Overseas competitors approve feed additive
Authorities in both the United Kingdom and Canada have now approved the use of methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer.
A feed additive that reduces methane emissions in animals has received regulatory approval from two Latin American countries.
Bovaer, developed by global science company Royal DSM, has got the green light to commercialise the product in Brazil and Chile.
DSM Latin America president Mauricio Adade says is it excited to get approvals in the two countries.
"We are delighted that Brazilian and Chilean authorities evaluated Bovaer carefully and efficiently at the same time and included all ruminants and both beef and dairy in their approval."
Bovaer is also poised for launch in Australia, after trials under Australian feedlot conditions found it reduced methane emissions by up to 90%.
In New Zealand, Fonterra is trialling Bovaer under a joint partnership with DSM. Trials overseas have shown Bovaer reduces methane emissions by up to 30% in non-pasture raised cows.
Fonterra wants to know whether it would also work in New Zealand's pasture-based farming systems.
The additive is a synthetic chemical compound called 3-NOP, developed by DSM, which has been extensively studied for many years in cows fed in feedlots.
DSM programme director Mark van Nieuwland told Dairy News that registration with NZ Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is ongoing.
"From what we understand, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) act will be updated, however, it's still unclear to us when this will happen, what the updated text will say, and what therefore the implications on registrations timing will be," he says.
Van Nieuwland says DSM expects to release Bovaer in Australia early next year.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.