increase font size
Environment Southland will take to the skies next month for the first aerial compliance inspection of with winter grazing season.
The first aerial compliance inspection of the winter grazing season in Southland will start next month.
Environment Southland acting compliance manager, Donna Ferguson, says the flights were an opportunity to see if the high levels of preparation observed during February and March cultivation flights are being followed by continued good practice.
"Many landowners have undertaken a lot of work and planning to improve intensive winter grazing practices in the region and we hope to see it come to fruitiion during the next few months," says Ferguson.
"Environment Southland is collaborating with farmers and other agencies to improve wintering practices but will take compliance action, where necessary," she says.
Flights are planned for the start of each winter month and will follow paths guided by known areas of concern and incidents reported, as well as locations noted during the cultivation flights.
Roadside assessments, which were introduced earlier this year, will also continue through the winter months.
The compliance team will follow up on any issues identified during the aerial and roadside assessments.
Anyone who sees something they're concerned about environmentally should get in touch with Environment Southland directly, it says.
"We will then be able to assess the issues raised, provide advice and follow up with the landowner if necessary," Ferguson says.
"Providing advice and education is a high priority for the compliance team because our past experience has shown that the best outcomes come from working with others."
The compliance team will be accompanied by staff from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Covid-19 protocols allowing, to inspect the animal welfare side of winter grazing.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
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.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left them wishing they had kept their mouth firmly closed.
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.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
