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.
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.
While opening the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site, Fonterra has announced a $70 million investment in two further new electrode boilers.
OPINION: Feds Southland 'pres' Jason Herrick and colleagues who continue the good fight against bureaucratic madness on behalf of farmers, have had another win - for now, at least - getting a court decision granting a 'stay' on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until changes can be made to section 70 of the RMA by central goverment, somtheing they clearly signaled after the election.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
