Dr Hugh Jellie

type: #person organisation / role: ata-regenerative / CEO location: #nz

About

Dr Hugh Jellie is a distinguished New Zealand veterinarian and regenerative agriculture advocate, renowned for his extensive work in promoting sustainable farming practices. With a specialist interest in dairy production systems, reproduction, and ruminant nutrition, Dr Jellie has dedicated over 17 years to researching farming systems and regenerative agriculture worldwide. His commitment to improving environmental, social, financial, and health outcomes has been instrumental in transforming agricultural approaches in New Zealand. 

As the founder and Chief Executive of Āta Regenerative, Dr Jellie leads a team focused on implementing regenerative principles across various sectors. Āta Regenerative collaborates with farmers, families, communities, organisations, and government bodies to foster a holistic understanding of regenerative practices. The organisation emphasises the importance of soil ecology and advocates for a symbiotic, living systems approach to food production, aiming to create healthy, resilient farms that nurture both the environment and its people. 

Dr Jellie’s work extends to partnerships with international bodies such as the Savory Institute, through which he has established New Zealand’s first ‘Savory Hub’ as a model of Holistic Management. He is also involved in the Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) programme, a system that measures regenerative changes in land, providing producers with the opportunity to market their products through the Land to Market initiative. His efforts have been pivotal in linking conscious consumers and brands with produce from regenerating land, thereby promoting a more sustainable and health-conscious food system.

Videos

Farmers Footprint inaugural event video [[interview-by-stephanie-mckee]] 41m