Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, announces that European Union (EU) member states approved the marketing of the methane-reducing feed additive for dairy cows, Bovaer®, in the EU. After inclusion in the EU registry, expected in the coming weeks, it is the first time a feed additive authorised in the EU for environmental benefits […]
Agri Tech
Rebuilding NAIT – and farmer faith in it
When consultation on a proposed big jump in NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing Scheme) levies was announced, Federated Farmers grudgingly acknowledged the increases were necessary. But Meat & Wool Chair William Beetham said if the bigger revenue stream was secured, Feds would look to hold NAIT Limited to account on delivering a much more […]
Horticultural programme to provide new opportunities for Ngāti Hauā
The Government is partnering with Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust to develop a horticultural programme that will empower Ngāti Hauā whānau to upskill, diversify their businesses and sustainably generate wealth from their land, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Waikato-based iwi has received $1.12 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre […]
Feds: High price on NZ farmers will increase global emissions
Price penalties won’t drive down livestock emissions without affordable and practical new technologies being available to farmers – unless the aim is to kill off the sector, Federated Farmers says. The Federation is baffled by comments by Climate Change Minister James Shaw that “…Pricing isn’t the only tool in the toolbox, but it remains the […]
NAIT levy increases must achieve accurate, user-friendly system
Nobody welcomes extra costs but if OSPRI is to catch-up on under investment in the NAIT platform and deliver on its workability and farmer support, levy increases are probably necessary, Federated Farmers says. OSPRI is consulting on proposals to increase the NAIT tag levy from 90 cents to $1.35 and the slaughter levy from 50 […]
High-tech investment extends drought forecasting for farmers and growers
The Government is investing in the development of a new forecasting tool that makes full use of innovative climate modelling to help farmers and growers prepare for dry conditions.. The new approach, which will cost $200,000 and is being jointly funded through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric […]
Animal evaluation system changes support farmers to breed better cows
From December, Kiwi dairy farmers will benefit from enhancements to the national animal genetic evaluation system when they select dairy bulls. The changes are part of the third stage of updates to NZAEL, the genetic evaluation system which helps farmers make better breeding decisions for their herds. As part of the change, a new functional survival breeding value (BV) trait will replace the existing residual survival and total longevity traits in the system. The functional survival trait will better account for a cow’s ability to survive in the herd across different stages of life. The fertility trait used […]
EcoPond demonstrating methane leadership on world stage
A New Zealand farmer-owned co-operative has showcased new methane mitigating technology that the dairy sector can start using from today to reduce emissions. Developed with Lincoln University, Ravensdown’s EcoPond system virtually eliminates the methane emitted from effluent ponds. The breakthrough discovery was to target methane with an additive normally used in the treatment of drinking […]
Lucerne and legumes key to resilience programme
A range of tools to support hill country farmers to become more productive and resilient will become available through the Hill Country Futures programme over the coming year. These will include a simple model to help farmers forecast potential yields of lucerne for their properties, a national database of pasture growth data and a legume […]
Regenerative agriculture research receives Government boost
The Government continues to invest in farm sustainability, this time backing two new research projects to investigate the impacts of regenerative farming practices, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. Soil health and regenerative agriculture “We’re contributing $2.8 million to a $3.85 million five-year project with co-investment by Synlait Milk and Danone that aims to understand […]