Of Course It Will Come to This

Farmers to Be Taxed on Livestock Flatulence. The title almost says it all...

Farmers will be taxed on the flatulence of their livestock in an attempt to slow New Zealand's contribution to global warming.

The levy could cost a typical family farmer up to $300 a year. Larger corporate farmers could pay up to $10,000.

Sheep will be levied at nine cents each and cows at up to 72 cents under the Government's proposals.

The money will be used for research on emission reductions needed to meet New Zealand's commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto protocol.