Innovative Solutions from Otago Drive Global Agricultural Advances

Recent innovations emerging from Otago, New Zealand, are making significant strides in agriculture and food safety management. Companies such as MastaPlex, Chomp, and AbacusBio Ltd are pioneering solutions that enhance productivity and compliance for farmers and food service businesses globally.

MastaPlex has developed a groundbreaking on-farm diagnostic system that addresses the critical issue of bovine mastitis, a leading cause of antibiotic overuse in dairy farming. According to Dr. Olaf Bork, chief executive of MastaPlex, their patented system, known as Mastatest, is unique in its ability to identify both the bacteria responsible for mastitis and its antibiotic sensitivity. The system provides best-practice treatment recommendations with results available in under 24 hours, requiring no specialist training. Clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals have validated its effectiveness, allowing farmers to implement informed changes in their operations.

Launched in June 2024, the latest iteration, Mastatest G3, incorporates feedback from real-world trials, enhancing user experience and providing advanced data analytics capabilities. This innovation enables dairy farmers to make data-driven decisions, ultimately improving herd health. MastaPlex’s impact is felt across more than 20 countries, where it supplies thousands of dairy farmers and veterinarians.

In the realm of food safety, Chomp is revolutionizing compliance through its innovative software designed for the hospitality sector. As described by marketing manager Jen-Ni Quante, Chomp replaces outdated paper-based systems with a digital solution that simplifies food safety management. The software aids businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and childcare facilities in managing compliance efficiently from any device.

In the past year, Chomp has expanded its team and redesigned its platform, introducing ChompHQ, a new management dashboard that transforms food safety management from a reactive to a proactive process. This tool is tailored to the fast-paced demands of the hospitality industry, allowing teams to operate more smoothly while reducing compliance errors and improving audit confidence.

Another notable player, AbacusBio Ltd, based in Dunedin, combines scientific knowledge with business acumen to drive genetic improvements in agriculture. Founded in 2001, the company employs a diverse team of experts and operates internationally with offices in Scotland, Canada, and Australia. Group managing director Nadia McLean states that AbacusBio integrates various disciplines, including quantitative genetics and data science, to create genetic solutions for plant and animal industries worldwide.

The company’s initiatives extend beyond advanced economies. In rural India, AbacusBio empowers women with tools and training to enhance animal genetics, while in East Africa, it collaborates to boost food crop yields and farmer profits. This holistic approach highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Finally, Incredible Software is addressing operational challenges for businesses with its AI-powered solutions. The company focuses on streamlining processes that often frustrate employees, such as inventory tracking and sales quoting. Co-chief executive Stephen Johnson emphasizes that their technology aims to facilitate smoother operations, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than mundane tasks.

The advancements from these Otago-based companies underscore the region’s role as a hub of innovation in science and technology. Their solutions not only improve efficiency and compliance in agriculture and food safety but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. As these companies continue to expand their reach, they exemplify how local ingenuity can have a worldwide impact.