This summer’s DairyNZ “Keep it low” call to farmers to be prepared and have their dairy effluent storage ponds empty by the end of summer, is being well received.
Theresa Wilson, DairyNZ development project manager, effluent says the campaign seems to be hitting the spot.
“At the expos we’ve attended in the last few weeks the reaction from farmers is positive. They all know it’s an important issue, and they are appreciating the friendly approach of reminders, backed by cartoons, a few giveaways and a competition,” she says.
“The ones who have approached us have also said they think handy hints are a welcome relief to dire warnings. We choose this approach because we think it will get a better result by not being threatening, and it recognises that dairy farmers are professionals and deserve credit for knowing their business.
“We’re also pleased the message Keep it Low, backed by Richard Loe and the Prize Pond competition, is quite different; simple and easy for anyone on the farm to use as a jog to the memory.
“Of course we’re hoping this will assist the current fall in non-compliance rates, as that will be the test.”
The call to dairy farmers is timely as the MetService predicts weather patterns for autumn and winter can go either way. It is picking a slight cooling of the water around New Zealand and interprets global models to pick La Nina relaxing over the next few weeks.
While the current predictions are the south will have a dry start to autumn, and the Far North a more damp start with the chance of a cyclone in late March, autumn is expected to see typical seasonal conditions.
“The importance of getting good information has meant that DairyNZ will put a small advert on the MetService homepage to remind dairy farmers to empty their effluent storage pond while the weather is fine,” says Wilson.
“The issue we always come up against is that effluent storage ponds won’t cope if they are full and then a weather bomb or bad front hits the area, once autumn has started.”
DairyNZ is reporting a good response to the giveaway of a magnetic pond level indicator and the Prize Pond photo competition. Photos of farmer dairy effluent storage ponds are being sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and can still be sent till March 25. The same email address can be used to request a magnetic pond marker.
Farmers are sending in photographs of their ponds to see if they can win the catered barbecue hosted by former All Black prop, TV sport commentator, radio personality and farmer, Richard Loe.
“Richard Loe is getting a great response and we’re pleased to have his assistance.”
