Tracy undertook her studies in rural geography and management at the University of Otago. Her Masters thesis examined the impact deer farming has on the rural landscape in Northland and the Te Anau Basin.

At AgResearch her work focuses on understanding what influences people in their decision making under different circumstances. She works closely with both dairy farmers and deer farmers throughout New Zealand. Tracy grew up, and now lives, on a dairy farm in the Waikato and is passionate about the success of the industry.

Recent publications

McNeill, M. R., Payne, T. A., and Bewsell, D. T. (2008). Tourists as vectors of potential hazardous organisms and strategies to reduce risks. Paper presented at the New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference.

Payne, T. A. and White, T. (2007, July). Understanding deer farmers' level of environmental awareness. Paper presented at the 16th International Farm Management Congress. Cork, Ireland.

Payne, T. and Bewsell, D. (2006). Understanding barriers to adoption of improved land use practices. In R.J. Petheram & R.C. Johnson (Eds.), Proceedings of the Practice change for sustainable communities: Exploring footprint, pathways and possibilities: APEN 2006 International Conference, La Trobe University, Beechworth, Victoria. Published online at: http://www.regional.org.au/au/apen/2006​