Special report | DAIRYNZ
l a t n e m n o r i v n e n o s u c Fo and profitable farming for the future
Words by: Melissa Slattery
O
ur recent Dairy Environment Leaders Forum in Wellington was a great opportunity for farmers to get together to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector. At the forum, our discussions emphasised the dairy sector’s strong commitment to playing our part, we also acknowledged that we are all in this together as a country. As a dairy farmer myself, it has sometimes felt like dairy farming is being singled out to respond to the big issues facing the country, particularly with climate change and water quality. Hearing from Rodd Carr, the Interim Climate Change Committee Chair, that we are only one part of the solution was encouraging. We all want the same things: clean water, low emissions and a strong economy. We need Government support and investment in research and development to support farmers to achieve positive environmental change. Dairy farmers are open to change but they also want confidence that what is being asked is fair and practical, and assurance that when they invest, the goalposts won’t shift. Also, as farmers, we know our environmental work needs to take place alongside running profitable and successful businesses, but there are actions we can all be doing, to do our part. On our farm, my husband Justin and I have a farm environment plan that we
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“We all want the same things: clean water, low emissions and a strong economy.”
Dairy Environment Leaders chair Melissa Slattery.
review regularly. We are planting trees, have put in a new effluent system and added a water filtration system to prevent water waste. We follow best practice and measure outcomes, where we can. We are also a friend of Waiharakeke & Friends catchment care group. We are focused on making decisions now that will help New Zealand dairy remain the most sustainable in the world for the future. Our farm is only one example of the huge amount of environmental work taking place nationwide. Since starting my role as the chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders last year, it has been great to see first-hand more of the incredible work being carried out on farms
throughout our country. Wetlands are being built, many thousands of trees are being planted and catchment and community groups are working together to drive continuous improvement. Most farmers are committed to improving water quality and reducing their emissions. Work around the country is emphasising our commitment as a sector to play our part in the big challenges facing our country. Even the small changes we all make can make a big difference. I know that it can feel like a big challenge, but we have innovated in the past and we can innovate again for these challenges today. I am very optimistic and excited for the future of New Zealand dairy and our sector’s ongoing commitment to care for the environment. • Melissa Slattery is the Dairy Environment Leaders chair.
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | May 2021
