Putting a cork in cow burps (and farts)

Covering Climate Now: Currently, more than a third of all of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from sheep and cattle. There’s no easy solution, but a variety of anti-methane methods are being developed to curb this gaseous issue.  The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us … Read more

‘She’s my secret weapon’: the Waiheke protester taking her sheep to parliament

Waiheke Island’s favourite four-legged activist may soon be taking a road trip to protest the plans for a floating marina at Kennedy Point. Alice Burton reports. Sue Pawley and her sheep Multi have been an unstoppable force ever since the battle over the proposed marina at Kennedy Point started a few years ago. Together they’ve … Read more

How the summer drought brought a sheep dairy company to its knees

Despite being in its infancy, Thorvald had won multiple awards and could barely keep up with demand for its sheep’s milk cheese and yoghurt. But Tasman’s devastating drought has effectively put the company out of business.  For many, particularly those geographically and socially removed from rural life, it was hard to come to grips with … Read more

Look at this sheep that is like a poodle!

LOOK AT ITS FACE AND EARS WHAT ABOUT ITS NOSE. THIS LIL SHEP IS A Swiss Valais Blacknose BUT YOU CAN CALL IT FLOOFY SAMWHICH POODLE BOI. Wairarapa farmer Christine Reed told Radio NZ that along with several business partners formed Valais Blacknose NZ and imported the breed as embryos from the UK about a year and … Read more

The Bulletin: Counting sheep all the way to the bank

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Glut of good news for sheep farmers, a new poll comes out, and education minister hammers teacher pay aspirations.   It’s a good time to own a flock of sheep. NZ lamb prices have hit a record high, reports the NZ Herald. It’s not expected that they’ll go … Read more