Compliance deadlines around greenhouse gas recording and management are looming. By the end of 2021, 25% of farms in New Zealand must know their annual total on-farm greenhouse gas emissions and have a written plan to manage emissions. By the end of 2022, 100% of farms must know their annual total on-farm emissions. This process is being managed by He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN), a climate action partnership set up between the various farming sectors, iwi and Government.
What do you need to measure?
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are split into two forms; long lived and short lived. Reporting for He Waka Eke Noa considers your on-farm biological greenhouse gas emissions, of which, nitrous oxide (N2O) is the dominant form of long lived gas, while methane (CH4) is short lived. Application of nitrogen fertiliser is typically the primary driver of long lived N2O, while grazing animals are the main source of short lived CH4.
How can you measure?
There are several tools available to help you calculate your farm's GHG emissions. FAR has produced a simple emissions calculator called E-Check, which has been assessed by He Waka Eke Noa for use in arable systems. We recommend you work through the E-Check user guide before getting started on calculating your emissions numbers.