Prosecution initiated over piggery effluent discharges
Waikato Regional Council is taking Te Aroha piggery farm to court following an investigation into the discharge of effluent into a stream.
DairyNZ says it supports the Waikato Regional Council monitoring and increasing their focus on high-risk farms.
DairyNZ says Waikato dairy farmers found to be significantly non-compliant are letting all farmers down by not doing their bit for the environment, so they must wear the consequences.
“We support the monitoring of high-risk farms by Waikato Regional Council and the increased focus on those who need to lift their game,” says DairyNZ environment and catchment manager Aslan Wright-Stow.
“These farmers are bringing down the good work of the approximately 3600 other Waikato dairy farmers who are doing their bit to look after waterways, manage effluent well and are investing in the latest technologies.
“Each farm has the potential to have an impact – we want all our dairy farms doing their part to manage effluent well and look after the environment.”
Wright-Stow says the sector has a clear vision to improve water quality and it requires everyone and every farmer to do their bit.
“The sector has invested in a programme which ensures effluent system professionals are accredited and can provide the best advice to farmers, including tools to ensure that the amount of effluent storage is adequate,” says Wright-Stow.“DairyNZ also has a Warrant of Fitness programme for farmers to identify areas of their effluent system which need improving, as well as help which is available through our team to support farmers to meet their requirements.“There has been a lot of improvements across the country, both in terms of knowledge and practice. The number of farmers who continue to be non-compliant are few and do not represent the majority.”
Dairy farmers looking for effluent system information are advised to visit www.dairynz.co.nz/effluent or ph 0800 4 324 7969.
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.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.