Strong uptake of good wintering practices
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
Choosing 15 dairy farmers as NZ’s climate change ambassadors is the next step in the dairy sector’s plan for a culture of climate-conscious agribusiness, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
“These 15 men and women represent best environmental farming practice for their farm system,” says Mackle.
“They run their farms profitably and sustainably and are serious about reducing onfarm greenhouse gas emissions.
“Many farmers are already leading in environmental practices, but these 15 people have taken it a step further. They have not only been ahead of the game, but have undertaken to share their knowledge and learning with others.”
NZ has an opportunity under the Labour-led Government to set the global standard for climate-conscious agribusiness.
Mackle says rather than focusing on cow numbers, we want to focus on how to keep improving the sustainability of NZ’s agricultural sector.
“The first step is ensuring everyone understands the opportunities that lie ahead.
“The climate change ambassadors are an important part of helping dairy farmers and our farming communities understand how they can make environmental improvements on their farms -- the kinds of improvements that increase economic sustainability and help future-proof their farming businesses.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.