Dairy farmers welcome NZ’s revised 2050 methane target
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
The proposed Southern dairy hub has got the go-ahead from partners DairyNZ and AgResearch.
Southern Dairy Development Trust chair Matthew Richards says the trust this month updated the directors of DairyNZ and AgResearch on their fundraising, and sought their approval and financial backing.
Farmer pledges numbered 516, amounting to $1.3 million.
The target was $2 million in farmer pledges, but because a majority of southern dairy farmers pledged money a decision was made to proceed.
“DairyNZ and AgResearch were pleased with the number of farmers prepared to back the proposal, especially in a low milk payout time. Both boards wanted to see strong farmer commitment… and this was a key to going ahead. Both boards know how important the hub project is for our region. Their support means we can move to the next phase of the hub development.”
The next step will be to buy a suitable farm, Richards says. “We have been looking at some properties that could meet our needs.”
Then consents, design and planning will go ahead.
“It’s going to be a tight timeframe to be ready for milking cows in June next year, but our team is ready and focused.”
The pledging website will remain ‘live’ until the day the hub is completed, to receive any more pledges.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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