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.
Students of Kiwitahi School near Morrinsville pulled on their gumboots and overalls to learn new rural skills in a fun Young Farmer Competition on May 2.
A variety of challenges were run by parents and rural organisations, including DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Rural Support Trust. These included herding sheep in real yards brought on to the school grounds, custom-building a child-sized grain auger and seed sorting.
DairyNZ's challenge was to put up a break fence, helping children learning new skills while having fun. Other challenges taught children the principles of milking a cow and how to check if a calf is in the right position for birthing.
All 70 Kiwitahi School pupils participated - 5-10 year-olds in Years 1-6.
Principal Nicholas Jensen says the feel-good event celebrated rural living and schools.
"Our community wants their pupils to gain a solid educational foundation in literacy and numeracy, but also a set of practical skills and theory that will contribute to life in or around the primary sector."
This is the second time the annual event has been held. Last year it was run entirely by parents and teachers. This year, rural organisations got involved - including Rural Support Trust, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Orion Haulage.
DairyNZ education and community engagement manager Phillippa Adam was excited to be involved in the day as part of the industry good body's broader education programme, connecting young New Zealanders with dairy farming.
"The young farmer contest was a brilliant opportunity for children to experience the many hats farmers wear and learn what farmers do. Young people are our future farmers," says Adam.
DairyNZ's education programme creates in-school science resource kits aligned to the New Zealand curriculum. The kits support schools to teach curriculum-based subjects such as science and maths within a unique dairying context.
DairyNZ also organises visits to dairy farms for schoolchildren and gives children the opportunity to learn more about dairy farming at home on the Rosie's World website.
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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