DAIRY NEWS DECEMBER 8, 2020
14 // MANAGEMENT
Environment plans driving change A SURVEY of farm-
ers in Aparima, Southland, shows farms achieve better environmental results when they have Farm Environment Plans. Six hundred dairy, sheep and beef farmers work together in the Aparima Community Environment Project, which aims to improve the health of freshwater and reduce environmental footprint. A recent survey of 151 Aparima farmers showed 80% have Farm Environment Plans – 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
ABOUT THE PROJECT THIS LARGE-SCALE project began in 2018 and involves 600 farmers in the Aparima, Pourakino, Waimatuku and coastal Longwood catchments, who are addressing water quality issues and reducing environmental footprint. Of the 600 farmers – 216 are dairy farmers, 384 are sheep and beef farmers.
Edwin Mabonga, from mid-Aparima. Of the farmers surveyed, 95% have excluded stock from waterways – up 4% on last year. About 87% 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 Mabonga. “They are living, breathing documents that help farmers achieve better environmental outcomes.” 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 Farm Environ-
WHY IS THE MARKET LEADER SPREAD EAGLE LEG SPREADER
Onfarm Solutions believe that dairy farm innovation must make life simpler, no exceptions. Effective teat spraying will help you win the war against Mastitis.
EASY TO INSTALL AND INEXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN
SPEEDS DOWN TO 5.5 SECONDS PER BAIL
MANAGE SCC
OVER 800 SYSTEMS INSTALLED ACROSS THE GLOBE COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MILKING SYSTEM
ment Plan and sector groups are continuing to further develop them as an effective way to accel-
NOW READ IT ONLINE
READING THE PAPER ONLINE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
MAKES CUPPING-ON EASIER AND WILL ENSURE A CLEANER, FASTER, AND MORE EFFICIENT MILKING
RELIABLE AND PRECISE SPRAY PATTERN
Otautau farmer Edwin Mabonga says the survey results show how serious farmers are about taking care of the environment.
AFFORDABLE AUTOMATION
❱❱ BREAKING NEWS ❱❱ MACHINERY REVIEWS ❱❱ ANIMAL HEALTH ❱❱ MANAGEMENT STORIES ❱❱ COMPETITIONS ❱❱ AND MUCH MORE...
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR DETAILS PHONE AUSTRALIA 1300 767 596 NEW ZEALAND 0800 888 212 EMAIL sales@onfarmsolutions.com WEB www.onfarmsolutions.com
All the latest stories and more at www.dairynews.co.nz
erate further improvements. Farmers in the Aparima Community
Environment Project are making significant changes which illustrate the type of innovation
and commitment needed to surpass good management practices and set farmers in good stead for future. Mabonga said his Farm Environment Plan 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.” Mabonga 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. The Aparima Community Environment Project is led by farmers and supported by DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Environment Southland and Fonterra.
