Science coming second in water decisions
Emotions and values now come first in water quality assessment and science comes second, says a water quality specialist with DairyNZ, Tom Stephens.
Louise Wilson, Dairy Connect Northland coordinator, says people are more likely to initiate or to successfully troubleshoot a problem if they can talk it over with someone who has ‘been there, done that’.
“Essentially it’s a free tool, funded by DairyNZ, that can assist farmers to make well-informed farming or business decisions,” says Wilson.
“Farmers may be too busy to attend workshops or trawl the internet for information. Dairy Connect finds farmers willing to chat about a particular topic, a challenge they have overcome or something new or special they have on their farm.”
The Dairy Connect supports or ‘buddys’ farmers with particular strengths or recent experience. These include animal welfare, on farm facilities, work/life stress balance, staff and business management tools, or pasture and crop management.
Illustrating the reach of the scheme, some participating farmers have said ‘Well actually, while we’re here, I’d like a boost in another area myself’.
“One support farmer has enquired about feed pad design, another has asked about riparian fencing in flood zones,” said Wilson.
“So while DairyNZ initially thought the scheme would mainly be used by newer or career-change farmers, that has not been the case. Dairy Connect can assist a wide range of people – from those new to the industry to third generation farmers – looking to improve their business.”
Wilson has been attending Dairy Women’s Network and DairyNZ events to promote Dairy Connect. Initial feedback about Dairy Connect in Northland has been positive.
Okaihau dairy farmer and Fonterra Shareholders Councillor Terence Brocx says one of the strengths of the dairy industry is how farmers help each other with advice. “Dairy Connect is another step in making mentoring and knowledge transfer easier.”
Dairy Women’s Network mid-North co-convenor Megan McCracken also sees a niche for Dairy Connect. “Dairy farmers often work in isolation so having an initiative such as Dairy Connect is a great way of sharing ideas, knowledge and providing support within our rural communities.”
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