Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton says there is no single way of dealing with agricultural emissions.
“There are many different approaches that could be taken, and bringing agricultural emissions into the ETS is just one option,” he says.
Upton believes the question should be about how best we can mitigate agricultural emissions.
“There is no easy blueprint to follow for reducing them. No single policy will be sufficient. New Zealand must chart a path forward that makes sense of our national circumstances and international commitments, and that is grounded firmly in science,” he told a conference in Wellington today.
The conference, organised by the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, looks at agriculture and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Upton told the conference he was working on an in-depth investigation into the treatment of biological sources and sinks across New Zealand’s landscapes, as part of New Zealand’s climate policy.
“As part of that enquiry, I will seek to highlight key issues to consider as an approach is developed.
“It is clear that any debate around alternatives should command a solid scientific basis, and explore the potential consequences of different approaches for a wide range of environmental outcomes and our landscapes. I’m not in a position to share many conclusions at this stage.”
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.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.