly related to primary industries and the environment,” says Interim Chief Executive Richard Gordon. “Our science is directed at outcomes that solve those issues and create new opportunities – such as enhancing food and fibre production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring clean, accessible, and efficiently used water. We work with partners in industry, government and the global science sector to implement our developments.”
For example, Lincoln Agritech has been developing new technologies for processing strong wool and plant-based fibres, partnering with industries to develop new high-value uses. “We have world-leading technology for converting methane from ruminant animals to valuable products,” says Mr Gordon. “We have recently spun-out a business that has developed and sells nitrate sensors for surface and groundwater and sells them in several countries. We also advise regional councils and the Government on catchment water movement and availability.”
Most of Lincoln Agritech’s staff are based on the Lincoln campus, with some in Hamilton, and have strong connections with Canterbury businesses. “This region makes intensive use of its productive land, but it’s also a hot bed of technology development, making it a stimulating environment with huge potential for innovation.”
Even though Lincoln Agritech’s focus has expanded from purely farm-related research to environmental and industry-related research, finding ways to best use technology while minimising adverse outcomes has been an enduring theme. “This is as true now, with possibilities from gene editing and AI, as it was in the 60s when Lincoln Agritech was formed to create technology that helped New Zealand farmers.”
In growing from one employee to more than 80, the company has also developed a unique culture that brings scientists and engineers of vastly different disciplines together to collaborate for the greater good. “One of our team leaders, who has worked in several organisations internationally, recently said Lincoln Agritech was the only one she knew where people from so many disciplines work together daily. That gives us a significant advantage in our research.”
Images supplied.
