increase font size
Hafiz M. Abrar Ilyas is comparing the difference between Pastoral Dairy Farms and Confined Animal Feeding Operations dairy systems in terms of energy consumption and environmental emissions.
A Lincoln University PhD student is putting New Zealand’s vaunted paddock-based dairy industry to the test.
Hafiz M. Abrar Ilyas is comparing the difference between Pastoral Dairy Farms (PDFs) and Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) dairy systems in terms of energy consumption and environmental emissions.
He says it is something that has not been done before but needs to be looked at if New Zealand is to take its environmental responsibilities seriously.
“Pastoral Dairy Farming Systems are common in New Zealand while the CAFO system is relatively new, but increasing in numbers especially in the South Island,” he says.
“The core advantage of using CAFOs system is that they have minimum soil disturbance, have more control over climate events and research has shown they can achieve higher milk production per cow.”
However, are they more energy efficient and able to reduce emissions?
A direct comparison will let the numbers speak for themselves.
“The intensification of New Zealand’s dairy industry, including its vertical and horizontal expansion could cause serious environmental issues,” Ilyas says.
New Zealand’s agriculture sector produces 46% of its greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2014 Ministry for the Environment report.
Dedicated efforts and studies are required to look into the environmental impact the dairy industry is having on New Zealand, he says.
“The findings of this study can be useful for making environmental policy regarding NZ dairy production systems as well as help farmers in selecting appropriate farm management practices for the sustainability of the New Zealand dairy industry."
A qualified engineer, he is being supervised by Dr Majeed Safa and Professor Alison Bailey and will be surveying farmers using both systems, and hopes to have results in June, 2017.
The future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector grew a little brighter, with the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) now accepting applications for its scholarships through Lincoln University, offering $10,500 to up to six exceptional students who are poised to become the next leaders in the primary industries.
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
OPINION: For the first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation's primary producers to be able to operate effectively.
A new report from ASB and Lincoln University shows how smarter, more diverse land use could unlock billions in value for farmers and the wider economy.
Fonterra has invested in a new effluent pond mobile dosing service to support farmers to reduce emissions and make progress towards its on-farm emissions reductions target.
Fonterra has increased its 2024/25 forecast Farmgate Milk Price from $10/kgMS to $10.15/kgMS.
It took a stint at university to remind Otago dairy farmer Megan Morrison that being stuck in a classroom was not for her.
Farmer lobby group Federated Farmers has announced it is supporting a new Member’s Bill which it says could bring clarity to New Zealand farmers and save millions in legal costs.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its upcoming Milksolids Levy vote.
Federated Farmers says climate protest group Greenpeace is manufacturing outrage and attempting to scare New Zealanders with headlines that have no basis in science.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) says it is supporting importer Goodfood Group in its decision to recall Food Snob and Mon Ami brand French Brie and Camembert cheeses.
OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery…
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
