Science is helping New Zealand farmers meet one of the biggest challenges of our time: producing food sustainably in a changing climate. From genetics to digital tools, researchers have focused on reducing agricultural emissions while maintaining the productivity and performance that underpin our pasture‑based farming system.

One of the most powerful advances has been the development of low‑methane sheep and cattle genetics. By identifying and breeding animals that naturally produce less methane, scientists have shown emissions can be reduced permanently and cumulatively, without sacrificing growth rates, fertility, or product quality. This work is complemented by ongoing methane vaccine and inhibitor research, which aims to cut emissions at their biological source while fitting seamlessly into existing farm systems.

Equally important is the ability to measure emissions accurately on farm. Scientists have led the world in developing practical, science‑based measurement approaches, giving farmers confidence that on‑farm changes translate into real, verified emissions reductions. This evidence base is critical for both policy setting and maintaining market access.

That scientific legacy continues through tools such as AgPAC (Portable Accumulation Chambers) and robust life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks. These tools help farmers, processors, and industry groups understand where emissions occur and where the biggest gains can be made. They support smarter decisions around stocking rates, pasture management, feed choices, and land use, helping farmers adapt to climate volatility while remaining profitable.

Together, these innovations ensure New Zealand agriculture remains climate‑resilient and globally competitive, protecting the country’s reputation as a producer of some of the world’s lowest‑emissions animal products and helping farmers stay ready for the future.

Science has helped farmers reduce emissions through improved animal genetics and innovative tools, such as AgPAC (Portable Accumulation Chambers).