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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.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
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.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
