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.
Both DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ are urging farmers to have their say on the proposed Zero Carbon Bill by July 16.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the potential implications of this legislation, in particular the targets for methane reduction, are huge for the agriculture sector.
“That’s why farmer engagement is so important,” he says.
He is encouraging dairy farmers to make a submission. The bill’s full name is the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill.
“DairyNZ welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively and share our perspective on this Bill and we are encouraging dairy farmers right across NZ to do the same,” Mackle says.
“It only takes a few minutes to make a submission online and it doesn’t need to be long. What is important is that you share what this legislation might mean for your farm, your family and your community.”
BLNZ chairman Andrew Morrison told Rural News his organisation encourages farmers to have their say on the Zero Carbon Bill.
“We are in the process of finalising our analysis and advice on the Bill to assist farmers in making their own submissions which we will be sending out shortly.”
Mackle says appearing before a select committee at this time of the year will not be an easy task for most dairy farmers as July and August mark the start of calving season in NZ. The days are long, and many will simply be unable to get off the farm, let alone to Wellington.
“That’s why I have written to Parliament’s environment select committee this week to urge them to commit to travelling throughout provincial NZ to hear submissions in the main agricultural centres.
“This would be a great gesture of goodwill and go a long way to encourage farmer engagement with the submission process”.
The bill proposes a 10% reduction in methane by 2030 and a reduction in methane in a provisional range of 24-47% by 2050.
DairyNZ has previously said that it was pushing for the Bill to be more aligned with suggestions made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment -- a 10-22% reduction by 2050.
Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard said the Zero Carbon Bill sets a gross biogenic methane reduction of 10% by 2030.
“The science is clear that this level of methane emission reduction is only needed by 2050 to have no additional impact on global warming,” he said when the bill was introduced into Parliament.
“But farmers are being expected to shoulder their share of tackling climate change 20 years earlier than anyone else.”
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.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…