Revised methane targets more achievable - farmers
Farmers are welcoming the Government’s revised science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050.
The Government has launched its new Climate Strategy, which it says is a comprehensive and ambitious plan to reduce the impact of climate change and prepare for its future effects.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the strategy is built on five core pillars, all underscoring the Government's commitment to delivering its climate change goals.
The pillars are:
“Households, businesses, and our economy are already feeling the effects of climate change,” Watts says. “We have seen what severe weather can do to infrastructure and property, and how that disrupts our supply chains and communities.”
“Our Government has committed to meeting our climate change targets - reducing net emissions is one of the nine Government targets to achieve better results from the public service,” he adds.
The Government will soon be consulting on the Emissions Reduction Plan for the period 2026-2030. This will form the basis for the Government's response to reduce New Zealand’s emissions in line with the country’s targets.
“The Emissions Reduction Plan will set out policy proposals across the five pillars and focus on the largest drivers of emissions in New Zealand – energy, transport, agriculture, and waste sectors,” Watts says.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.
Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show president Brent Chamberlain says a big development for this year is the Wool Zone, first introduced two years ago as a showplace for everything produced from wool, but now greatly enlarged with its own Wool Marquee and more than 30 trade sites.
Salmonellosis is a serious disease in cattle.
Drench resistance is already hitting farm profits; it's not just a future problem.
Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Farm supplies trader Ruralco has recovered from two consecutive years of losses to post a $1.25 million profit for the 2025 financial year.

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