Earlier this month, 24 dairy farmers in the Ōhiwa and Waiotahe area came together under a hot sun to refresh their knowledge on all things effluent.

The event was for farm owners to share with their farm team the importance of getting effluent right, with respect to getting the most out of the effluent and protecting the environment.

Guest speaker Frank Portegys, from Dairy NZ, delivered a talk aimed at raising awareness and responsibilities of effluent management, with an emphasis on effluent being a valuable resource, not a waste product.

He offered some tips:

n Reduce the volume rainwater or washing water entering your effluent system, consider rainwater diversion, economically washing the yards, scrappers and having a quiet herd at milking

n What’s the method for your rainwater diversion communications between staff? Is it foolproof?

His take-home message was if people are unsure, they need to ask the question of their manager, the farm owner, the council or DairyNZ.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to come together with our farm teams to get updated on good management practice around dairy effluent rules and regulations, with leading specialists and Bay of Plenty Regional Council input,” said Waiotahe Water Care chairperson Jared Watson.

One discussion that came up organically at the event was the WorkSafe requirement to put child-proof fencing around effluent pits and how this can be achieved while maintaining good access.

The event is part of a five-year project of the Waiotahe Water Care group to support landowners in the Nukuhou and Waiotahe Catchments to share and grow their knowledge of what practical actions on farm can be made to care for their soils and waterways.

“The value of these grass roots events is that the conversation inevitably shapes itself to focus on the practical on-farm solutions that are shared farmer to farmer, enriched by the input of industries and agencies,” said Waiotahe Water Care coordinator Fran van Alphen.

The day was hosted by the Looney family, whose farm has a stunning view over the Waiotahe estuary , and served as a reminder for attendees of how their on-farm waterways (drains) become the streams that impact the estuary.

The next event is in February and will focus on how to identify opportunities on the farm to earn carbon credits, which can enable change of land use or reduced impact on steeper slopes.

To learn more about upcoming events, visit Waiotahe Watercare on Facebook or email [email protected]

KNOWLEDGE REFRESH: Dairy farmers from the Ōhiwa and Waiotahe area gather at the Looney farm for a Waiotahe Water Care group event based around effluent.