A research model is evaluating the cumulative impact of farm system changes on greenhouse gas emissions and financial performance.
Background
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is exploring cost-effective strategies for improving livestock farming systems while reducing methane emissions. The project will use the PRISYM model, a research model, to analyse data from several sheep and beef farms, including one that also integrates dairy production.
The focus will be on seeing if the model can help find practical ways to reduce methane emissions and improve financial performance on farms. This includes analysing various farming practices and their impact on both emissions and farm profitability.
Benefits to farmers
- Cost-effective solutions: Identify practical and affordable ways to optimise farming systems while cutting down on methane emissions.
- Improved farm performance: Explore options to enhance animal performance, such as increasing liveweight gain, improving ewe prolificacy, and reducing death rates, which can boost overall productivity and profitability.
- Practical implementation: Understand the costs and logistics involved in making changes on farm. Assess how comfortable case study farmers are with proposed changes and their alignment with existing and future plans.
Includes
- Full analysis includes:
- Evaluating potential methane emission reductions with and without alternative land use options.
- Considering different strategies for sheep and beef farms, including improving animal performance and changing lambing practices.
- For farms integrated with dairy operations, exploring options such as off-farm grazing for young stock and managing dairy calves.
- On-Farm implementation:
- Assessing the costs of implementing recommendations and the farm’s capacity to invest in these changes.
- Working with farm owners and staff to gauge comfort with the proposed changes.
- Evaluating the practicality, potential inconvenience, and realistic timeline for implementing changes.
B+LNZ Project Lead
Suzi Keeling, Head of Science and Research
Farmers involved
Six farms have provided their time and data to support the project.
Research providers
John Rendel, Agrisystems and Analytics .
Expected end date
Mid 2025.