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.
National's plan to delay agriculture's inclusion in an emissions trading scheme has been applauded by farmers.
DairyNZ says it's a step in the right direction while Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the policy is closely aligned with its position.
Federated Farmers gave the plan 'five stars'. However, forest owners aren't happy with its proposed forest planting restrictions.
National says it plans to give farmers the tools they need to reduce emissions - such as gene edited crops, feed and livestock - by lifting the effective ban on gene editing and genetic modification technologies. It wants a fair and sustainable pricing system for on-farm agricultural emissions by 2030 that reduces emissions without sending production overseas. An independent board will be established to implement the pricing system.
National leader Christopher Luxon told Rural News that what his party has put forward is "practical and common sense". He says initially National supported He Waka Eke Noa but claims the government "blew it up and killed it".
Luxon says National has talked to the farming sector and asked them what a practical and pragmatic way was. He says NZ farmers are among the most efficient farmers in the world and are the backbone of our economy.
"So, the question of killing off our herds and moving that production that feed 40 million people overseas to less emission efficient farmers doesn't make sense," Luxon adds. "It doesn't solve global greenhouse gas emissions, but it destroys the livelihood of our farmers and our economy."
"We're really pleased to see the National Party are making commitments to put in place solutions that will work for farmers," Federated Farmers acting president Wayne Langford says. "It shows that they've been listening to farmers' concerns."
B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says it has also been advocating for the focus to be on establishing a robust and credible measurement and reporting system for agricultural emissions that works for farmers.
"So, we are pleased the National Party has listened to our perspective and insights on how farmers can best play their role in addressing climate change.
"Farmers have sent us a clear message that they are unhappy with the pricing proposal that the He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership put to Government last year."
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says putting farming into the Emissions Trading Scheme will deliver poor outcomes for farmers.
"Both technology and targets are an important part of getting a system right and ensuring agriculture plays its part. Pricing was looked at to facilitate the necessary behaviour change. Pricing will only achieve outcomes if cost-effective tools and technology are available."
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.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
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