Fonterra launches dairy youth programme with Growing Future Farmers
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
Fonterra’s new electrode boiler at Edendale site will reduce emissions by around 20% or 47,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.
Fonterra is installing a $36 million 20-megawatt electrode boiler at its Edendale site in Southland, as the co-op moves away from coal.
The electrode boiler will reduce the Edendale site's emissions by around 20% or 47,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum - the equivalent of taking almost 20,000 cars off NZ roads.
It will also help reduce Fonterra's overall carbon emissions from its NZ 2018 baseline by nearly 3% per annum once operational in 2025-26.
Fonterra says the investment is another step for the co-operative as it works to get out of coal by 2037 and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (from 2018 baseline).
Fonterra acting chief operating officer Anna Palairet says the team considered a number of energy options before deciding on the electrode boiler.
"Fonterra has a complex manufacturing operation spanning the country.
"As technologies develop, it's important we continually assess which energy source and technology is best for each site.
"With up to 15 million litres of milk being processed at our Edendale site each day, we need to ensure we have a secure energy supply that can meet processing demands."
Cost is also an important consideration.
Palairet says getting out of coal requires significant investment and the co-op needs to choose the best option that reduces emissions and operational complexity while also doing what's best for farmer shareholders.
Fonterra is partnering with Meridian Energy for the electricity supply who generate electricity from 100% renewable resources - wind, water, and sun.
European growers are playing a key role in ensuring Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has year-round supply of high-quality fruit for consumers.
ANZ's chief executive Antonia Watson says agriculture has proven to be “a shining light” for New Zealand’s economy.
A warning to farmers and topdressing pilots to take extra care as Christmas approaches.
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of a drought.
Global beef trade is expected to grow steadily over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and strategic export expansions by South American countries.

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