Dairy Exporter January 2021

Page 62

ENVIRONMENT CATCHMENT CARE

Aparima environment plans driving change

A

new survey of farmers in Aparima, Southland, shows farms achieve better environmental results when they have Farm Environment Plans (FEPs). Six hundred dairy, sheep and beef farmers work together in the Aparima Community Environment Project. The aim is to improve the health of freshwater and reduce farmers’ environmental footprint. A recent survey of 151 Aparima farmers showed 80% have FEPs – an increase of 23% on last year. The survey also highlighted that farmers with environment plans are more likely to implement a range of good farming practices. “These survey results show how serious farmers are about taking care of the environment,” said Otautau dairy farmer Edwin Mabonga, from mid-Aparima. Of the farmers surveyed, 95% have excluded stock from waterways – up 4% on last year. Eighty-seven percent use nitrogen fertiliser strategically – up 4% (this means using fertiliser only as needed to maximise pasture uptake and only on certain parts of the farm). “Farm Environment Plans identify environmental risks and management options on the farm and contribute to improving water quality and other environmental benefits,” said Edwin. “They are living, breathing documents that help farmers achieve better environmental outcomes.” 62

Sheep farmer Leon Black’s love of the land shows through in the care he takes of the environment on his farm.

Plans must include actions to reduce farm sediment and nutrient loss, outline how wintering rules will be implemented, and where to riparian plant and fence. The plans are reviewed annually. Thousands of farms already have a comprehensive FEP and sector groups are continuing to further develop them as an effective way to accelerate further improvements. Farmers in the Aparima Community Environment Project are making significant changes, which illustrates the type of innovation and commitment needed to surpass good management practices and set

farmers in good stead for future. Edwin said his FEP ensures all his team know and understand the way the environment is looked after on the farm. “For us a big benefit is to have everyone on the farm thinking environmentally.” Edwin and his wife Fungai are equity partners and have been carrying out farm riparian planting for 10 years. All staff are involved in tree planting, which gives them a sense of ownership in the environmental work, he said. Aparima sheep farmer Leon Black said it’s great to see environmental practices are continually improving as a result of targeted farm plans. “Caring for the environment is a core plank of a farming business,” said Leon. “A Farm Environment Plan helps ensure good farm management practices, and to identify and manage any potential issues.” Key initiatives Leon and his wife Wendy carry out on their 370ha farm include planting about 300 trees a year, providing shelter and shade for stock. The farm has been in the family for almost 100 years. The Aparima Community Environment Project is led by farmers and supported by DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Environment Southland and Fonterra. • Find out more about Farm Environment Plans at dairynz.co.nz/fep or beeflambnz. com/farm-plans

Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | January 2021


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook

Articles inside

Collars mean connected cows

3min
page 80

Are supplements right for your farm?

5min
pages 78-79

No sign of SARA

3min
page 77

The development trap

3min
page 76

Sleep: Combat the voice inside your head

6min
pages 74-75

Emissions: The climate neutrality question

5min
pages 64-65

Technology: Ears to the ground

8min
pages 70-72

Vet Voice: Summer and photosensitivity

3min
page 73

Environment plans driving change

4min
pages 62-63

Freshwater: Ministers get regulations advice

4min
pages 60-61

Udder intervals explained

2min
page 49

Know your GHG numbers

5min
pages 58-59

Common questions farmers ask

2min
page 48

En route to farm ownership

14min
pages 38-42

Times to attract new staff

11min
pages 45-47

E350 Farming’s new generation leaders

7min
pages 34-37

Exploring the potential of bananas

6min
pages 30-33

Anne-Marie Wells believes good bosses breed good workers

2min
page 12

West Coast: Cash flows following Yili purchase

10min
pages 22-25

Lending flexibility needed

4min
page 26

Fixing milk price

6min
pages 28-29

Global Dairy: Clues to UK’s post-Brexit dairy future emerge

4min
pages 20-21

Alex Lond is a convert to Max T

3min
page 10

Carla Staples considers the highs and lows of 2020’s second half

3min
page 11

Niall McKenzie gets a doctor’s check-up

3min
page 13
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.