Experts debate effectiveness of technology in meeting our climate goal, DairyNZ calls for experienced farmers to join governance team, and mixed results for Kiwi shearers in Wales.

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Experts debate effectiveness of technology in meeting our climate goal

The government's draft Emissions Reduction Plan has drawn varied responses from New Zealand's scientific community, particularly regarding its reliance on future technologies to meet climate goals.

AgResearch chief scientist Dr Axel Heiser points to ongoing research in low-methane livestock genetics and overseas developments in feed additives as promising signs. However, Heiser cautions that no single technology will solve all issues, and a range of tools will be necessary.

In contrast, Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims from Massey University voices scepticism about the plan's dependence on immature technologies. He warns that relying on potential future solutions is risky, noting that despite a decade of well-funded research, no major breakthroughs have emerged in reducing ruminant methane emissions.

Professor Geoff Willmott from the University of Auckland emphasised that while technological progress is often seen as a 'magic bullet,' it requires significant investment and time to develop and deploy.

The plan also leans heavily on afforestation as a carbon storage strategy. However, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton has previously cautioned against over-reliance on tree planting as a solution to emissions reduction.

As the country strives to meet its international climate commitments, the effectiveness of the government's approach remains a topic of ongoing debate among scientists and policymakers.

Arable Industry survey shows mixed results for maize grain and silage

The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative survey reveals a positive season for New Zealand maize growers, with increased yields for both grain and silage crops. Data from 87 farms shows average maize grain yields at 11.6 tonnes per hectare and maize silage at 21.9 tonnes of dry matter per hectare.

Maize grain production saw a significant 30% increase compared to 2023, with both harvest area and yield up by 14%. The total estimated tonnage reached 250,700 tonnes, including unharvested grain. However, as of June 1, only 68% of the crop had been harvested, lower than the 11-year average of 77%.

While the majority of the maize grain crop has been sold, unsold stocks held by growers sits at 30,400 tonnes, higher than last year's 16,700 tonnes. This represents an unusually high 32% of harvestable hectares remaining unharvested, compared to the 11-year average of 23%.

Maize silage also saw an increase, with total tonnage up 9%. This resulted from a 17% yield increase, despite a 6% reduction in harvest area. However, a significant portion, 481,700 tonnes of dry matter,  remains unused or unsold, higher than in all of the previous ten seasons.

Looking ahead, sowing intentions for the 2024-2025 season indicate a 27% decrease for maize grain and a 12% decrease for maize silage compared to last season. These figures suggest a cautious approach from growers, potentially in response to market conditions and unsold stocks.

DairyNZ calls for experienced farmers to join governance team

DairyNZ is calling for nominations to fill key governance roles, offering passionate and forward-thinking farmers a chance to influence the industry's direction. Two farmer-elected Board of Director positions and one Directors' Remuneration Committee member position are now open for applications.

Current Board Chair Jim van der Poel, who is stepping down this year, emphasised the importance of diverse insights from farmer-elected directors with governance or leadership experience. He says that this is an exciting time to join DairyNZ as it implements a new strategy focused on meeting the evolving needs of farmers and the sector.

Ideal candidates should possess a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy, and advocacy. They should also demonstrate robust business and financial skills, good networks, and governance experience.

The two Board vacancies arise from van der Poel's departure and Jacqueline Rowarth's retirement by rotation. Additionally, one position is available on the Directors' Remuneration Committee, which independently reviews and recommends director compensation annually.

All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for these positions, with nominations requiring support from two DairyNZ levy payers. The deadline for nominations is 12 noon on Friday, August 9.

If an election is necessary, farmer voting will occur during September and October. The successful candidates will be announced at DairyNZ's annual general meeting on October 22 in Canterbury.

Farm2Future programme showcases agri-career opportunities to NZ youth

Two dozen Year 12 students from across New Zealand recently completed a three-day immersive programme exploring career pathways in the food production supply chain. The Farm2Future educational event, held in Canterbury earlier this month, was attended by students from 20 different high schools.

This Rabobank-sponsored initiative provided participants with a comprehensive look at various agribusiness operations. Students visited sheep and beef farms, dairy and sheep milking facilities, as well as operations at Meadow Mushrooms, Foodstuffs, LeaderBrand, and PGG Wrightson's.

The programme, now in its third edition, aims to promote agricultural industry careers among secondary school students. It was developed by the Rabobank Upper South Island Client Council in conjunction with Lincoln University.

Council member Ed Tapp highlighted the programme's goal of showcasing the diverse career opportunities across the food and agriculture value chain. He says that while some participants had farming backgrounds, about half came from urban areas with little agricultural experience.

Sixteen year old Brooke Cooper  from Christchurch,said the camp altered her career plans. Originally intending to study agriculture, she now plans to pursue food sciences after gaining a broader perspective of the industry.

Another 16-year-old Ben Morris from Hamilton, expressed surprise at the scale and diversity of the agricultural industry, despite growing up on a dairy farm.

The Farm2Future programme represents an ongoing effort to strengthen the urban-rural connection and inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. By providing hands-on experiences and insights into the food production supply chain, it aims to attract diverse talent to this crucial sector of New Zealand's economy.

Mixed results for Kiwi shearers in Wales

And the New Zealand Shearing team experienced a challenging day at the Cothi Shears in Wales loosing their first test match. Jack Fagan and David Buick were defeated by the Welsh team of Llyr Jones and Gethin Lewis, with a margin of 7.25 points.

This victory continues Wales's strong performance, following their first-ever test match win in New Zealand earlier this year. Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Kiwi team. Both Fagan and Buick qualified for the five-man Cothi Shears Open final, with Fagan securing third place and Buick fifth.

Llyr Jones dominated both the test match and Open final, each featuring 20 sheep. In the test, Jones finished in 13 minutes 41 seconds, with Buick following 24 seconds later. The Welsh victory was sealed by Lewis's superior quality points.

The Open final saw Jones shear in 13 minutes 14 seconds, with Fagan next at 13 minutes 26 seconds. New Zealand manager Mark Barrowcliffe said the day began with high hopes but ended with Welsh dominance in both events.

Fagan and Buick will have two more opportunities to secure New Zealand's first series win in Wales since 2019. The second test is scheduled for July 24 at the Royal Welsh Show, with the final test on July 27 at the Corwen Shears.