29 April 2026
A joint investment of $1.2 million is aiming to boost farmer uptake of low-methane sheep genetics, one of the few emissions reduction tools currently available for New Zealand farmers.
Built on years of pioneering New Zealand science, the Cool Sheep® Programme gives farmers the ability to identify and select low-methane rams for breeding, the same way they select traits such as growth, wool quality and fertility.
The new funding extends the Cool Sheep® Programme for another year, and backs further research to strengthen the accuracy of the breeding value for methane. It will also explore whether low-methane sheep convert feed more efficiently – a development which, if correct, could entice more farmers to breed from low-methane rams.
The Ag Emissions Centre, AgriZeroNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries have joined forces to fund and deliver this work alongside scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao.
Dr Suzanne Rowe, senior scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and leader of the low-methane breeding research programme, says breeding for low methane has proven to be a highly effective mitigation tool.
“Since establishing flocks of high and low-methane-emitting sheep, we’ve measured an average difference of around 18 per cent in methane emissions between the two groups.”
The new research includes a feed efficiency trial with around 100 young female sheep and 200 growing males, with results expected later this year.
“This trial will give us clear evidence of how high and low-methane sheep differ in the way they use feed, which will help us understand whether selecting for low methane also boosts efficiency,” says Rowe.
Over the next year, the Cool Sheep® Programme will also measure methane emissions and collect genetic information from 5,000 sheep to strengthen the accuracy of the breeding value.
Wayne McNee, AgriZeroNZ chief executive, says the public-private partnership is supporting the programme to help build the evidence and support wider uptake on-farm.
“The beauty of genetics is that it fits in with current farming practices and results are permanent, cumulative, and should stack with other tools for even greater emissions reductions over time.
“By combining our efforts, we can help ensure farmers have access to mitigation tools that not only suit their business, but strengthen its long-term resilience and performance too,” says McNee.
Kate Acland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair says the farmer-owned organisation is pleased to support the programme into its next phase.
“Farmers are rightly focused on productivity and profitability. This programme will help to establish if there is a genetic link between high feed conversion efficiency and low methane emissions.
“By stepping up the research, and collecting more data from sheep across the country, we’re supporting farmers to breed with confidence.”
Naomi Parker, Executive Director of the Ag Emissions Centre, says the investment is a core part of the Centre’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of practical emissions reduction tools.
“This initiative combines research, investment, and partnership to help give farmers confidence that they can reduce emissions without compromising productivity.
“Continued testing, breeding and genetic analysis will strengthen the science behind the programme and support farmer uptake."
Investments like this are critical to positioning New Zealand agriculture for the future, says Wayne McNee.
“Most of our major export customers have set ambitious emissions reduction targets which cover their entire value chain, including the New Zealand farms which produce the meat they buy.
“Being able to show credible progress matters to maintain our market access and reputation as a world-leading producer.”
