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 […]
Climate Change
New report calls for urgent action on water storage
For New Zealand to transition towards land uses that have a greater economic value and smaller environmental footprint, as well as improved community resilience, we need to “act strategically – and to act now”. That’s according to Water Security and Availability in Aotearoa New Zealand, a report released by the Ministry for Primary Industries last […]
‘Massive’ hit on production if totally unnecessary nitrogen fertilizer ban came in
The basis of claims made by Greenpeace in support of its petition to ban use of all synthetic nitrogen fertilizer by 2024 have been called mischievous and misleading. For example, Greenpeace likes to hammer the point that New Zealand had the highest rate of increase in inorganic nitrogen fertilizer application out of OECD countries from […]
DSM receives positive EFSA opinion for methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer
Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, today announces that it has received a positive European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion for the use of its novel methane-reducing feed additive for ruminants, Bovaer®, in the European Union. The EFSA opinion confirms that the feed additive reduces enteric methane emissions from dairy cows and is safe for […]
Environmental gains as farmers reduce nitrogen loss
Dairy farmers in Canterbury’s Selwyn catchment are actively reducing their footprint, with data indicating many have reduced nitrogen loss by 30 percent. “Selwyn farmers have been working hard to achieve this milestone, taking steps on their farms to look after the environment,” says DairyNZ solutions and development lead advisor Virginia Serra. “Preliminary information shows 70 […]
Hey Glasgow, we are way ahead of you
Federated Farmers believes Climate Change Minister James Shaw should not hesitate to sign the global commitment to reduce methane by 30% by 2030, because New Zealand is already playing its part and working hard to become even better. The pledge, signed by more than 100 countries, is a commitment to work together to collectively reduce […]
A missed opportunity for real climate leadership
Federated Farmers believes the government could work much harder at getting other countries to embrace the latest climate science and to take a ‘split gas approach’ to emissions reduction. “This is what New Zealand should be talking about at COP26 this week,” Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says. Yesterday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Climate […]
How New Zealand could lead the world on climate transparency
by Professor Myles Allen, University of Oxford, UK One evening earlier this month (well, morning for you) I joined a webinar with New Zealand’s lead climate negotiators, Ambassador Kay Harrison and Helen Plume, explaining their position in advance of COP26. I must say, straight up, I love the way you do things. The Ambassador made […]
NZ primary sector best performer in global emissions survey
The New Zealand agriculture, land use and forestry sector has been ranked No 1 of 32 nations for the way it is getting to grips with climate change issues. “With environmental NGOs and commentators regularly pointing the finger of blame at our farmers it’s pleasing to see an independent and in-depth assessment tell a very […]
Don’t blame us if land use switches to non-productive carbon farming
by Roger Ludbrook, Meat and Fibre Chair, Federated Farmers Northland OPINION: As a farmer I believe climate change is real and reducing our carbon emissions is important. What I am not convinced about is the process and the manipulation of the public by the current government and the Greens around how to reduce our CO2 […]