We’re pleased to continue the 2026 Excellence Series in July with a seminar that tackles one of the most pressing questions facing New Zealand’s land-based sectors: climate change mitigation or adaptation — and what does this mean in practice for farmers?
The Excellence Series showcases research excellence at Lincoln University, providing a platform for leading academics to share insights that inform real-world decision-making, spark collaboration, and support the future resilience of our primary industries.
Against a backdrop of increasing climate variability, dryland farming systems are under growing pressure. Shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns are affecting pasture growth, feed supply, and farm profitability, while farmers are simultaneously navigating expectations around emissions reduction and environmental stewardship. Understanding which strategies genuinely deliver benefits — and under what conditions — is critical.
In this seminar, Professor Derrick Moot, who leads Lincoln University’s Dryland Pastures Research Group, will outline the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies currently available to New Zealand farmers. Drawing on long-term research and on-farm case studies, he will share evidence of how these strategies perform in practice, highlighting both opportunities and limitations across dryland pastoral systems.
This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with practical, research-backed insights into how farmers can respond to climate change — not just in theory, but on the ground — and to explore how science can support resilient, productive farming systems into the future.
Wednesday 29th July 2026
4.00pm-5.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Lincoln University
Timings
4.00 pm - Networking
4.15 pm - Welcome & introduction from LU Vice-Chancellor
4.20 pm - Presentation from Speaker
4.50 pm - Summary
5.00 pm - Networking and questions over drinks and nibbles
5.30pm - Event Ends
About Our Speaker
Prof. Derrick Moot
I lead the Dryland Pastures Research Programme. We investigate how legume-based pastures can enhance water and nitrogen use efficiency to combat climate change and variability in dryland regions. We add resilience to farming systems in summer dry and drought-prone regions of NZ. We examine how the environment influences the growth and development of many agricultural plants. We investigate the mechanisms of annual and perennial plants at the crop/pasture scale because we believe “excellent agricultural science only happens in the field.” From this we develop animal grazing and farm systems that integrate our applied science on-farm. Our research on lucerne has transformed landscapes and farming practices from Central Otago to Hawkes Bay, saved farmers’ lives and lessened the effects of drought. We have also worked on strategies with plants, technology and rhizobia to overcome high aluminium soils in the South Island High Country. Internationally, our work has transformed lucerne production and use in in Patagonia, Argentina, Chile, Victoria and New South Wales. Our research and its impact have been recognized through awards from Beef+LambNZ, NZ Grassland Association and a Fellowship from the NZIAHS.
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