Episode 52 – How are farmers implementing low emissions solutions?

Selecting sheep for their lower methane traits could be a great tool for farmers, if emissions pricing is on the cards. Cool Sheep Programme Manager Dr Cynthia Lawrence discusses how they are using gene selection to breed lower methane sheep. Central Otago farmer Emma Crutchley shares how they’ve tackled emissions reductions on her family farm, using a range of actions, including a larger arable component, which led to a reduction in stocking rate.

Guests include:

1. Emma Crutchley, Sheep and Beef Farmer, Maniototo

2. Dr Cynthia Lawrence, Cool Sheep Programme Manager

Hosts:

1. Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide

2. Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

Central Otago farmer Emma Crutchley discusses their family farm journey to becoming more efficient, building a resilient farming business, and lowering methane emissions in tandem with each other. She says since they started they’ve managed to lower their farm emissions by 8%, and little actions add up.

Cool Sheep Programme Manager Dr Cynthia Lawrence discusses the programme’s goals, how they are using gene selection for breeding lower methane sheep, and what the opportunity for farmers is.