Environment Southland is commending farmers for their “impressive’’ efforts to improve winter grazing practices and is urging them to build on the good work for next year.

Chief executive Rob Phillips said the regional council did its final aerial winter grazing inspections last week and found widespread examples of good practice, following concerns expressed in 2019.

“I’m impressed that farmers have taken up the advice given to mitigate the effects of winter grazing on the environment, despite the many challenges this year has presented.

“We know implementing good management practices, such as back fencing, buffer zones and being mindful of critical source areas, can make a big difference and we are seeing the results of that this year,” he said.

Mr Phillips said it was important farmers did not become complacent because this winter had been relatively mild, there was still some time to go and it could not be predicted what next year will bring. 

Farmers should now turn their focus to preparing for the next season and continue to build on the good work they have done, he said.

“Intensive winter grazing continues to be under the spotlight. It’s a high risk activity in relation to water quality and needs to be managed very carefully,” he said.

Three compliance aerial inspection flights were done this year.

A small number of properties required follow-up, mostly relating to education around critical source areas and back fencing, Mr Phillips said. 

Environment Southland also noted there was significantly reduced winter crop grazing being undertaken, with a number of alternative options being used, such as wintering barns.

Farmers were now being encouraged to ensure good planning for their winter grazing for next year.

“Planning now is the key to next year’s success. Choosing the right paddocks and taking into account things like critical source areas will set farmers up for a good year,” he said.

Environment Southland worked with DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers, MfE and MPI to develop an approach towards tackling winter grazing issues, following critical public attention to winter grazing last year. 

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