Dr Antony (Ants) Roberts has dedicated his career to advancing agricultural science, making a profound impact on fertiliser cooperative Ravensdown and the broader agri-sector. Formerly Ravensdown’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Roberts has been at the forefront of research and development, ensuring that New Zealand farmers have access to cutting-edge solutions for smarter, more sustainable farming.
A prominent soil scientist, Dr Roberts joined Ravensdown in 2002 and today is Ravensdown’s Science Mentor. During his long and dedicated career, he has led multiple pioneering research projects, introduced new on-farm technologies, and spearheaded community outreach programs focused on sustainability and emissions reduction.
Dr Roberts says the ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming applications has been a cornerstone of his work, and he firmly believes soil fertility science must be translated into actionable insights that benefit farmers.
“Fertile productive soil is the lifeblood of any agricultural practice, but all soils are different. Understanding where to start and what to measure can be difficult. Making soil fertility science as simple to understand and as effective as possible is where I have concentrated my efforts. If it is not done with the end user in mind, then it renders it less useful.”
Reflecting on his career, Dr Roberts says the greatest highlight has been working directly with farmers, understanding their challenges, and helping them apply soil science in ways that improve productivity and sustainability.
“If I had to compress 40 years into one highlight, I’d say the best part of my career has been meeting the farmers of New Zealand on their farms and seeing how, and if, I can help them – that’s what gets me up in the morning – my why.”
Dr Roberts looking at clover roots to see if they are nodulated (infected with beneficial rhizobia bacteria)
His legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the agricultural co-operative model and his influence extends across scientific communities, industry stakeholders, and shareholders.
Over four decades, Dr Roberts has contributed extensively to scientific literature, authoring more than 65 journal articles, 70 extension papers, and multiple book chapters and educational resources. Affectionately known as “Dr Dirt,” he remains passionate about ensuring the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s pastoral farming sector and he says there is always more to learn.
Dr Roberts accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the CBNZ Annual Awards 2023
“The next frontier for me is to ensure that our pastoral farmers can continue to have a sustainable and economically successful business, producing high quality food from our soils in a nutrient limited world.”
In 2023 Dr Roberts was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cooperative Business New Zealand Awards, the award is given to outstanding individuals within the co-operative and mutual sector, who dedicate themselves to the sector over the course of their lives. In 2017 he was awarded the Ray Brougham Trophy for his outstanding contribution to pastoral farming and is a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of New Zealand.
Dr Roberts talking soil with a group from Manuka Dairy in Chile – owned by NZ dairy farmers
