Efficiencies Productivity Nutrient Losse

Dairy farming in New Zealand (NZ) is under increasing scrutiny due to growing environmental concerns. Considerable investments have been made in the search for sustainable land management options and opportunities for mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient losses. The objective of this study was to identify and examine dairy farms that were highly productive and profitable while maintaining reduced GHG emissions. Two farms in the Waikato region and two in the Southland region were identified. The whole-farm system models FARMAX® and OVERSEER® were used to examine feed flow and nutrient balances, as well as the profitability of these systems. Stocking rates ranged from 2.5 to 3.3 cows/ha, annual production ranged from 377 to 464 kg milksolids (MS)/cow, and operating profits ranged from 1600 to 2350 NZ$/ha. Despite regional differences in wintering policies, emissions intensity ranged from 8.4 to 9.6 kg CO2-e/kg MS, well below the average NZ farm range. Farms with lower emissions intensity tended to be more profitable and achieve greater feed conversion efficiencies. Although low stocked dairy may require a higher level of managerial skill, these systems were associated with low emissions levels and competitive profitability.