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Environment Southland is ramping up its focus on winter grazing practices.
The focus on winter grazing practices in Southland revs up this month.
Environment Southland says its staff will be out and about in the region identifying potential winter grazing risks to help farmers prepare for the upcoming season.
Environment Southland, with support from DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand, will take a look at cultivated forage crop paddocks from the air and by land, to identify areas that may pose issues for water quality this winter.
The land sustainability team will then follow up directly with those farmers identified with higher-risk paddocks to ensure there is a strategic grazing plan in plae, and to offer advice on managing the issues that could arise from these paddocks.
The council says poor intensive winter grazing practices can cause significant damage to Southland's freshwater quality through sediment and effluent runoff leading to excess nitrogen, phosphorus and bacteria to waterways. It can also affect soil structure and health, and in some cases animal welfare.
Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips says he is keen to ensure farmers are supported to be well prepared for winter grazing this season.
"We appreciate the hard work farmers have put in improving their wintering practices over the last few years.
"There is a continued spotlight on Southland farmers' wintering practices so they need to be prepared and vigilant through wintering practices continue to improve."
Flights will focus on identifying winter grazing paddocks that may pose a risk to water quality when animals are grazing.
Staff will also be assessing paddocks from the roadside for potential problems.
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.
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.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
Environment Southland says it has now ring-fenced $375,000 for new funding initiatives, aimed at enhancing water quality.
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