Govt, Feds say waka still afloat

HE WAKA Eke Noa is back on course – but subject to key changes on gas measurement and sequestration.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford both confirmed the agreement was alive after HWEN partners and six ministers, included Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, met at Fieldays on Thursday.

The proposed changes to the split gas initiative could deliver some significant upsides for farmers.

Shaw told Farmers Weekly at Mystery Creek Fieldays that the gas pricing initiative had stalled due to Cyclone Gabrielle’s impact, and what amounted to a change in government with the appointment of a new prime minister.

The high-powered Mystery Creek meeting between ministers and industry heads appears to have at least righted what had become a drifting waka.

“We have been needing to get everyone in the same room for some time. By working with industry good groups, we have tried to bring farmers along and clearly that has not worked. We need to work hard to get it together and deliver on the intent of the plan,” Shaw said. His meeting had included industry heads from Feds,

DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ.

Shaw said everyone in the room confirmed they were 100% committed to the partnership continuing and working through unresolved issues.

“But let’s also not let that stop us from working on what we do already agree upon.”

Two key sticking points that he confirmed need resolution are how farmers measure their greenhouse gas emissions, and what vegetation can be sequestered on farm to offset emissions.

“Know your numbers” has been the campaign on gas measurement within the farmgate but has been dogged by having 10 different means of measurement, often delivering 10 different figures.

Shaw likened it to trying to complete an accounting exercise under almost a dozen different accounting protocols.

He was confident many of the irregularities could be ironed out in a matter of months, expecting to see some early progress by Christmas.

“Seventy-five to 80% of farmers already know their numbers, you do not want to throw that out. If we can make the existing systems meet a standard it would be good.”

Sequestration of carbon on farm has also been a bone of contention, particularly for drystock farmers with limited options for emissions reduction.

Continued page 5

Expected pick-up for kiwifruit

where Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson told Farmers Weekly that strong market prospects are buoying hopes for better times ahead after a tough year. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media

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TECHNOLOGY 21

Sam Whitelock Farmstrong Ambassador

The judges commended the Booths on their exceptional development of wetlands and critical source areas.

BRETT & FENELLA WHEELER OF

The judges commended the Wheeler’s use of innovative methods to enhance soils and improve water efficiency.

ANJENA, ARJUN, AMREETA & DALJIT SINGH OF LAWWAL HOLSTEINS

The Singh’s passion for progressive dairy concepts led them to install a free-stall system that produces less methane.

OLIVIA MANUSAULOA & JOSH EASTON OF BAYGOLD LTD

Baygold is a great example of a business that is integrating environmental excellence within their kiwifruit production.

JACQUES & VANESSA LE PROU OF JAVA FARM

The judges commended the Le Prous on their cohesive, profitable and efficient dairy system.

GREG & GAIL MITCHELL OF MITCHELL DAIRY FARMS

Greg and Gail’s farm has become a highly productive dairy unit, balancing profitability with caring for the environment.

PETER, JOHN & KAREN M c ERLEAN OF POPLAR PARTNERSHIP

The judges commended the McErleans’ commitment to land stewardship, biodiversity and habitat creation.

IAN KNOWLES OF GLENMARK SPRINGS

Ian’s Waipara sheep breeding and finishing operation is guided by research and on-farm trials.

CAMERON & ROBERT GRANT OF GRANT BROTHERS

These fifth-generation sheep and beef farmers have a focus on family and productivity.

Holistic Approach Proves A Winner For Otago Sheep And Beef Farmers

Holistic Approach Proves A Winner For Otago Sheep And Beef Farmers

Steven and Kellie Nichol of Auldamor in Otago have been announced as the 2023 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.

Steven and Kellie Nichol of Auldamor in Otago have been announced as the 2023 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.

Managed by Grant Bezett, Auldamor is primarily a sheep breeding and finishing operation, with additional cattle grazing, and carbon and production forestry.

Managed by Grant Bezett, Auldamor is primarily a sheep breeding and finishing operation, with additional cattle grazing, and carbon and production forestry.

The team runs 4,500 ewes, 1,500 hoggets and 80 rams, and graze an average of 290 mixed-age beef cows each year.

The team runs 4,500 ewes, 1,500 hoggets and 80 rams, and graze an average of 290 mixed-age beef cows each year.

Their 1,498ha property is located at Clarks Junction, Otago. The Nichol family has been farming in the area since 1871, meaning they have a strong connection to the land and consider improvements and guardianship a priority. Initiatives to improve soil health include a no-till

Their 1,498ha property is located at Clarks Junction, Otago. The Nichol family has been farming in the area since 1871, meaning they have a strong connection to the land and consider improvements and guardianship a priority. Initiatives to improve soil health include a no-till drilling programme, which has led to improved pasture resilience, better yields, and improved stock performance and animal health. drilling programme, which has led to improved pasture resilience, better yields, and improved stock performance and animal health. diversification and adapting production systems, all the while considering environmental impact. Steven is extensively involved with the local community catchment group and is one of several local farmers participating in a greenhouse gas mitigation project. The regional judges commended the Nichols’ high level of knowledge about all aspects of their farming business, noting that – along with farm manager Grant Bezett – they make a great team, with many complementary skillsets. diversification and adapting production systems, all the while considering environmental impact. Steven is extensively involved with the local community catchment group and is one of several local farmers participating in a greenhouse gas mitigation project. The regional judges commended the Nichols’ high level of knowledge about all aspects of their farming business, noting that – along with farm manager Grant Bezett – they make a great team, with many complementary skillsets. The National Judging Panel also commended the Nichols for their passion for farming and willingness to bring off-farm knowledge and skills to the table.

Early on in their farming journey, the Nichols realised they didn’t need to operate in isolation, and gathered a group of mentors and industry experts to ensure the success of their farming operation.

Early on in their farming journey, the Nichols realised they didn’t need to operate in isolation, and gathered a group of mentors and industry experts to ensure the success of their farming operation.

The National Judging Panel also commended the Nichols for their passion for farming and willingness to bring off-farm knowledge and skills to the table.

Steven and Kellie are constantly evolving their farming business through

Steven and Kellie are constantly evolving their farming business through