Ruminant BioTech

About Ruminant BioTech

Ruminant BioTech, established in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2021, is an agricultural technology firm focused on mitigating global methane emissions from livestock. The company operates in the climate technology and ag-tech sectors, targeting one of the largest sources of agricultural greenhouse gases. Its primary clients are farmers in the dairy and beef industries, particularly those utilizing pasture-based grazing systems where common solutions like feed additives are less practical.

The company was founded with the mission to address the challenge of methane produced by ruminant animals during digestion. It is led by CEO Tom Breen, who has an extensive background in international agribusiness with leadership roles at Monsanto and Bayer, and Chair Mark Weldon. The leadership team includes individuals with deep experience in animal health, pharmaceuticals, and finance from companies like Elanco, Bayer, and Goldman Sachs.

Ruminant BioTech's core product is a slow-release bolus, a capsule designed to reside in a cow's rumen for an extended period. This device administers a consistent dose of a synthesized, naturally occurring organic compound, tribromomethane, which inhibits the enzymes responsible for methane production. Trials have demonstrated significant efficacy, with the company achieving a 70% reduction in methane emissions per animal over 100 days from a single application. This “set and forget” system is designed for ease of use in all farming systems, requiring no special infrastructure or changes to daily farm practices.

Financially, Ruminant BioTech has secured substantial backing from both government and private investors. In November 2022, it received a NZ$7.8 million grant from the New Zealand government's Climate Emergency Response Fund. This was followed by a NZ$12.2 million equity capital raise in May 2023, led by US-based Regeneration.VC and including investors like New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) and AgriZeroNZ. The company closed a NZ$17 million Series A in December of 2025.

Ruminant biotech has also been awarded an A$3.5 million grant from the Australian Government's Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock (MERiL) program to facilitate trials and commercialization in Australia. The company has received >USD$10m in other international grant awards to validate and commercialize in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and California. The company plans for a commercial launch, starting in Australia and New Zealand in mid 2026, pending regulatory approvals.