Winter grazing compliance inspection flights to begin

ENVIRONMENT Southland will undertake its first aerial compliance inspection of the winter grazing season at the start of June, weather permitting.

Environment Southland acting compliance manager Donna Ferguson said the flights were a chance to see if the high levels of preparation observed during February and March cultivation flights were being followed by continued good practice.

‘‘Many landowners have undertaken a lot of work and planning to improve intensive winter grazing practices in the region and we hope to see it come to fruition during the next few months.

‘‘Environment Southland is collaborating with farmers and other agencies to improve wintering practices but will take compliance action where necessary,’’ she said.

Flights were planned for the start of each winter month and would follow paths guided by known areas of concern and incidents reported, as well as locations noted during the cultivation flights.

Roadside assessments, which were introduced earlier this year, would also continue through the winter months.

The compliance team would follow up on any issues identified during the aerial and roadside assessments. Anyone who saw anything they were concerned about environmentally should get in touch with Environment Southland directly, she said.

‘‘We will then be able to assess the issues raised, provide advice and follow up with the landowner if necessary.

‘‘Providing advice and education is a high priority for the compliance team because our past experience has shown that the best outcomes come from working with others.’’

The compliance team would be accompanied by staff from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Covid 19 protocols allowing, to inspect the animal welfare side of winter grazing.

Environment Southland’s approach to intensive winter grazing was collaborative, and involved working alongside industry groups and farmers to attain better environmental outcomes for the region, she said.

While amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater did not come into effect this winter season, farmers should use the extra time to get acquainted with and follow the new rules, Mrs Ferguson said.

‘‘There has been a sustained, regionwide effort to improve winter grazing practices and we hope to see the trend continue this season.’’