Strong uptake of good wintering practices
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
Adequate storage offers flexibility for effluent application to fit around farm activities and irrigation conditions, according to DairyNZ.
Storage facilities must be sealed so they do not allow contaminants to leak out; all areas where effluent is stored should be sealed to prevent leachate losses to groundwater.
Farmers should avoid locating effluent storage facilities at sites with high water tables or a risk of flooding.
The use of well installed and guaranteed synthetic (e.g. plastic, rubber or concrete) liners is recommended. Farmers may be asked for a producer statement to confirm the pond and liner will meet the construction and sealing requirements of district or regional councils.
It is also vital to manage storage volumes and pond levels throughout the year; an empty pond gives a farm adequate capacity for when the farmer cannot irrigate because of unsuitable conditions, or when extra storage is needed, e.g. at calving.
A full pond may overflow or cause odour problems, and may result in financial loss as a farmer loses control of effluent and the capital investment tied up in the pond.
Seasonal targets
Spring: the pond is filling with effluent, particularly during wet weather, or when the farmers are too busy to manage the effluent system. Small volumes of effluent can be irrigated as soil water deficits allow.
Summer: the pond should be kept as empty as possible.
Autumn: the pond should be maintained at a low level. Try to empty the pond while conditions allow.
Winter: ideally keep the pond empty, or at a low level. Where possible prevent stormwater entering the pond, off unused yard areas, etc. Areas contaminated with dairy effluent cannot be diverted. Consider using the safety escape ladder for pond level marking system.
Storage capacity
You need enough storage for:
- Rainy periods when the soil is too wet to irrigate
- Busy periods when farm labour is stretched and you do not want to irrigate
- Equipment failures (pumps or irrigator), when you cannot irrigate. Adequate storage will allow you to keep effluent for use when nutrients are most needed (i.e. drier months or when putting down a crop).
- An empty pond will give the capacity for when you can’t irrigate because of unsuitable conditions, or if you have factored in extra storage for times of year such as calving.
- A full pond may overflow or cause odour problems, and may result in financial loss as you lose control of effluent and capital investment tied up in the pond.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.