Government introduces forestry conversion limit, a second egg farm investigated in Otago bird flu outbreak, and Kāinga Ora’s wool carpet snub sparks backlash.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

Government introduces forestry conversion limit

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts have unveiled comprehensive measures to protect New Zealand's agricultural production while maintaining emissions reduction strategies.

The new regulations directly address farmers' concerns about large-scale land conversions, implementing key protections that maintain agricultural productivity and provide clarity for landowners. Farmers will now have clear guidelines that prevent wholesale transformation of productive farmland into forestry.

Under the new framework, farmers can plant forestry on up to 25% of their Land Use Classification 1-6 land. An annual cap of 15,000 hectares will be placed on exotic forestry registrations, creating a measured approach to land use transformation.

Todd McClay says these changes deliver on the government’s commitment to protect food production while providing certainty for both farmers and foresters. The reforms tackle previous policies that incentivised widespread forestry conversions, which threaten critical farming landscapes.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the framework creates a balance that supports climate goals as well as supporting the rural economy.

The regulations include strategic considerations for Māori-owned land that align with Treaty obligations, and provide transitional measures for landowners already in forestry conversion processes. 

Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Chair Kate Acland says they are delighted to finally see concrete action to address this issue, which is something B+LNZ has been calling for.

The government is also exploring partnerships with the private sector to plant trees on Crown land with minimal environmental or agricultural impact.

Legislation will be introduced next year, with implementation planned for October of 2025.

Climate commitments balanced with agricultural sustainability

Meanwhile the Government will carefully consider an independent scientific review of biogenic methane targets, signaling a measured approach to climate obligations that prioritizes agricultural sustainability.

An independent panel of scientists has delivered critical insights into potential methane reduction strategies, revealing two potential scenarios for achieving no additional warming by 2050. In a globally coordinated climate policy environment, a 24% reduction in biogenic methane emissions would satisfy international objectives. Conversely, in a slower global response, a 14-15% reduction could achieve equivalent climate neutrality.

The approach represents a sophisticated balancing act – acknowledging global climate responsibilities while protecting the economic vitality of New Zealand's agricultural sector. By prioritizing scientific research, technological innovation, and practical implementation, the government aims to position farmers as global leaders in sustainable food production.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the government will take time to thoroughly examine the panel's findings alongside Climate Change Commission recommendations before confirming the final target in the new year.

The government is backing this approach with substantial investment, committing over $400 million in the next four years to develop emissions reduction technologies.

A second egg farm investigated in Otago bird flu outbreak

Biosecurity New Zealand has expanded its response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak in Otago, placing a second poultry farm under restrictions as culling operations continue at the original Mainland Poultry site.

Biosecurity New Zealand's deputy director-general, Stuart Anderson has confirmed a small free-range farm near Dunedin has been issued a precautionary restricted place notice. The farm, which houses approximately 6000 birds, is now under investigation, with initial reports indicating multiple bird deaths.

The new farm is not owned by Mainland Poultry, but Anderson says they are investigating any potential links between the two properties.

At the original Mainland Poultry farm, the mass culling of 80,000 chickens continues using standard industry methods for humane euthanasia.A 10-kilometer buffer zone around the farm has been designated an enhanced surveillance zone, with security personnel monitoring the property.

All poultry exports remain suspended as Mainland Poultry works to eliminate the virus.

Kāinga Ora’s wool carpet snub sparks backlash

Federated Farmers has joined a chorus of condemnation for Kāinga Ora's decision to exclude wool carpets from its national housing procurement.

Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams has described it as "incredibly disappointing and shortsighted."

The current Request for Proposals explicitly states they are "not looking to procure wool carpet," directly contradicting the National-NZ First coalition agreement that government agencies should prefer woollen products over artificial fibres where appropriate.

Williams claims that Kāinga Ora showed no interest in exploring pricing from wool carpet providers for what would be a significant supply contract.

Greg Smith, CEO of wool carpet manufacturer Bremworth, said that the contract would be "transformative" for the wool sector. He points out that Kāinga Ora owns or manages over 75,000 homes, and a contract of this scale would equate to over a million lineal metres of carpet.

Smith further highlighted the environmental impact, revealing that the current approach involves "importing around 1.7 million kilos of plastic" for synthetic carpet production. 

The tender's specification of nylon carpet only represents "another blow for sheep farmers," who are already struggling to maintain wool as a viable export and domestic commodity.

Dairy sector's low-carbon beef opportunity

A powerful pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been uncovered with an AgResearch study that reveals dairy-beef could slash carbon footprints by up to 48 percent.

The Life Cycle Assessment analysis demonstrates that fast-finishing systems using dairy-sector cattle can dramatically lower agricultural emissions. By processing dairy-beef steers between 10 and 18 months, farmers could achieve a 32-48 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions compared to traditional beef production.

The study examined multiple factors including animal growth rates, feed efficiency, and production processes. Researchers analyzed farm data from both dairy and beef industries, providing a comprehensive view of potential emissions reductions.

AgResearch senior scientist Andre Mazzetto says this approach offers tangible emissions reduction strategies, presenting farmers with a practical climate solution that integrates dairy and beef sectors.

Fonterra's sustainability director Charlotte Rutherford sees this as a major opportunity for New Zealand agriculture, highlighting how targeted genetics and farming systems can drive environmental improvements.

The research suggests a pathway to lower-emission protein production, potentially helping global food producers meet ambitious carbon targets by 2030.

Innovative companies like Alps2Ocean Foods are already exploring these opportunities. Their Mīti product demonstrates how surplus dairy calves can be transformed into high-value, low-carbon protein.