OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainability Benefits of New Zealand’s Grass-fed Beef and Lamb
Beef and lamb farming is often considered environmentally unfriendly, but over here in New Zealand, we know a better, more natural way to raise livestock. We call it our heritage. Because we are not just focused on the best farming methods to produce some of the world’s finest beef and lamb, we are devoted to ensuring the health of our lands for the next generations. We are committed to improving soil health, maintaining our biodiverse environment, protecting our water and air while reducing carbon emissions and always improving the quality of life for every creature involved.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Since 1990, New Zealand sheep and beef farming has reduced carbon emissions by 30% and we are committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. Farming livestock on open pasture and a grass-fed diet all day, every day, makes this goal possible.
Cleaner Water
Water is crucial to every step in our farming. We are committed to cleaner water that will keep our animals and grass healthy, while also benefiting the surrounding community. Our farmers actively manage their properties by planting trees to prevent erosion and utilize riparian planting, which uses native vegetation to protect waterways.
Thriving Biodiversity
In 2018, research-based on satellite mapping found that nearly 25% of New Zealand’s native vegetation and 17% of New Zealand’s native forest is on sheep and cattle farms. The majority of this is regenerating native forestry, which sequesters carbon, a process that slows the accumulation of greenhouse gases. We understand the incredible benefit our native vegetation and forest give us to raise animals naturally, while also supporting biodiversity and protecting our native species.
Healthy, Productive Soils
Good soil is the key to good grass and the best grass-fed beef and lamb you can find. Our farmers work to carefully match land use to soil potential and capability, while also improving soil health, carbon content and productivity while decreasing soil loss. All of this makes for sustainable farming practices that ensure we can continue to raise the highest quality grass-fed beef and lamb on the market for decades to come.
DOING MORE WITH LESS
We know that we can’t feed the world, but we are committed to producing more from less while improving our environmental footprint. From 1990 to the present, sheep numbers have fallen from 50 million to 27 million; however, we have maintained similar production levels through large strides in efficiency and improved farming practices. This has resulted in major eco-efficiency benefits including a 21% reduction in nitrate leaching per kg of saleable product and improved greenhouse gas emissions.
Brands
Look for these brands to find quality New Zealand beef or lamb.
