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.
Farmers have just one week left to submit their opinions on the Zero Carbon Bill.
Climate change ambassadors for the dairy sector are urging farmers to have their say on the new 2050 emissions target the bill will set in place.
The government is asking for public feedback on three possible 2050 emission reduction targets. DairyNZ and many other primary sector organisations are supportive of a new target which will reduce carbon emissions to net zero, and stabilise methane emissions. This is an option dairy farmers can support by submitting online.
“Farmers shouldn’t be complacent about submitting their views,” says Waikato farmer George Moss. “There’s a lot of people who believe all emissions should reduce to net zero, but they don’t fully appreciate the implications this would have for the primary sector.
“We accept New Zealand farmers will need to manage and limit methane. Even though it is a relatively short lived gas its impact is relatively high compared to carbon alone.”
“New Zealand has made international commitments to reduce our emissions, the question now is how we do that,” says Taranaki farmer Trish Rankin. “The primary sector is responsible for a significant amount of New Zealand’s emissions, so the target chosen will impact how the sector operates. Stabilising methane is one option we should consider.”
The bill is out for public consultation until 19 July. Farmers can submit online here: https://submissions.mfe.govt.nz/consultations/zero-carbon-bill/make-a-submission
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.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
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