Waikato dairy effluent breaches lead to $108,000 in fines
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
Slurry tankers enable dairy farmers to replace inorganic fertilisers with their farm effluents.
Enter Giltrap AgriZone’s range of Hi-Spec tankers, made by a family owned business in County Carlow Ireland. They come in a wide range for all types and sizes of operation.
At the utility end of the range, the single axle SA-S models have capacities of 3600 to 9500 L, while the SA-R models (6100 to 13,700 L) have axles recessed into the tank and stepped to reduce height and increase stability.
For larger farmers and contractors, the TD-S models (9500 to 18,000 L) are fitted with high speed, commercial grade tandem axles, in some cases with rear axle steering. The complementary TD-R series has recessed wheels to help reduce overall width.
The tri-axle TRI-S series (18,000 to 22,500 L) have front and rear passively steered axles, a larger tank diameter to reduce overall length and a 11,000 L/min Jurop vacuum pump.
Other features: 6mm British steel throughout, with tank internals including anti-implosion rings and baffles to stop surging.
Models over 11,000 L capacity have Auto-Fill systems and are protected by relief valves at the pump and within the tank.
All models have hydraulic braking, wide-angle PTO shafts and exhaust silencers as standard. Dependent on model, the specification can include sprung drawbars. All units have swivel ring hitches.
With an eye to improved access and emerging technologies, tankers are supplied with multiple filling points. The dished rear ends have access doors and a modular mounting system for retro fitting dribble bars, trailing shoe units or disc injection systems for more accurate placement of material.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.