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
Letter to Ministers Shaw and O’Connor
1 November 2021 Hon James ShawMinister of Climate ChangeWellington Hon Damien O’ConnorMinister of AgricultureMinister for Rural CommunitiesWellington Dear Ministers, Progressing He Waka Eke Noa As you will hopefully be aware, the He Waka Eke Noa partnership is nearing a key farmer consultation phase, including consideration of pricing mechanism options.It is important that any pricing mechanism […]
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 […]
McDonald’s beefs up environmentally friendly farming
Unique public-private partnership with AgResearch to trial regenerative beef farming. In a partnership that links scientific research with burger fans, McDonald’s and science provider AgResearch have joined forces on a regenerative farming trial. The two organisations have a shared interest in positively influencing the sustainability of pasture-based beef production and are working together on a […]
Farmers flock to climate change workshops
Over the next two weeks, more than 1500 farmers around New Zealand are getting to grips with why and how they should start responding to a changing climate, thanks to new workshops run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Silver Fern Farms (SFF). The 59 workshops kicked off this week and are focused […]
Grain size discovery boosts sorghum potential
Researchers at The University of Queensland are optimistic the value and versatility of one of the world’s top crops will be improved following the discovery of genes which could increase the grain size of sorghum. Use of the drought-resilient summer crop has been constrained by the small size of sorghum grains, but Professor David Jordan […]
The ultimate example of an environmental and business win:win
Taupo-based Activated Carbon NZ Ltd is using waste sawdust from sawmills and turning it into activated carbon, right here in New Zealand. Activated carbon is a product that is used in a wide range of applications, including removing toxic gases in industrial waste and effluent, to purify water, and in the supplement, cosmetic, and food […]
Water Services Bill – Bad news
Bad news… Feds and small water suppliers have been ignored in the submission process, while my community spent time together this week at the community hall which will be affected they are unwittingly captured by the Water Services Bill. The Bill is unworkable at the small-scale. Regardless of the effectiveness of ‘acceptable solutions’ for small […]
Farmax adds extra benefit to Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Farmax is excited to announce they are now a sponsor of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to recognise innovative and passionate Kiwi farmers who have embedded sustainability into the foundation of their farm businesses. “Farmax is thrilled to be supporting the […]
Forest Owners say production trees are potentially farming’s biggest friend
The President of the Forest Owners Association has told delegates to the Primary Industries Summit in Christchurch that forestry offers many opportunities for farmers. He said trees versus food production arguments are misleading and detract from opportunities to improve the sustainability and profitability of the wider farming sector Phil Taylor has told delegates that not […]