Wednesday, 25 May 2022 08:55

A tough nut to crack!

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle believes the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions will accelerate technology and tools to really drive further farm emissions reductions. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle believes the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions will accelerate technology and tools to really drive further farm emissions reductions.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions "is a tough nut to crack".

Mackle says work is continuing to find additives, genetics and vaccines for New Zealand farming systems.

He says the Government's R&D commitment of $339 million to reduce farm emissions is "a shot in the arm" and will help Kiwi dairy farmers remain high-performing.

Mackle told Rural News that there has been progress and some technology close to being available.

"There are some serious candidates for our pasture-based system. But because Kiwi dairy farmers are already so efficient, there's no silver bullet," he adds.

"We need new high-impact technologies and to accelerate their uptake to continue reducing our environmental footprint, while enabling farmers to run successful businesses."

Mackle notes that DairyNZ has worked with the Government to ensure they understand the scale of the climate change challenge affecting farmers, and the opportunity to remain world-leading sustainable dairy producers.

"DairyNZ has advocated strongly for Government to invest significantly more in supporting the sector to play its part to address climate change."

He says the $339m fresh funding is a step in the right direction to accelerate the development of new technology needed on-farm as soon as possible, and to support farmers to adopt these tools.

"We'll continue to advocate for how this R&D funding is invested, as new solutions develop. This will bring the best outcomes for farmers and New Zealand into the future," says Mackle.

Kiwi dairy farmers already have the world's lowest carbon footprint for on-farm milk production and want to retain that competitive advantage - to continue contributing for their families, the economy and local communities.

"We already have a world-leading position with low carbon dairy and a world-first emissions reduction plan in He Waka Eke Noa.

"This new increased investment will help dairy improve out position even further."

Mackle says the dairy sector, including DairyNZ, is investing in a range of research into new solutions, including methane inhibitors and low methane feeds. He adds it is also working together on ways to adapt overseas technology solutions to New Zealand farming systems.

"The sooner we get new technology for farmers, the sooner we will meet our goals," says Mackle.

Mackle also welcomed the establishment of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions.

"It will accelerate the development of technology and tools to really drive further emissions reductions by the ag sector," he says.

More like this

From Sky Tower to cowshed

Every morning dairy farmer Sam Waugh sees the Auckland Sky Tower through his window. It's a great reminder of one of his key life goals - giving young people from towns and cities insights into farm life.

Carrot and stick approach needed

With increasing and rising financial challenges, a well-balanced combination of carrot and stick will be needed to help dairy companies reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Celebrating dairy farmers this International Women's Day

Siobhan O’Malley is a dairy farmer, innovator, businesswoman and community volunteer, an example of the thousands of Kiwi dairy farming women throughout New Zealand who multi-task every day to contribute positively to their communities.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter