Software accesses farms' greenhouse gas emissions

Strictly embargoed until midnight 9 June 2009

Software accesses farms' greenhouse gas emissions

A software programme that enables farmers to estimate their on-farm emissions of greenhouse gases and assists their business in balancing profit and environmental impact will be among the technology showcased by AgResearch during National Fieldays.

Developed by AgResearch, and supported by MAF and FertResearch, the OVERSEER® Nutrient Budget model is the most comprehensive nutrient management system available in New Zealand. Developed over many years, OVERSEER® is underpinned by a wealth of scientific knowledge, providing a critical tool for farmers and farm advisors to make effective nutrient management decisions and changes to their farming practices.

Available free-of-charge as a download on the AgResearch website or posted out on CD, the programme allows farmers to examine the efficiency of nutrient use and flows within a farm (for example, as fertiliser, effluent, supplements or products) as well as potential environmental impacts. OVERSEER® also provides farmers with the means to investigate the effect of mitigation options to improve management of nutrients on-farm.

Continually upgraded to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry, OVERSEER® incorporates a variety of stock types, and a range of crops.

The programme has proved particularly useful in regions such as Lake Taupo and around the Rotorua Lakes where farmers are seeking to work with new regional council requirements primarily aimed at better nutrient management and reducing nitrogen leaching and phosphorous runoff to protect waterways and maintain water quality.

AgResearch Business Development Manager Kevin Benge says one of the major challenges for farmers today is balancing productivity with compliance and sustainability.

“OVERSEER® helps farmers and their consultants with this complicated balancing act by providing a tailor-made solution for managing their nutrients responsibly, while optimising their profitability and environmental footprint at the same time.”

Farmers and farm advisors have the opportunity to see the OVERSEER® Nutrient Budget model in action and obtain free copies of the programme on CD at AgResearch’s stand at Fieldays, where it is partnering with Environment Waikato and MAF as joint premier feature sponsors.

ENDS

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