Waikato Dairymen Strive to Save River
NEW ZEALAND – Dairy New Zealand is working with over 300 Waikato farmers to reduce nutrient and sediment loads in the upper Karapiro catchment of the Waikato River.The project is the largest catchment-based environment project ever undertaken by the dairy industry, according to DairyNZ which is overseeing the project.
More efficient water usage is encouraged through the project, co-funded by DairyNZ, the Waikato River Authority and central government.
Individual holdings will be provided with a ‘sustainable milk plan’ as part of the effort to improve onfarm performance.
Over 700 farms will be offered support and advice from Huka Falls to the Karapiro Dam.
Environment policy manager, Dr Mike Scarsbrook is pleased at the 330 farmers who have already completed sustainable milk plans and committed to getting plans underway.
"Involvement is not compulsory but farmers know that being involved will pay dividends for their own farm, for the river and for the wider catchment," said Dr Scarsbrook.
“They also know that being involved will give them a head-start in terms of coping with changing regulations.”
TheCattleSite News Desk