Waikato dairy effluent breaches lead to $108,000 in fines
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
Depending on your perspective, dairy farming brings with it the joys or problem of dealing with animal waste, be it liquid slurries or more solid manures.
With the growing cost of synthetic fertilisers slashing bottom lines, the use of natural manures can help augment soil fertility and make a positive financial impact.
FarmChief imports and distributes the UKbuilt West Dual Muck Spreader, a watertight, side-discharge machine that offers the benefits of being able to spread liquid slurries or heavy, solid farmyard manures and all grades of product in between.
Featuring a heavy-duty tub design, the five-model range offers capacities of 5.9 to 13.6 cubic metres, with tare weights of three to five tonnes, with horsepower requirements of around 70 to 130hp.
At the forward end of the rotor, close-coupled impellors ensure a smooth flow of material to a side-mounted, underslung, rigid impellor, rotating at 500rpm, that creates an even spread. During operation, a mechanically driven, continuously oscillating side plate helps stop any bridging or stopping of material as it moves forward. Designed to disperse the material in a fine spread pattern of up to 21m, depending on material, the discharge rotor features reversible and replaceable tips to ensure a long service life.
At the discharge point, a hydraulically adjustable guillotine door allows accurate control of spreading rate, while the spreading rotor is complemented by a spring-loaded lower housing to pass without damaging the machine.
The main driveline is protected from overload by a shear-bolt on the input shaft.
A low centre of gravity and large flotation tyres mean the load is spread evenly, helping to reduce ground compaction in the paddock, while also improving the towing experience on both the road and on rolling country. Given the overall weight of the loaded unit, hydraulic brakes are fitted standard for safe stopping a control.
Visit Farmchief at site number 8.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
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