Pioneering the Sheep of Tomorrow
In a collaborative effort to advance sheep genetics, Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Ltd), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and Focus Genetics, supported by AgResearch, have launched the ‘Sheep of the Future’ programme. This initiative envisions sheep with finer wool, enhanced tolerance to heat, superior meat quality, and reduced methane emissions. The programme’s objectives encompass: Natalie […]
AgriZeroNZ Invests in US Start-up to Combat Methane Emissions
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture between the New Zealand government and prominent agribusiness entities, including Fonterra and Rabobank, has invested $4.1 million in a US-based start-up, Hoofprint Biome. Hoofprint Biome was initiated by Drs Kathryn Polkoff and Scott Collins from NC State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their innovation revolves around enzymes that can naturally […]
Southland on the Brink of a Greenhouse Gas Revolution
The picturesque region of Southland, often celebrated for its verdant terrains and agricultural expertise, has recently garnered attention for an entirely different achievement. Over the last five years, this region has witnessed an impressive 14.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This notable transformation can be attributed to a deliberate decrease in livestock numbers and a […]
Livestock Emissions: Ministerial Commentary on Global Warming
Recent debates have spotlighted the livestock farming industry, with many critics underscoring its role in global warming. The prevailing sentiment suggests that to effectively combat climate change, there’s a pressing need to curtail red meat intake and pivot towards alternatives like soy and oat milk. Such views have catalysed a surge in vegan diets, predominantly […]
New Zealand’s Red Meat Exports Navigate Market Challenges, MIA Reports
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) has unveiled data that underscores the trials faced by New Zealand’s red meat sector on the global stage. The August 2023 trade figures reveal that red meat exports were valued at $730 million, marking a 16% downturn from the same month in the preceding year. A significant factor in this […]
Impact of Environmental Regulations on New Zealand Farmers
Recent research by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) reveals that the surge in new and proposed environmental regulations in New Zealand has placed a considerable administrative and financial strain on farmers. The study, conducted by BakerAg, delves into the cumulative effects of the NZ Government’s environmental reforms on farming operations. B+LNZ’s chief executive, Sam […]
Metabolic Diseases and Their Effects During Calving
Beef cows can experience metabolic disorders such as grass staggers resulting from magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesaemia) or milk fever due to calcium deficiency (hypocalcaemia) around calving time. These conditions can arise from dietary changes, underfeeding, or environmental factors like high soil potassium (K) or low magnesium (Mg) levels. Milk fever symptoms include lethargy, with cows often […]
Farmers Invited to Comment on the M. bovis Eradication Proposal
Overview: Farmers across the UK are being prompted to share their views on the proposed transition of the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) eradication scheme into the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP). This move marks the programme’s advancement to its next phase. Kelvan Smith, the chair of the M. bovis governance group, highlighted that the eradication […]
Dairy Developments in China and New Zealand
The dairy industry is closely monitoring both supply and demand trends in China. Although there’s an evident growth in supply, it’s beginning to slow down. Meanwhile, demand has been somewhat lacklustre. Factors that could rebalance the Chinese dairy market are emerging. Still, the extent and duration of China’s economic slowdown remain uncertain. In New Zealand, […]
Preparation is Key: East Coast Farmers Warned of Potential Drought
Farmers along the east coast of New Zealand are being advised to brace themselves for a potential severe drought this summer. Chris Brandolino, the principal scientist at NIWA, has highlighted emerging weather patterns that suggest an early onset of El Nino. Typically, dry conditions in the region commence in November. However, it’s anticipated to begin […]
