Chris Glassey

Chris is a farm systems specialist with expertise in the practical application of science to pasture-based dairy farming. He is dedicated to measuring and improving the environmental and financial performance of farms to gain the best outcomes for farmers.

After gaining his Bachelor and then Master of Agricultural Science from Massey University under Prof Colin Holmes, Chris joined the Dairy Board as a consulting officer, based in Southland, then moved to Northland before settling in the Waikato.

He continued in this role as the position evolved through companies over the following years, first in LIC and then Dexcel. Chris credits this training ground for teaching him the fundamentals of pasture-based farm systems and learning how to ask the right questions. He believes engaging with farmers and some of the challenges they face has given him a wide range of skills that he has been able to apply to the research he is involved in at DairyNZ.

Chris’s involvement in the Holstein Friesian strain trial work comparing New Zealand to United States Holstein Friesian genetics is a career highlight for him. He is proud of the impact and reach the trial has had for the industry. During this time, he also appreciated his exposure to farmlet trials and his involvement with influential scientist, such as Kevin Macdonald. Recently, Chris has enjoyed contributing to DairyNZ’s extended lactation and Low Nitrogen systems research programme.

Chris values his interactions with farmers, his colleagues and mentoring the next generation of scientists. As he says, “I’m interested in people, where they have come from and where they want to go. I enjoy helping the younger ones to discover how good they are at their jobs and sharing my industry knowledge.”