| 99 Intensive Winter Grazing support for farmers Sue Russell Intensive winter grazing refers to a commonly practiced winter herd management system where livestock are grazed on paddocks planted with forage crops through the winter months. It’s purpose is to remove cows from pasture blocks, giving the land time to rest and regenerate and to retain soil quality. Unfortunately, the practice, if handled poorly can result in serious impacts on animal welfare and the environment. This is something farmers are increasingly aware of and the Government, through MPI has developed Intensive Winter Grazing Regulations through the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020, as part of the Essential Freshwater reforms. These regulations were amended in April 2022 making them more practical for farmers and enhancing environmental outcomes. The updated regulations came into effect from 1 November 2022, giving time for farmers to plan for the 2023 winter grazing period looming. Many farmers are now reviewing how best to manage these responsibilities and one of these ways is to provide a separate constructed area for the herd to remain in and be fed on. These generally come in the form of stand-off pads or covered winter barns in a range of configurations. A building business and a contracting company are working together to help farmers create these spaces in time for winter this year. Tony Boyce Builders and Oliver Brothers have teamed together to offer farmers advice, from their years of experience in farm building in the region and beyond. Tony Boyce, from Tony Boyce Builders based in Timaru, says he and Steve Oliver, from Oliver Brothers Contracting located in Geraldine, South Canterbury, are there to offer options tailored to budget that fit each farm’s specific winter feeding requirements. “We’ve both been around a long time now and we understand how challenging working out budgets to enable farm development to happen can be. Farmers have to give Regional Council a plan detailing how they are going to deal with effluent and grazing management that delivers better water quality outcomes. We’re here to discuss options and what can be achieved in a real practical way that recognizes budget constraints and delivers results,” says Tony. Steve Oliver is regularly in conversations about Stand Off pads and Feeding Areas as well as Wintering Barns. “Some farmers have a ‘stand off’ feeding platform built or underway and will be ready for the changes and poor weather while others are in the planning stages and others closing their eyes and ears and hoping.” With both businesses having been involved in RURAL SERVICES » Oliver Brothers / Tony Boyce Builders many conversions to dairy both Steve and Tony understand financial constraints that impact a dairy business and they want to help farmers fulfil their regulatory obligations with the minimum of fuss and financial outlay. Tony says the perception of dirty dairying that has arisen when the public drive by farms where cows are standing in deep mud and effluent doesn’t paint the sector in good light. He hopes he and Steve can help turn this around as farmers create spaces to off-set Intensive Winter Grazing. With animal health benefits resulting in improved farm production it makes sense for successful farmers to follow like minded forward thinkers and plan their own feeding area solution. This could involve a simple uncovered pad with a suitable effluent system or a full blown covered barn. Steve says having a frank discussion around costs is where the conversation begins. Both Tony and Steve are also aware of the impact of growing demand from farmer clients to build controlled feeding areas. MPI has also produced a user-friendly Intensive Winter Grazing module for farmers to refer to. It’s purpose is to help achieve improvements to intensive winter grazing practices. Steve Oliver – Ph: 027 640 3414 or Tony Boyce – Ph: 03 688 2181 Proud to support Oliver Brothers LOCAL SUPPLIERS OF: •Reinforcing/Structural Steel •General Timber & Hardware •Rural Farm Fencing Products •Tornado Gates Allied Concrete: proudy supplying the concrete for another project. Washdyke Plant: Gold Status Contact Blair Harris blair.harris@alliedconcrete.co.nz
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