Efficient water use keeps N losses down
The number of kingfishers, fantails and other native birds are increasing on Mark and Devon Slee’s Canterbury farm, thanks to extensive planting in recent years.
They will be held in Hinds (November 25) and Dunsandel (November 27), covering environmental risks onfarm and advice to farmers on good management practice.
DairyNZ spokesman Tony Fransen says the events are intended to lift farmers’ confidence that their systems will meet regulations.
“Farmers will get practical solutions to take home and implement on their farm,” says Fransen.
There will be four sessions daily: nutrient management, R&D, soils, effluent and irrigation, and land management.
The nutrient management session will cover nutrient budgeting as a tool for understanding nitrogen movement through a farm system and the key drivers for nutrient loss.
Options to reduce nutrient loss and the financial implications of changing systems will be covered by DairyNZ scientist Dawn Dally during the R&D session.
Paddock sessions will include understanding soil types and moisture levels, managing effluent and irrigator systems efficiently, the benefits of on-farm planting, waste management and identifying high-risk areas on-farm.
Certified professionals will be available to provide one-on-one advice to farmers.
These include effluent and irrigation designers from accredited companies, effluent WOF assessors, nutrient management advisors, soil specialists, native plant suppliers and recycling depot representatives. A list of staff training courses will also be available.
