Kavanagh Pilot Net Zero Dairy Farm – a practical demonstration of a journey towards net zero dairy farming on a profitable and representative New Zealand dairy farm.
DTT Kavanagh
Farm Data
- 213 effective ha
- Adjacent to Gibson property
Background
Farmers are facing major challenges to their farming systems through the introduction of the Essential Freshwater Accord and the Zero Carbon Bill.
Dairy Trust Taranaki is running a pilot study together with Fonterra and Nestlé. This 10-year project aims to create a farmer roadmap to demonstrate and encourage adoption of carbon reduction practices. Net zero means that no more greenhouse gasses are emitted than what is removed from the atmosphere.
Trial Design
The Kavanagh Pilot Net Zero Dairy Farm is located in south Taranaki on the outskirts of Hawera. The trial is run as a demonstration trial on 210 ha effective with a stocking rate of 2.6 cows/ha. The cows are mixed age Friesian-cross cows.
Net Zero Carbon Emissions will be achieved through changes in three focus areas:
Farm system changes – lower inputs, increased efficiencies, changing to lower footprint feed, improved genetics.
On-Farm Carbon sequestration – in-planting into existing vegetation, Silvopasture; balanced for carbon, biodiversity and shelter.
New Technologies – electric vehicles, solar, EcoPond, methane inhibitors, vaccinations.
Emissions reductions are measured against the 2021/2022 baseline. On-farm measures have been taken to reduce emissions such as reducing the stocking rate, reducing imported feed, minimum tillage and reducing nitrogen fertiliser. Various trees and shrubs will be planted and diverse pasture species, including plantain, have been introduced. Effluent treatment technologies aimed at reducing emissions are currently being tested. Additionally, other technical solutions like solar panels and electric vehicles are being evaluated. Methane inhibitors or vaccines will be tested once they are available and approved for use in New Zealand. Any practices and tools used need to be suitable for wider use by the industry and need to ensure the farm remains profitable.
Measurements
- Milk production – monthly herd testing and vat measurements.
- Feed – pasture growth, pasture quality, supplements harvested and fed, analysis of botanical composition of pastures.
- Cows – illness and welfare, mating, monthly liveweight and condition scoring.
- Soil and water – soil testing, soil carbon and water use.
- Climate – rainfall, soil temperature and soil moisture.
- Workplace – hours worked and employee satisfaction.
- Economics – profitability, farm working expenses, operating profit/ha.
- Emissions – estimations of greenhouse gas emissions and methane emissions.