Co-op spearheads effluent solution technology rollout
An innovative dairy effluent management system is being designed to help farmers improve on-farm effluent practices and reduce environmental impact.
DairyNZ is searching for prize dairy effluent storage ponds in the first ever New Zealand Prize Pond 2012 Awards.
Farmers, who are keeping their effluent storage ponds as low as possible, are being asked to send DairyNZ a photo of the pond to be in to win one of two DairyNZ Prize Pond 2012 Awards.
DairyNZ project manager for effluent Dr Theresa Wilson says low ponds have storage capacity which reduces the risk of running into problems when the seasons change.
"We're after the two best operational dairy effluent storage ponds that meet relevant consents and the requirements of your farm. And we want to see that you are keeping it low.
"When the wet weather starts, it's good to know you've got as much free storage as possible in your effluent storage pond."
Enter the competition to be in to win:
• a catered barbecue for you and 10 of your mates with former All Black prop, TV sport commentator, radio personality and farmer, Richard Loe
• a polo shirt with Keep it Low! cartoons on it
• a magnetic fridge pond gauge.
All entrants who meet the requirements will receive a prize pond pack.
To enter, send a photo of your pond to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 30, 2012. Visit dairynz.co.nz/prizepond for competition details.
Winners will be announced in April.
Through its new partnership with New Zealand Landcare Trust, Fonterra has committed to funding ten $25,000 grants for wetland restoration in communities across the country.
The chair of the Dairy Environmental Leaders (DEL) says the country's dairy farmers are at the forefront of environmental management.
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
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