Sep 3, 2021
The latest proposals for freshwater regulations suggest that the government has moved substantially from its position last year on both the winter grazing and stock exclusion following representations from primary industry bodies and regional councils on implementing more workable guidance for environmental management. DINZ and NZDFA are encouraged by this pragmatic approach and will continue to seek flexibility and options for farmers to achieve good environmental outcomes based on practical and appropriate farm plans.
Last week the government released the latest set of proposals on intensive winter grazing regulations for public consultation, and also announced it would be extending the consultation period for two other proposed freshwater regulations: freshwater farm plans and stock exclusion.
Closing dates for submissions on these proposals are now:
- Sunday 26 September (changed from 12 September) – for freshwater farm plans and stock exclusion.
- Wednesday 6 October – for intensive winter grazing.
A consultation webinar held on 5 August 2021 can be viewed on YouTube by clicking on this link (questions and answers start at 44:00 minutes into the video). You can also view the discussion documents or make a submission by clicking the links below:
- Freshwater farm plan consultation
- Stock exclusion low slope map consultation (you can find a link here to check your own farm on the low slope map)
- Intensive winter grazing consultation
DINZ and NZDFA will be making combined submissions on all three proposals but broadly support the intensive winter grazing proposals as these are in line with the Southland Intensive Winter Grazing Advisory Group’s report (with the exception of the slope threshold). Conversely while the low slope map has been refined for stock exclusion, DINZ and NZDFA consider that the issue of when to exclude and what mitigation alternatives are acceptable are best addressed through a (certified) farm plan.
DINZ welcomes feedback from deer farmers, particularly in relation to the stock exclusion low slope map. Please contact Lindsay Fung (lindsay.fung@deernz.org or 027 668 0141) by 20 September.
An example of a grazing plan
Directional grazing, crop as buffer, plus riparian strips
