Massey and Lincoln Universities have agreed to work together on precision agriculture research and education.
Precision agriculture is based around creating practical land management solutions, through the use of tools such as sensors which capture the rate of pasture growth and measure soil moisture.
Professor Ian Yule of Massey University says a partnership with Lincoln's research and development subsidiary, Lincoln Ventures will increase the research capabilities of both organisations, in what is an important field.
He says it will allow the organisations to look at what can be done as a university sector.
Professor Yule says both universities plan to offer courses next year in precision agriculture, which will help farmers and farm consultants.