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.
Dairy farmers are set to benefit from the radical sweeping changes the Government is planning to make to the regulations that form part of the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The reported surge in interest in dairy conversions should be put into the context of falling overall cow numbers and improving environmental performance, says DairyNZ.
New Zealand's top trade official has told dairy farmers that their sector faces the most trade barriers internationally.
Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop had no inkling that one day he would become a matchmaker for cows.
The coveted post of Federated Farmers' national dairy chair will see a two-way contest at the Federated Farmers annual meeting later this month.
Research lending to the production of dairy products that benefit the elderly and improves the overall wellbeing of all people is a key focus of Fonterra's Research and Development centre, based in Palmerston North.
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