Embrace change or die
Cheese without the cow, synthetic meat, robotics and gene editing were among the topics discussed at the inaugural Grow 2019 Agri Summit last week in Christchurch.
It allows more effective utilisation of nutrients and water and reduces risk of effluent non-compliance, protecting the environment in the process.
DairyNZ urges farmers to keep three things in mind when designing a pond: a sealed pond avoids leakage to groundwater, a well designed structure allows for operation and maintenance, and such a pond will meet regional and district council and Building Act requirements.
Planning is a critical stage, DairyNZ says. “Poor information now will compromise the whole project and your effluent pond may never meet your needs. To ensure your designer and contractor has the right information… you will need to tell them about your intentions and design preferences.”
Future-proofing is also important. “You do not want your new pond to be inappropriate or unable to cope in five years.”
Good workmanship is also critical – using the right persons for the job.
Designing and constructing FDE ponds is a technical job and requires specialist knowledge, DairyNZ says. “Get a suitably qualified person to design your pond… for assurance that it will be appropriate for your farm and farming system. It must comply with regional council requirements and be designed with an understanding of the current research and best technology options available.”
Earthworks contractors and equipment/service suppliers may both be involved at different stages of the construction process e.g. excavation, liner installation.
Choose contactors experienced in building ponds and showing industry and farmer references.
A suitable contract is critical before design or construction begins, to ensure both parties are clear about expectations. A written contract will protect your interests and set out your rights and obligations. It also gives your engineer/contractor an incentive to get things right first time.
Get it right
When making the decision to install a new farm dairy effluent storage pond, consider:
- Planning
- Working with consultants and contractors
- Design options
