12 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Paul Franklin Freshwater regulations ‘a wee bit muddy’ Kim Newth Freshwater farm plan regulations are due to take effect by the end of the year, but there is still a lot of uncertainty around what will be required of farmers. Giving a farmgate perspective on the impending changes, Central Hawkes Bay dairy farmer Paul Franklin says he does not yet know how he will develop a freshwater plan for his Springhill Dairies operation. “There’s been no information on it and no clarity on who will certify these plans. It is stressful because the implications and potential costs are unknown and it’s impossible to prepare for what’s ahead. We’re meant to be looking at freshwater quality but you could say the waters are a wee bit muddy at the moment.” According to Ministry for the Environment guidelines, the requirement for certi ed freshwater farm plans will be phased in from early 2023, region by region. Farmers will be required to identify practical actions on farm to help improve their local waterways, with actions tailored to ‘a particular farm’s circumstances, the physical environment and what is important in the catchment that farm is in’. During the consultation phase on the new freshwater plans framework last year, DairyNZ noted that a lot of work was already underway to improve water quality on dairy farms and that existing farm environment plans had a strong focus on freshwater. Ministry for the Environment advice to date is that freshwater farm plans are not the same as farm environment plans but ‘may become a section within an integrated farm plan.’ “Once again, it’s hard to comment on all of this when there are no details in front of us,” says Paul. “It seems to me they’re making it up as they go along and that we’ll end up having to double up on what we’re already providing in farm environment plans.” Nearly a decade ago, Paul invested in a water storage dam to ensure Springhill Dairies – comprising two adjoining farms, each milking 1400 cows, near Onga Onga inland of Waipukurau – would not run dry during summer droughts. Plans he had to build extra storage capacity are currently on hold. “It just doesn’t feel like the right time when it has not been spelt out how all these regulatory Paul Franklin says he does not yet know how he will develop a freshwater plan for his Springhill Dairies operation. changes are going to affect irrigation water. It just so happens though that we’ve had such a good wet season that I didn’t need to pump a single litre of water from the dam.” Production has been going well and Paul says cow condition is positive heading into calving at the end of July. “But nding staff is dif cult – we’re three staff down at the moment.” The Springhill Dairies group also includes a 550ha dairy unit milking 1600 cows, with an adjoining runoff at Tikokino. As part of a group ap- “Proud to support Paul Franklin” (06) 374 9999 Farm Supplies & Servicing 24/7 24 hours - 7 days 06 374 9999 386 High Street Dannevirke www.dannevirkedairy.co.nz • Milking Machine Sales and Service • Water Pumps • Water Filtration From House Hold To Entire Farm • Stock Water Systems New and Servicing • Engineering, Machining - Repairs, Manufacturing & Solutions • Electrical - Commercial & Agricultural • Gas, Hot Water & Central Heating plication, Paul has been seeking tranche-2 water consents. This is not because he’s looking for more production but rather for ways to become more self-reliant. If the consents are ganted, it would mean less reliance on imported feed, for example palm kernel. The latest hearing on that is coming up in August. “As well, we’ve taken on a lease block of 230 hectares between Tikokino and Onga Onga as dairy support. We’ve got that for ve years though the owners are planning to do a housing subdivision on it in future – as you can imagine, that has sparked a lot of debate locally as it’s all good productive land.” For all your dairy livestock requirements contact Brownie: Phone: 027 271 4722 Email: sandfly1@xtra.co.nz Proud to support Paul & Rosie Franklin
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