Government invests $8 million in LIC methane research to reduce dairy emissions
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
Brendon Cane (Precision Farming), left, and Wayne McNee (LIC) signing the agreement at National Fieldays.
LIC is joining forces with Precision Farming Ltd, supplier of GIS-based systems that manage the application of farm nutrients to optimise pasture growth including fertiliser and effluent.
Precision will share its nutrient management functionality for integration with the co-op’s Minda farm management system used by 90% of dairy farmers.
LIC chief executive Wayne McNee says it would provide enhanced information for farmers about their pasture and feed availability.
“With a predominantly grass-based industry we recognise pasture management and feed optimisation is important.
“Seamless integration of farm information like fertiliser, effluent, water and irrigation will complement our existing pasture management tools in Minda.”
Precision Farming’s system records spreading and nutrient activity on 4500 farms, based on data generated by 720 of the country’s estimated 800 commercial fertiliser spreading trucks.
Precision Farming also markets fertiliser monitoring GPS equipment direct to farmers, for use on self-spreading equipment and for GPS guidance and control of tractors, sprayers and harvesters.
Brendon Cane, managing director of Precision Farming, says the partnership will make it easier, faster and more profitable for more farmers to use integrated farm management information to support better decisions.
As a contractor himself, he appreciates the benefits of reducing the time and cost, and often the guesswork, in improving pasture performance as part of overall farm profitability. “With the current economic environment, finding any inefficiencies in operating expenses is more important than ever.”
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.