Friday, 25 January 2013 12:17

Nitrate levels ‘must be re-examined’

Written by 

The Fonterra Shareholders' Council, which represents the cooperative's 10,500 Farmer Shareholders, said it was important for regional councils to work closely with affected farmers and re-examine nitrate level targets following the announcement by Ravensdown and Ballance to suspend the sale and use of Dicyandiamide (DCD) treatment on farm.

The decision was prompted after minimal levels of the nitrate inhibiter were found in dairy product samples and while its presence poses no health risk the suspension of its use is seen by all parties as a pragmatic, proactive move.

Shareholders' Council chairman, Ian Brown: "Fonterra Farmers and regional councils have been working hard to develop plans for reducing nitrate levels and greenhouse gas emissions on farm and DCD was identified as an efficient way of achieving these.

"The outcome is disappointing for all stakeholders and will affect the ability of around 400 farmers to meet the nitrate level targets which were set based on the ongoing use of DCD - targets they have been working hard to meet.

"We are confident that regional councils and all stakeholders will continue to work closely with Fonterra and our affected farmers in order to review the targets."

More like this

Editorial: In perspective!

OPINION: More and more farmers around the country are doing the right things in regard to environmental management.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter