Cool Beef Programme launched to support future low methane beef genetics research
Published: August 14, 2026
On 12th August 2026, the Ag Emissions Centre joined Beef + Lamb New Zealand, researchers, farmers and industry representatives to officially launch the Cool Beef Programme in North Canterbury.
Will Wilding, Posy Moody, Kate Acland, Jim Inglis, Jason Archer, Suzanne Rowe, Sinead Leahy
Funded through the Ag Emissions Centre (AgEC) and delivered by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the four-year research programme will investigate the relationship between feed efficiency, methane emissions and production traits in beef cattle.
The programme forms part of AgEC's broader portfolio of low methane livestock genetics research across beef, sheep and dairy. It aims to generate the scientific evidence needed to support future breeding tools that provide farmers with more options while maintaining productive and profitable farming systems.
The Ag Emissions Centre Executive Director Dr Naomi Parker said the programme reflects the importance of collaborative research in addressing nationally significant challenges.
"The Cool Beef programme is a key part of the Ag Emissions Centre's broader portfolio of low methane livestock genetics research. By bringing together industry, researchers and farmers, we're building the scientific capability needed to develop practical breeding tools that can support New Zealand agriculture into the future."
Over the next four years the programme will measure approximately 2,000 beef cattle for feed intake and methane emissions, with additional methane measurements collected from cattle on pasture. The research will contribute to the future development of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for methane and feed efficiency traits.
The programme brings together Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), beef breeders and farmers from across New Zealand, combining Government investment with industry expertise to strengthen New Zealand's capability in low methane livestock genetics.
The Ag Emissions Centre funds and oversees the programme as part of its wider agricultural greenhouse gas research portfolio, ensuring Government investment supports practical, science-based solutions that benefit New Zealand agriculture.
Published: August 14, 2026
