Idea of killing cows to curtail methane emissions 'crazy'
Visiting US climate change expert Dr Will Happer says the idea of reducing cow numbers to greatly reduce methane emissions is crazy.
OPINION: The race to find the silver bullet and reduce methane emissions in cows is on.
By 2025, capsules delivering a methane-inhibiting substance into the stomachs of livestock could significantly reduce the country's greenhouse footprint.
That's the goal of Waikato-based Ruminant BioTech. Repurposing the slow-release pills used to deliver medicines to livestock, the start-up created a proprietary capsule that it says reduced cattle-made methane by 90% for months.
Although the trials are at an early stage and haven't been published, the start-up said its goal now was to deliver a commercially viable product that can cut methane by 70% over six months.
|
A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industryAt Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test. HortNZ celebrates 20 YearsMore than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ). Biosecurity NZ urges vigilance for yellow-legged hornetsBiosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season. Mental Health and Fitness Unite: The Push-Up Challenge comes to New ZealandThe Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026. Agritechnica 2025: Claas, Fendt and Valtra claim 2026 Tractor of the Year AwardsLast month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany. NationalFonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ ReportThe Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report,…Fonterra upgrades Eltham cheese production for global growthFonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines,…Michelle Pye elected to Fonterra boardCanterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.Government plan to scrap regional councils faces criticismGovernment plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of…Lactose to join fat and protein in Fonterra milk price modelFor over 20 years, Whakatane farmer Gerard Van Beek has been attending Fonterra annual general meetings with the same message…Machinery & ProductsCase IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler UpgradesCase IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing…How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone ShedsThe swing-over herringbone is the most common dairy type in New Zealand, used on 69% of dairy farms. Simple changes…Claas Jaguar 1000 Series sets new forage harvesting world recordThe recently released Claas Jaguar 1000 Series has seen its flagship 1200 set a new official Guiness World Record in…CB Norwood appoints John Skurr as new general managerCB Norwood Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of John Skurr to the position of general manager.AIMER, Bovonic and Herd-i join forces to advance NZ dairy techThree New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.» Latest Print Issues OnlineMilking ItTrump's tariffsPresident Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according… Tanker on the rollSeen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads? » eNewsletter |