Use these pages to find out more about the governance of, and plans for, OVERSEER®
Development history
Prior to the development of a Computerised Fertiliser Advisory Service (CFAS), fertiliser recommendations were largely based on ‘rules of thumb’, published experimental results and local knowledge. The CFAS scheme was the first attempt to summarise all available information for fertiliser recommendations and to develop a computerised fertiliser advice scheme.
In the early 1990s an opportunity arose to develop databases of all the P, K and S fertiliser trials conducted in New Zealand by MAF. The information from the databases was developed into the computer model called Outlook. This model included econometric information as part of a decision support tool for making economic fertiliser recommendations. The model started with the nutrients P, then K and S, and later lime was added after lime trials were summarised resulting in the PKSLime model being released. This model still exists as a proprietary economic model available to fertiliser companies only.
In the late 1990s, environmental issues were starting to be recognised, and this resulted in the development and release of OVERSEER 2 in 2000. The model has evolved over time, starting as a nutrient budget linked to fertiliser advice through to a decision support tool that uses nutrient budget information to produce environmental indicators, and as an educational tool. Though primarily a decision support tool for use on farms, it is also being used increasingly to support regulation and protection of water.
Funding from bodies such as MAF and FertResearch has since then allowed the model to be gradually improved and additional features added as new science becomes available. The model development has been the responsibility of AgResearch. Funding and development has focused largely on capturing existing farm and farm management systems.
Click here for a more detailed development timeline
Governance and funding
Through formal agreement, Overseer is now jointly owned by MAF, FertResearch and AgResearch (‘the Owners’), with MAF and FertResearch planning substantial investment in maintaining and improving the model 2008-2013 and, possibly, beyond. The Owners have developed a vision for Overseer:
A robust, science-based decision support tool and policy support tool that is widely used for improving farm profitability, optimising nutrient use and minimising impacts on air, soil and water quality.
To guide their investment, the Owners have developed a strategic plan.
The Owners have appointed AgResearch as the Lead Provider charges with delivering the strategy through a series of annual work programmes, working with other Organisations and groups as necessary.