Predicting how climate affects farms
The computer model can also test how different pasture types, crops or stocking rate could alter production levels as climate change occurs. Image: volgariver/iStockphoto Farmers know a change in the weather when they see one.But a University of Waikato doctorate student can now give them an indication of how their farm production might be affected by climate change.Modelling Climate ChangeElectra Kalaugher has used advanced computer modelling to assess how farms from the far north to the deep south will fare as the climate changes. She is looking at five real-life farms around New Zealand and working out some profitable steps that can be taken.The aim of the research is to understand the impact climate change might have on real dairy farms in the future and which practical strategies allow farmers to effectively adapt to change while at the same time improving their efficiency and productivity. It also gives farmers an opportunity to...