Fonterra eyes EcoPond pilot to reduce on-farm emissions
Fonterra has invested in a new effluent pond mobile dosing service to support farmers to reduce emissions and make progress towards its on-farm emissions reductions target.
With ever tightening regulations on effluent storage, containment – whether in open ponds or purpose built reservoirs – is capital intensive.
An alternative solution from TechniPharm presents a cheaper option.
The Ecobag system, developed by Dutch specialist Wiefferlink Group, consists of a contained bladder-type structure which requires only minimal earthworks in the shape of a sump or earth banks for support, and is tethered by a system of retaining straps and ground anchors.
The company claims various advantages: preservation of nutrients, because the sealed bladder suffers none of the evaporation that occurs from open pond structures; no odours, useful if residential areas are nearby; and no entry of groundwater or rainwater.
The set-up is also said to prevent crust formation, and mixing is done by a self-contained stirrer.
The flexible film construction is said to have strong mechanical properties, resists chemicals and is backed by a five year warranty.
Installation costs can be as low as $37/m3 as against a more likely cost of around $60/m3 for a traditional open pond system.
Available in sizes from 1000-10,000 cubic metres.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
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