talked to consumers because it has had amazing success. Referring to the use of the nutrient model Overseer, which calculates the amount of methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide generated on farm and the amount of carbon sequestered in trees, O’Connor said it is not perfect but it is the best available model. For example, lucerne and plantain are not accounted for in the model. The alternative to using Overseer is an inputbased system but an output-based model is preferable. O’Connor said more research needs to be done on regenerative farming, with products based on the system attracting big premiums, especially in the United States. “In a general sense our pastoral systems are close to what they would call regenerative in the US. “We have to establish what is regenerative … and if it can help connect to the values of our consumers and we can deliver on that in a credible way then I think there is potential for us to supply the most discerning customers.” A possible mitigation measure is the feeding of the native red seaweed
During a low emissions future webinar Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the Government is committed to helping the primary sector.
asparagopsis armata to livestock. In trials overseas the seaweed has reduced greenhouse gas emissions in cows and sheep by up to 80%. O’Connor said it would be incredible if the reduction was even just half of that. Ministry for Primary Industries climate
change systems policy manager Jennie Marks said while 63% of farmers believe humans contribute to climate change there is low awareness of farm emissions and measures to combat the problem. Only about 14% of farmers have calculated their emissions, half of them with a rough estimate and no use of emission tools. Of the 14%, only 2% of farmers know the value of their non-farm emissions. Last year the Government joined forces with the primary sector and iwi in its He Waka Eke Noa initiative to equip farmers and growers with the knowledge and tools they need to reduce emissions. Among the goals is that by 2022 all farmers will know their farm emissions. By the beginning of next year they will be given guidance on how to measure and manage emissions through farm planning. At least a quarter of all farms will have a written plan by 2022 and all farms by 2025. Between 2017-18 and 2020-21 the Government will have invested $107m in research into climate change mitigation. Another $122m has been set aside to provide tools and advice and improve farm emissions data. n
Cow Health: Identifying sick cows at subclinical stage meant faster recovery and less cost
We would not have picked up health problems that early without the help of the collars
Heat Detection: No more doubt, no more extra work
Owen and Cathy Copinga Southland Dairy Farm
Calving: We can be proactive rather than reactive People: No cow gets lost in the crowd Allflex: Accurate support anytime
Finance
Deal
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