New associate director for DairyNZ
After 20 years of milking cows, Northland farmer Greg Collins is ready to step into the governance side of dairy.
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.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.