Small efficiency gains that added up to big changes

Ag Matters

A flood that damaged part of Kirikiri, Dion and Kristie Gordon's irrigated dairy farm beside the Rangitata River on the Canterbury coast, became the trigger for lower stocking rates, better feed use and closer attention to genetics. The Gordons tell that story in this case study.

The Gordons DNA-profiled the herd, made irrigation more efficient, and joined a milk supply company's emissions programme that rewards on-farm gains. Dion and Kristie explain how these small, steady changes have added up over several seasons to lower nitrogen use and emissions.

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Have you thought about

Emissions reduction

  • Reducing nitrous oxide emissions

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Fertiliser
    Greenhouse gas

    Learn how nitrogen management on farm can cut nitrous oxide losses.

  • Efficiency improvements

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Productivity
    Profitability

    See how using feed, fertiliser and stock more efficiently can lower emissions per unit produced.

  • Owl Farm case study - Greenhouse gas performance

    Climate
    Emissions reduction
    Greenhouse gas
    Methane

    Learn how Owl Farm cut biological greenhouse gas emissions over a ten year period.

Dairy

  • People, planet and profit

    Climate
    Dairy
    Methane
    Profitability

    Meet the Waikato dairy farmers using their numbers to cut emissions and stay profitable.

  • Making irrigation go further: Water

    Climate
    Dairy
    Sustainability
    Water

    Find out how this Canterbury dairy farm uses tech for smart water management.

On-farm actions

  • On-farm current actions

    Climate
    Agribusiness
    Emissions reduction
    Greenhouse gas
    Livestock
    On-farm actions
    Sustainability

    Find science-backed actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions on your farm.

  • Using sustainable practices to reduce emissions and protect waterways

    Climate
    Agribusiness
    Dairy
    Emissions reduction
    Livestock
    On-farm actions
    Sustainability
    Water

    A Taitokerau farm is using on sustainable practices to improve production efficiency, reduce emissions, and protect the Mangakahia catchment.

  • Dairy innovations – targeting climate change

    Climate
    Collaboration
    Dairy
    Emissions reduction
    Greenhouse gas
    Innovation
    Livestock
    On-farm actions
    Sustainability

    Learn about different on-farm solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms.

An alternative perspective

  • A Passion for Rural Health – Dr Sue Fowlie

    Whānau
    Community
    Health and safety
    Wellbeing

    Meet a Canterbury doctor who bought her local practice to keep rural health care close to home.

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