fbpx
Print this page
Wednesday, 18 May 2022 11:00

Caught in space

Written by  Milking It

California cow burps are now officially detectable from space.

Satellites caught the belched cow methane in February, according to data analysed by Montreal-based environmental data firm GHGSat Inc.

The satellite was able to pinpoint the location of the methane source, a feedlot in the agricultural Joaquin Valley, near Bakersfield, California.

GHGSat said that if the single feedlot in question sustained the methane output detected by its satellite for an entire year, it would result 5,116 tonnes of methane emissions - enough to power more than 15,000 homes if the gas were captured.

More like this

Takeover bid?

OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.

Critical industry?

OPINION: There's an outpouring of concern over the parlous state of one of our major industries.

Wrongheaded

OPINION: Food security is a sore point in the UK, as a direct result of its National Food Strategy, and there’s a lesson in this for other food producing nations like NZ: government meddling in farming is a very bad idea!

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird Ventures, and its products are no longer available in supermarkets.

Featured

Women 'dominate vet profession'

Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.

High level of herbicide resistance

A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.

Editorial: Farm salaries get a boost

OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.

Fonterra appoints new CFO

Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.

National

Green but not much grass!

Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard…

Council lifeline for A&P Show

Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of…

Struggling? Give us a call

ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.

Machinery & Products

Tractor, harvester IT comes of age

Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that…