Environment

Low methane-emitting sheep a reality in New Zealand

New Zealand farmers are the first in the world with the ability to breed low methane-emitting sheep.

Intensive Winter Grazing 2021 rules clarified

B+LNZ is working with central Government and regional councils to find practical solutions to several aspects of the recently released Essential Freshwater regulations, particularly those relating to winter grazing.

Spotlight on the proposed winter grazing rules

The winter grazing rules in the new environmental (freshwater) regulations are those that have the most immediate impact as farmers are starting to think about paddock and crop selection for next winter.

Key issues for farmers in new freshwater rules

The requirements around winter grazing on forage crops, low-slope land mapping and certified farm plans are the big issues being raised by farmers in relation to the new essential freshwater rules.

New freshwater rules – preliminary analysis and next steps

B+LNZ has completed a preliminary assessment of the essential freshwater rules that became law on 5 August. The following email has been sent to farmers.

Setting up a Catchment Community Group

Are you thinking of setting up a Catchment Community Group? Join part two of B+LNZ’s Catchment Community e-Forum, where catchment leaders will share their advice and expertise to help get you started.

B+LNZ’s concerns about afforestation being heard

Recent developments in the public debate about the widespread conversion of productive farmland into forestry have shown that B+LNZ’s concerns are being heard – although an acceptable solution is still not in sight.

B+LNZ’s Freshwater and ETS National Webinar highlights policy concerns

Last week’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Essential Freshwater and Emissions Trading Reform Bill (ETR) webinar attracted nearly 200 participants wanting to understand the proposed policies and their potential impacts on businesses and the environment.

B+LNZ’s Catchment e-Forum reinforces farmer-led change

A Beef + Lamb New Zealand e-Forum highlighted the importance of catchment groups leading environmental change on-farm rather than it being forced by changes in Government policy.

B+LNZ update on water and climate change policy work

B+LNZ is continuing to work on farmers’ behalf on a number of significant environment policy issues in order to get the best possible outcome for the sector.

Join B+LNZ’s Catchment e-Forum

Waikato Regional Council Plan Change 1 update

While sheep and beef farmers have welcomed the majority of outcomes of the Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1 process, there are still some points that require work.