increase font size
Otago Regional Council will take to the skies to detect waterway pollution as winter grazing season kicks off.
The Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) annual flyover programme to detect any waterway pollution kicks off this month as the Council reminds farmers to consider consent applications.
ORC general manager regulatory and communications Richard Saunders says the Council undertakes flights every year to gain a bird’s eye view of land use in the region and identify any potential risks to water quality.
Three sets of flyovers will take place this season, covering North Otago, Southwest Otago and Central Otago, beginning in late May, then late-June to early-July and in August.
“A number of high-risk sites were identified last season and were followed up with farm visits to “ground truth” the aerial observations,” says Saunders.
He says overall compliance activity in 2021 showed farmers had taken positive steps to plan and undertake winter grazing activities.
“This season we’ll be taking note of any high-risk sites and will be visiting the area to inspect issues on the ground.”
Saunders says if any non-compliance issues are found, the ORC response can range from offering education and advice to the farmers, through to enforcement notices or prosecution.
He encourages anyone with questions about intensive winter grazing rules to contact the Council as soon as possible.
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
Otago Regional Council is set to begin its annual winter farm flyovers in the next three weeks.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
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.
Every time people from overseas see photographs of cows up to their hocks in mud it's bad for New Zealand.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…
