Modelling suggests that farmers might be able to reduce emissions by 2-10% but different things will work on different farms.
Know your number first
Knowing what your greenhouse gas emissions are is the first critical step towards planning for reductions. From December 2022, all New Zealand farmers and growers will need to have this information. Find out more about knowing your number.
Actions for dairy farmers
-
Stock rate and performance
Modelling shows it might be possible to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% on some farms, by fine-tuning production systems so the same output is obtained from fewer animals.
-
Efficiency improvements
Increasing outputs relative to inputs won't necessarily reduce absolute emissions, but it will improve emissions per unit of product. It's been of great benefit to New Zealand already - and that's likely to continue.
-
Low-emission feeds
Some supplementary feeds reduce methane emissions per unit of feed intake, while others help reduce nitrous oxide emissions by decreasing the amount of nitrogen excreted onto pastures.
-
Once-a-day milking
Making a deliberate decision to milk only once a day throughout lactation can, under the right circumstances, reduce emissions and maintain profitability.
-
Nitrogen fertiliser
Reducing the use of nitrogen fertiliser is a measurable way of reducing the amount of nitrogen available in the soil to be transformed into nitrous oxide.
-
Trees and vegetation
There are many benefits from planting trees or restoring woody vegetation on a farm, including to help combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide. However, it's a complex topic.
-
Potential actions
Some practices and technologies have been promoted as options to reduce emissions, but research is ongoing to get them into the national greenhouse gas inventory and/or fully demonstrate their efficacy on farm.
Case studies
-
Dion Gordon, Canterbury
In 2019, Canterbury dairy farmer Dion Gordon experienced something of a nightmare. The Rangitata River burst its banks, flowed onto his farm and took a huge swathe of topsoil out to sea. Dion had no choice but to drop stock numbers - but what happened next was a surprise.
-
Orete No. 2 and Other Blocks Incorporation, Eastern Bay of Plenty
Farming has long been a way of life for Orete – a Māori Incorporation with 1,500 owners on the tip of the remote East Cape. Te Taiao is at the heart of all they do, including finding ways to keep their agricultural greenhouse gas emissions down.
-
Andrew and Vicky Booth, Northland
Taking care of the environment is a priority on Andrew Booth's dairy farm, an approach that is leading to better production outcomes as well as wins for freshwater, biodiversity and the climate.
-
George and Sharon Moss, Waikato
George and Sharon Moss have been dairy farming in Tokoroa for nearly 40 years. Their impact on the climate wasn't a consideration back then, but it's at the forefront of how they farm now.
-
Phill and Jos Everest, Canterbury
A balanced approach to dairy farming on the heavy soils of coastal mid-Canterbury is essential in Phill and Jos Everest's efforts to reduce Flemington Farm's agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Ben Troughton, Waikato
Waikato dairy farmers Ben and Sarah Troughton are partway through their journey from a high input, high output operation towards a smaller, more diversified and environmentally sustainable system they’re truly proud of.
More information
-
Know your numbers
By 2025, all farmers and growers will need to know what their farm's greenhouse gas emissions are and have a plan in place to manage them.
-
Reduce methane emissions
Methane belched out by ruminant animals is responsible for 71% of our total agricultural emissions. Reducing methane is essential if New Zealand is to meet its national and international targets.
-
Reduce nitrous oxide emissions
The Government has set a target of reducing nitrous oxide emissions to net zero by 2050, meaning on-farm action is critical.
-
Maintain or increase soil carbon
Many farmers are looking for ways to maintain or increase their soil carbon stocks to help improve farm productivity and, potentially, reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
-
Trees and vegetation
There are many benefits from planting trees or restoring woody vegetation on a farm, including to help combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide. However, it's a complex topic.