Dr Marion Johnson

A former shepherd and farm manager, Dr Marion Johnson combines academic science and research with practical and traditional farm knowledge. Now a Senior Scientist at The Future Farming Centre, Lincoln Dr Johnson holds degrees in Agricultural Science, Environmental Biology and Veterinary Parasitology.

Her research interests encompass Te Rongoā (Māori traditional medicine) and how native medicinal plants can be incorporated on farm promoting animal health, biodiversity and ecosystem support. Other smaller projects include subclinical parasitism in red deer, the development of mixed pastures and leys incorporating native plants, ( Te Rongoa pastures: healthy animals, resilient farms)  and multispecies pastures in cut and carry systems for dairy goats.

She is Principal Investigator on the NPM Project Indigenous Agroecology.

 

 

Related Projects

Full project

Project commenced:

Te Rongoā Pastures: Healthy Animals, Resilient Farms

This research identified native rongoā plants that improve animal health and pasture resilience on farms. The project explored integrating these species into pastures to support biodiversity, reduce erosion, and enhance livestock wellbeing amid climate change. A theoretical pasture mix was developed with farmers and researchers to promote sustainable, diverse farming systems based on Te Rongoā principles.

Full project

Project commenced:

Indigenous Agroecology

Agroecology, grounded in local knowledge and communities, applies ecological principles to agricultural systems. Indigenous agroecology is an opportunity for mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and totohungatanga Moriori (Moriori knowledge) to inform and generate innovation in farm practices. It focuses on guardianship of the land and the waters that flow through it, based on the traditional and contemporary experience of Māori and Moriori agricultural practitioners.