Wood and hemp sectors follow wool’s lead in government procurement push, Kiwi startup tackles methane with wearable cow solution, and Southland deer farmer’s triple win at environmental awards.

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!

 

Wood and hemp sectors follow wool’s lead in government procurement push

Local building material producers are calling on the government to include their products in construction projects, following last week's announcement that woollen products will be used in government buildings where practical.

The wool sector has been celebrating the decision which requires government agencies to use wool in elements like flooring, insulation, acoustic panels and furnishings. 

However, other material sectors are now pushing for similar commitments. Mark Ross, Chief Executive of Wood Processors and Manufacturers, expressed disappointment that procurement policy hasn't been extended to timber and engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber and glulam. Ross points out these New Zealand-made products are renewable with economic and environmental advantages for carbon storage and rural community support.

The Hemp Building Association is also seeking greater recognition, with spokesperson Jo Say highlighting the benefits of hempcrete as an environmentally sustainable building material. Say emphasizes the product's excellent insulation properties, its ability to create stable internal temperatures, and its carbon-sequestering capabilities that make every hempcrete house a carbon sink. The material's hydroscopic capacity also makes it highly resistant to mould and condensation issues.

The current government directive for woollen products applies to government-owned buildings with new construction works valued up to $9 million and refurbishments up to $100,000.

 

MFAT boosts support as US tariff concerns affect rural exporters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has established a dedicated hotline to assist New Zealand businesses with questions about US tariffs. MFAT says it's working alongside other government agencies and is in close contact with exporters about US trade issues and potential implications for New Zealand.

The ministry acknowledges many exporters are concerned about the tariff impositions and their potential impacts. In response, they've created a dedicated contact point specifically for US tariff queries. MFAT has also reminded businesses they can use the existing Trade Barriers Helpdesk website to register any issues, with enquiries directed to the most appropriate government agency.

A dedicated email address is also available, you can find that as well as the hotline in this episodes description: [email protected] - 0800 824 605

 

Kiwi startup tackles methane with wearable cow solution

Kiwi startup 28toZero is developing technology to destroy methane as soon as cattle exhale it, potentially helping farmers meet emissions targets. The company, majority-owned by agriculture tech investor Sprout Agritech with Fonterra holding a 14% share, is working on making the technology wearable for cows.

Executive chair Peter Barrowclough explains the company name reflects methane's potency as a greenhouse gas, being 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. 

The technology, licensed from Lincoln Agritech, uses electricity to measure and destroy methane without producing harmful byproducts. It converts methane at concentrations as low as 200 parts per million into formic acid, a potentially marketable product. Lincoln Agritech's David Rankin, who led the development team, says their approach differs from most methane solutions which focus on inhibitors and additives to reduce production. Instead, they tackle the gas after it's already been produced.

The company's next challenge is miniaturizing the technology for cows to wear. Initial trials have tested how cows react to wearing sensor housing, with Barrowclough noting that animals are already beginning to wear high-tech devices like Halter's electronic collars. The goal is to eventually destroy a portion of the methane burped by cows through a small on-animal device.

 

Scott Champion to tackle arable sector challenges as new FAR chief

Foundation for Arable Research has appointed Dr Scott Champion as their new Chief Executive, bringing 25 years of food and fibre industry experience to the role. FAR Board Chair Steven Bierema says Champion's skills are ideally matched to address the evolving needs of New Zealand's arable industry and its growers.

Champion brings extensive leadership credentials to the position, having previously served as Chief Executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board. He is currently a Founding Partner of consulting company Primary Purpose and Programme Director of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, with strong networks spanning agribusiness, government and related sectors.

Looking ahead to his new role, Champion acknowledges the significant challenges facing arable farmers, from reducing environmental impacts to meeting changing customer requirements while maintaining profitability. He emphasises his background in developing strategies and programmes addressing similar issues across both arable and other food and fibre industries will be valuable in supporting growers and the broader arable sector through these complex challenges.

The leadership transition at FAR will take effect from July 1st when Champion takes over from current Chief Executive Dr Alison Stewart.

 

Southland deer farmer’s triple win at environmental awards

Nelson Farming Company has won the Regional Supreme Award at the Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Invercargill. Cam Nelson, who transformed his 164-hectare property from a mixed sheep and deer operation to an exclusive deer farm, also claimed three category awards - the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award, and NZFET Biodiversity Award.

Other Southland winners included Jody and Blair Drysdale of Hopefield in Northern Southland, who took home the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil and Nutrient Management Award, Hill Labs Agri-Science Award, and Environment Southland Water Quality and Biodiversity Award. Clarke and Megan Horrell of Huntly Farm in Waikaia won the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award and Norwood Farming Efficiency Award.

The Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group was also recognised for their environmental stewardship including their Revival Project addressing feral deer damage, which has culled more than 600 deer since 2023.

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