Sustainability

In this episode, DairyNZ scientist Dr Kirsty Verhoek explains how heat stress affects cow comfort and productivity, and how the Grazing Heat Load Index (GHLI) improves on traditional measures like the Temperature Humidity Index. Dr Paul Edwards discusses how GHLI, combined with digital technologies, helps farmers identify regional heat stress risks and take timely action. Dr Roshean Woods introduces a new bulk milk urea (BMU) tool that provides near real-time insights into dietary nitrogen surplus, helping farmers optimise herd health and reduce nitrogen loss. Together, they highlight how these tools support farm resilience and sustainability in a changing climate.

There is a global race happening to reduce emissions from dairy farming with more solutions potentially becoming available to housed-cow systems. So where does that position New Zealand’s pastoral model? Hear from three different agribusinesses supporting farmers to reduce emissions; Margaret Stuart from Nestlé Oceania; Charlotte Rutherford from Fonterra; and Wayne McNee from AgriZero.

Investors in major global funds are demanding that their investment is made into the reversal of the depletion of natural capital around the world. How can New Zealand farmers, who have higher levels of soil fertility and soil carbon stocks than other countries, cash in on this trend? By Sarah Perriam-Lampp.