Government unveils unified greenhouse gas calculator for farmers, Synlait boosts milk price as commodity markets strengthen, and forestry waste emerges as green energy solution for Hawke’s Bay. 

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Government unveils unified greenhouse gas calculator for farmers

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has introduced a transformative approach to measuring farm-level greenhouse gas emissions, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of New Zealand's farmers.

The new methodology stands out through four critical design features that set it apart from previous emission tracking systems. Foremost, the calculator incorporates farm-specific inputs, allowing precise measurement tailored to individual agricultural operations. Farmers can now input detailed data including exact livestock counts, supplementary feed volumes, dairy production levels, fertilizer usage, and regional-specific characteristics.

Accessibility remains a core principle of this new system. The method is engineered to be low-cost and completely auditable, utilizing data most farmers already collect through routine record-keeping. 

The system is designed for ongoing updates, ensuring it can incorporate the latest scientific advancements and technological innovations. This approach guarantees the calculator remains relevant and accurate as agricultural and environmental understanding evolves.

Minister McClay highlighted that the current landscape of over ten different emission calculators has created significant confusion for farmers. The new standardised methodology cuts through this complexity, providing a unified, scientifically robust approach to emissions tracking.

The government's commitment extends beyond the calculator itself. A substantial $400 million investment over four years will support emission-reducing technologies.

Synlait boosts milk price as commodity markets strengthen

Canterbury-based milk processor Synlait has raised its base milk price to $10 per kilogram of milk solids, marking a jump from the previous $9.50 per kilogram.

This move follows recent adjustments by Fonterra, which has forecast a farmgate payout ranging between $9.50 and $10.50 per kilogram of milk solids. The midpoint of this range aligns precisely with Synlait's new pricing strategy.

Market dynamics are driving these price increases, with global commodity prices showing sustained strength. International dairy markets, particularly in China, are experiencing increased demand as buyers prepare for upcoming holiday periods, including Christmas and the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Whole milk powder, a critical indicator of farmgate pricing, has demonstrated resilience in recent global dairy trade events. Pricing trends suggest a positive outlook for dairy farmers, who have weathered challenging economic conditions in recent seasons.

Notably, Synlait has implemented strategic measures to retain farmer suppliers. The processor has offered additional incentives, including a one-off payment of 20 cents per kilogram of milk solids to encourage continued milk supply. This approach has already shown initial success, with at least one major farmer supplier withdrawing previous notices of milk supply cessation.

Forestry waste emerges as green energy solution for Hawke’s Bay

Hawke's Bay is on the brink of a significant energy transformation, with forestry waste emerging as a potential powerhouse for renewable energy production. A comprehensive report by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority reveals opportunities for the region to convert unused forestry residues into commercial biofuel.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Energy Transition Accelerator report demonstrates that biomass could potentially meet up to 94% of the region's process heat energy requirements across meat, industrial, and commercial sectors. Process heat - the energy used for industrial processes, manufacturing, and space warming - represents a critical area for sustainable energy development.

Local biomass utilization would create new market opportunities for forest owners while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. The strategy offers multiple advantages: reducing waste left on hillsides, enhancing regional energy security, and providing a renewable, cost-efficient fuel alternative.

The regional analysis covers 44 sites currently consuming 2,117 terajoules of energy and producing 121,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Investment in demand reduction could potentially save between $40 million and $44 million in avoided new electricity and biomass infrastructure.

Lucy Laitinen from the Regional Economic Development Agency sees this as a potential win-win scenario for both industry and environmental sustainability. The report provides energy users and suppliers with critical tools to develop and implement their own energy transition plans.

Wild Goat Hunting Competition removes more than ten thousand goats

The second annual National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has delivered remarkable results, with 12,935 wild goats removed up and down the country. Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay announced the success, highlighting an impressive 22 percent increase from last year..

The Department of Conservation, New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ, and the Firearms Safety Authority worked together to create a coordinated approach to manage wild goat populations.

Competing for $70,000 in prizes, over 800 hunters participated in the initiative creating unprecedented access to private land and demonstrating the hunting community's commitment to environmental protection. The competition not only addressed ecological challenges but also strengthened connections between hunters and landowners across the country.

Wild goats pose a substantial threat to New Zealand's farmland and native environments. Their unrestricted grazing damages vegetation, erodes landscapes, and disrupts delicate ecological balance. The competition provides a strategic approach to managing these populations while engaging the hunting community in conservation efforts.

Zanda McDonald Award Finalists Announced

And the industry's brightest emerging talents have been identified as finalists for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award, showcasing exceptional young professionals from New Zealand and Australia who are driving innovation in the primary sector.

This year's New Zealand finalists represent a diverse range of agricultural expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Hamish Best, a 34-year-old sheep and beef farmer from Wellington, stands out as the founder of Conscious Valley, a progressive red meat brand. Maegen Blom, at 24, manages her family's Mills Bay Mussels operation in Marlborough, bringing fresh leadership to marine farming, and Sarah How, a 33-year-old South Canterbury entrepreneur, co-founded Landify Ltd, demonstrating the innovative potential of young agricultural professionals.

The award honors the memory of Zanda McDonald, a prominent Australian beef and livestock industry leader who tragically passed away in 2013. His legacy continues through this initiative that supports and celebrates young rural professionals committed to agricultural advancement.

Now in its 11th year, the award offers more than just recognition. Finalists receive a comprehensive prize package including tailored mentoring, educational opportunities, and a platform for future growth. 

The three New Zealand finalists join three Australian counterparts: Will Creek, a properties livestock general manager from Queensland; Jack O'Connor, who manages a family farm in Southern New South Wales; and Felicity Taylor, an area manager at Rabobank in Country NSW.

Winners will be announced in March next year.