Tour looks at UK wintering systems

FarmWise, LIC's user-pays team of nationwide farming consultants, have organised a trip to the UK and Ireland in January 2013 to visit farms and investigate alternative wintering systems that are in use.

They've issued an invitation to all New Zealand dairy farmers who are considering one of these systems to join them.

"We've organised a trip that will allow farmers to get onto these farms and discuss the pros and cons of the different options over there, and evaluate how they could work over here in New Zealand," says FarmWise consultant Jon Nicholls.

"We're confident the tour will arm them with the knowledge they need to make more informed decisions for their own operation."

With experienced FarmWise consultants George Reveley and Geoff Campbell as guides, the tour will explore a range of pads, housing, and farming system set-ups and how they relate to management, running costs, animal welfare, effluent, and long-term profitability.

The tour includes 11 farm visits in Birmingham, London, Dorset, Bristol, Cheshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, plus a visit to the Irish Dairy Research Centre Moorepark in Cork.

Jon said meals, travel within the UK/Ireland, and accommodation have all been organised for the trip, and farmers only need to organise their own travel to and from the UK.

He says spaces are limited and booking is required by end of September so any farmers who are interested must get in contact very soon.

Land use and water quality are likely to be the two most significant issues facing New Zealand farmers over the coming years, particularly for those seeking to expand their farming operations.

Many farmers are exploring alternative wintering system options such as housing systems in an effort to reduce their nitrogen levels in ground water and waterways and resulting impact on the environment.

But the challenge, says FarmWise consultant Jon Nicholls, is balancing the environmental concerns while retaining profitability.

"Farmers are coming under increasing pressure from local authorities to reduce their and nitrogen levels, but the reality is that for many this will be a struggle and will require significant changes in management practices and systems which can be costly and must be carefully considered before any great investment.

"New Zealand farmers should be aware that UK and Ireland farmers have come under similar pressures in recent years, so we can learn from them.

"Their use of alternative wintering systems that capture all effluent and spread it onto land are starting to spark interest here but it's important that farmers understand all their options before investing in one of these systems which have the potential to increase cost of production, reduce profitability as well as adding complexity to a farming system."

To express your interest contact FarmWise at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Geoff Campbell on 027 450 0218. More information is also available at www.lic.co.nz.