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An aerial survey this month found most farmers well prepared for winter grazing this season.
DairyNZ's head consulting officer for the South Island says they are generally encouraged by the reports about way that Southland farmers are dealing with winter grazing.
Tony Finch says this is backed up by reports that few complaints from the public are being received about poor winter grazing management. He says there certainly needed to be a step up in farmers improving their management of winter grazing and this appears to be happening.
“It’s also been supported by Environment Southland and their flights over the region to see what has been happening,” he says.
“There have been three flights now and another one is being planned. From these flights, without a shadow of a doubt, farmers are making a difference now.”
Finch says a few unfortunate images of farmers not doing the right thing in respect of winter grazing do not give an accurate picture of what is actually happening in the region. He says the vast majority of farmers are responding incredibly well and are better prepared now than ever before.
Finch says farmers are taking the issue seriously and are investing heavily to make things work.
“But we know that some are challenged by the new rules and we want to know who they are so that we can help them. When we get a lot of heavy rain it is very hard to manage significant rainfall events and that means that if farmers have not been prepared they can get caught out,” he adds. “Our plan is to ensure we eliminate this going forward and move the bell curve further to very good management practice.”
Finch says DairyNZ is getting more feedback than before from farmers doing a good job telling them about others who are not performing well. He says they are also seeing a willingness on the part of good farmers to help others step up to the mark.
He would like to see more images of the good job farmers are doing to deal with winter grazing, rather than the few that are letting the side down.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
Otago Regional Council is set to begin its annual winter farm flyovers in the next three weeks.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
