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Otago Regional Council will take to the skies to detect waterway pollution as winter grazing season kicks off.
The Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) annual flyover programme to detect any waterway pollution kicks off this month as the Council reminds farmers to consider consent applications.
ORC general manager regulatory and communications Richard Saunders says the Council undertakes flights every year to gain a bird’s eye view of land use in the region and identify any potential risks to water quality.
Three sets of flyovers will take place this season, covering North Otago, Southwest Otago and Central Otago, beginning in late May, then late-June to early-July and in August.
“A number of high-risk sites were identified last season and were followed up with farm visits to “ground truth” the aerial observations,” says Saunders.
He says overall compliance activity in 2021 showed farmers had taken positive steps to plan and undertake winter grazing activities.
“This season we’ll be taking note of any high-risk sites and will be visiting the area to inspect issues on the ground.”
Saunders says if any non-compliance issues are found, the ORC response can range from offering education and advice to the farmers, through to enforcement notices or prosecution.
He encourages anyone with questions about intensive winter grazing rules to contact the Council as soon as possible.
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.
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