Ministry for Primary Industries

Project Design: On-Farm Demonstration of Low Methane Sheep Genetics in New Zealand Farm Systems

New Zealand has globally leading research demonstrating that methane emissions in sheep are heritable, and divergent selection can reduce methane emissions with no impact on productivity. While the science underpinning low methane genetics is well established, farmer uptake will depend on credible, on-farm evidence demonstrating reduced emissions, maintained/improved performance, profitability, and resilience under commercial conditions.

The New Zealand Institute of Bioeconomy Science Limited’s business unit, the Ag Emissions Centre (‘AgEC’), is seeking an experienced individual (or small team) to prepare a detailed concept for implementing low methane sheep genetics on representative commercial New Zealand sheep farms. This concept should include:

* A clear problem definition
* A proposed study design
* Number and type of representative farms (guide 3-6)
* Farm selection criteria, including regional and system considerations
* Assessment metrics (production, methane, resilience, economics, practicality)
* Risk assessment and mitigation
* Stakeholder engagement
* High level budget and timeline

The proposer should demonstrate:

* Strong knowledge of sheep production systems and NZ farm systems
* Experience in on-farm implementation of selective breeding programmes
* Familiarity with environmental performance monitoring and farm greenhouse gas calculations
* Proven experience designing applied agricultural projects
* Ability to produce clear, fundable, industry-aligned proposals
* Strong contacts in the New Zealand sheep farming community

This activity aims to translate NZ’s world leading science in low-emissions sheep genetics into a credible, farmer-relevant, commercial-scale demonstration initiative that accelerates the adoption of a well-validated low emissions approach.

Work to commence as soon as possible and be completed within three months of the start date.

Please submit to fund@ag-emissions.nz

Department/Business Unit: Agriculture and Investment Services