$52,500 fine for effluent mismanagement
A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.
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.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.
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