Sharing solutions for farms

Groups advocating for waste management innovations on dairy farms say they are are a positive step toward redevelopment and sustainability of the New Zealand environment.

Waikato farmers were among those watching the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and Sustainable Wairarapa, which are co-operating to develop sustainable outcomes that will have national implications.

A field day was held at Keith Finlayson’s Pirinoa dairy farm on Thursday to showcase a new dairy effluent system that helps manage waste, reducing farm costs and lifting water quality on the farm and in surrounding areas.

Finlayson, who has a 500-cow dairy farm over a 193-hectare area, said the system he installed was a headache at first because of the cost involved, but over time he realised it had many benefits.

‘‘The system has enabled filter and storage of a lot of water for longer periods, which lessens worry about our ability to manage high rainfall. It also enables a reduction of fertiliser bills and also reduces nutrient loss to water,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a hands-off system so doesn’t take up the time of staff who can do other activities.’’

Dr John-Paul Praat is a sustainable land management expert helping Sustainable Wairarapa, the regional council and MPI to develop practical solutions for farmers.

Many farmers were keen to come up with ways to improve farm management and the environment, he said.

Awareness has improved over the past few years but it is often farmers, who are more financially secure, and who can develop and maintain good effluent management systems.

‘‘There are economic factors that come into play.

‘‘When the milk solids price dropped a few years ago farmers were suddenly in a position where they were worried about survival and dropped out of sustainability projects, he said.

‘‘There is a willingness there, though, in the farming community to improve the situation, which is sometimes lost on the general public and in media coverage.’’

Andrew Stewart, of Sustainable Wairarapa, said there has been a shift toward greater awareness in the farming sector about the issue of water quality in rural areas.

There are farmers who are doing things to improve their effluent management systems, which have benefits for the environment.

A lot of positive things happening on farms goes unreported and unnoticed, he said.

‘‘There is a long way to go, but there are encouraging signs that change is happening.

‘‘Sustainable Wairarapa is supportive of this project that encourages farmers sharing information about innovations being implemented on farms,’’ he said.

‘‘Farmers like to hear other farmers’ experience of an innovation or change and how it has benefited their farm and made a difference.’’