increase font size
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay with LIC chief executive David Chin.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
At the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said that Livestock Improvement Corporation's (LIC) new 'Methane Barn' will enable large-scale monitoring and measurement of methane produced by lactating cows.
"The research will enable farmers to select lower-emitting genetics and will be a valuable tool to help reduce biogenic methane without harming productivity," McClay says.
He says the research further bolsters confidence in the pipeline of new mitigation tools - giving farmers the choice in how they reduce their emissions.
"We are committed to meeting our climate obligations without closing down farms and sending jobs and production overseas," McClay says.
"Investments like the Methane Barn will offer farmers the tools they need to reduce on-farm emissions without reducing production," he adds.
The Government and industry have committed more than $400 million to speed up the development of methane-cutting tools with as many as 11 to be commercially available by 2030.
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.
