Nick Pyke, of Rolleston, MNZM, for services to the arable industry
As Research Director of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), Mr Pyke has helped New Zealand’s arable industry become a world leader in cereal, ryegrass, vegetable seed and clover yields, sustainable resource use and environmental management. He has grown FAR’s staff from one to 24 and helped establish FAR Australia. FAR has worked with Environment Canterbury and with councils nationally on land and water management issues. Its regular CROPS event is New Zealand’s largest one-day rural extension event, attracting 600 people. Mr Pyke facilitated an industry response to the 2013 black grass biosecurity incursion and established the Women in Arable group and the Arable Ys group for under-35s.