fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 02 June 2020 10:29

Sting in the tail — DairyNZ

Written by  Staff Reporters
Funding will be available to support actions like installing mini wetlands, removing sediment, riparian planting, helping farmers with stock exclusion and developing farm plans. Funding will be available to support actions like installing mini wetlands, removing sediment, riparian planting, helping farmers with stock exclusion and developing farm plans.

The Government has taken on board dairy sector feedback in its revised Essential Freshwater package but issues remain, says DairyNZ.

Over the last eight months the dairy lobby has advocated for an evidence-based and pragmatic approach to freshwater regulation.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says it is pleased to see the Government has listened and made significant changes to some of the more controversial elements of their original proposal.

However, there’s still a sting in the tail, says Mackle. 

“Like all New Zealanders, dairy farmers share ambitions for healthy waterways and have invested a lot of time and money for over a decade in improved management systems, upgrading effluent systems, riparian planting and fencing streams to exclude cattle.

 “Looking at where the policy has landed, it appears that the Government have taken a better approach in terms of scientific rigour and practicality for farmers on the ground.” 

The Government have parked the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) measure and removed the impractical and expensive requirement for farmers to move existing fences to meet new stock exclusion guidelines, two policies of great concern for farmers.

But DairyNZ is also concerned that the minister intends to revisit the DIN in 12 months.

Mackle says the proposed 95% protection standard will severely affect farmers in catchments who are already taking significant action towards reducing their footprint in line with new Regional Council policy plans. 

For example, in Canterbury’s Selwyn and Hinds zones farmers are already working towards a 30% reduction in nitrogen. Under these new regulations, these reductions may need to increase to 70% to meet the standards being proposed. 

“The Government and regional councils need to take a more nuanced approach when it comes to rolling out plans in regions where farmers are already undergoing significant change due to recent nutrient limits.”

More like this

From Sky Tower to cowshed

Every morning dairy farmer Sam Waugh sees the Auckland Sky Tower through his window. It's a great reminder of one of his key life goals - giving young people from towns and cities insights into farm life.

Celebrating dairy farmers this International Women's Day

Siobhan O’Malley is a dairy farmer, innovator, businesswoman and community volunteer, an example of the thousands of Kiwi dairy farming women throughout New Zealand who multi-task every day to contribute positively to their communities.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.