catchment issues report-july2014.pdf
TRANSCRIPT
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North Canterbury Sustainable Farming Systems-13-075: Milestone 3 Catchment Issues
Prepared by Phil Keene, NZ Landcare Trust, July/August 2014, SFF 13-075
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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
Background ............................................................................................................................ 3
New Rules ............................................................................................................................ 3
Catchment Groups ............................................................................................................................ 4
GENERAL ISSUES
Collaboration, Engagement and Stakeholder Management ........................................................... 5
Education and Training .................................................................................................................... 5
Environmental Management Strategy/Collective ASM .................................................................... 6
Communication Strategies ............................................................................................................... 6
Regulation and Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 6
FARM SPECIFIC ISSUES
Fertilizer issues relating to the: ........................................................................................................ 7
Fencing issues relating to the: .......................................................................................................... 7
Nutrient placement/timing relating to the: ..................................................................................... 7
Cattle in waterways issues relating to the: ...................................................................................... 7
Dairy issues relating to the ............................................................................................................... 7
Legislation issues relating to the: ..................................................................................................... 8
Winter management of stock and crop issues relating to the: ....................................................... 8
Information/monitoring issues relating to the: ............................................................................... 8
Erosion and runoff control issues relating to the: ........................................................................... 8
Irrigation issues relating to the: ....................................................................................................... 9
Soils issues relating to the: ............................................................................................................... 9
Land use practice issues relating to the: ......................................................................................... 9
Riparian management issues relating to: ......................................................................................... 9
Pest weed control issues relating to: ............................................................................................... 9
Wilding Pines ............................................................................................................................ 9
Forest Management ......................................................................................................................... 9
Sub Catchment case studies ........................................................................................................... 10
Next Steps .......................................................................................................................... 10
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Catchment Groups Aligned to the Project .................................................................. 11
Appendix B: Map of Hurunui- Waiau, Waipara and Conway .......................................................... 15
Appendix C: Hurunui-Waiau River Regional Plan (flowchart) ........................................................ 16
Appendix D: Why should sheep and beef farmers do a Land and Environment Plan? ................... 17
Appendix E: Case Study Examples ................................................................................................. 18
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INTRODUCTION Background
This catchment issues document centralises information from workshops and site visits concerning issues affecting the four catchment groups that are linked to the project. Issues across a range of subject matter have been identified and discussed at catchment group meetings, community catchment workshops and the Beef+Lamb New Zealand Land Environment Plan (LEP) Level 1 workshops, site visits, and via the North Canterbury Farmer Survey (NCFS). This issues report is to meet the requirements of milestone 3, Year 1 of the project and provides the base information for more specific action plans and good management practice Landcare manuals to be developed for the catchments groups in years 2 and 3 of the project. The information will at the same time assist in populating the Environmental Management System/ASM Collective requirements of ECAN for the catchment groups. A Memorandum of Understanding was initially completed for each group setting out roles and responsibilities as well as goals and objectives; some of this information in due course will be subsumed into the Collective ASM documentation required by ECAN. New Rules
These pertain (inter alia) to the discharge of nitrogen or phosphorous which may enter water in the relevant Nutrient Management Area (see Appendix B.) that came into effect under the Hurunui-Waiau River Regional Plan from 20 December 2013 and this statutory document sets out the Vision for the sustainable management of water resources in the Hurunui-Waiau Zone and the achievement of the related Zone Implementation Programme. The vision is 'to enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefits from our water resources within an environmentally sustainable framework'. The vision under the North Canterbury Sustainable Farming project is 'to facilitate and to promote a step change in the rate of adoption of on farm best practice utilizing the combination of new and existing technologies for efficient nutrient and water management, increasing profitability while incorporating sustainability in land management, and preserving natural capital.'
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Through the project, solutions to allow farm operations to meet these new rule requirements were identified and included in the Memorandum of Understanding 1. Identify ,assess and support mitigation tools and management strategies that will
assist farmers in achieving the proposed discharge limits. 2. Work with local farmers (and other groups, where appropriate/necessary) to trial
mitigation tools and management strategies, assessing: a. their effectiveness in reducing contaminant discharges; b. whether they can be practicably implemented; and c. the cost effectiveness at the farm and community levels.
3. Establish case study farms to trial/demonstrate mitigation tools. 4. Explore catchment-level mitigation options to improve water quality, based on
hydrological modelling and contaminant movement, etc. 5. Work collaboratively with Zone Committee representatives, regional and district
council staff to achieve the goals and purpose of the Catchment Group. 6. Undertake education, awareness of and the implementation of farm environment
plans, including the use of Overseer modelling, to a standard acceptable to meet regulatory requirements for the appropriate audited self management regime.
Catchment Groups
As part of the project four catchment groups have been formed, based in the Lower Hurunui, Lower Waiau (Leader-Parnassus), Waiau (Amuri Range) and Hawarden (Waitohi-Waipara-Southern Hurunui) areas. Appendix A contains the names of all participants who have attended the range of meetings and workshops to date. Based on the NCFS report statistics these landowners farm 100,000ha in the Hurunui-Waiau Zone, comprising sheep and beef, dairying and deer and arable farming.
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GENERAL ISSUES Collaboration, Engagement and Stakeholder Management
The NCFS undertaken in April 2014 identified lack of engagement in planning processes, but noted a strong preference from farmers to become more fully engaged in the collaborative processes of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. There is growing recognition of the full range of interests in water within the community and at a national level that are needed to be met, in addition to the specific farming operations covered by the project. The 'new rules' are only part of the solution. The project communication plan was developed and specific actions will be developed to continue to grow this awareness and through engagement will come involvement and commitment and the ability to influence outcomes. The NCFS noted the drive to work together to control outcomes, get everyone together and have a group voice, to become involved at a collective level going in the same direction and to accept that nutrient discharge is not a property right. Education and Training
The NCFS disclosed a level of complacency concerning threats to water quality, as well as a need for training on high quality nutrient management plans and to better monitor environmental conditions on farms . A significant number of farmers were yet to embrace the use of Overseer and the project will need to continue to facilitate this. The development of farm environment plans to the level required by ECAN would require focussed engagement by farmers. The NCFS disclosed there was only a moderate knowledge about nitrogen and phosphorous concentration and load limits. In addition to the development and dissemination of technical skills and knowledge of farming practice through farm planning workshops, the sharing of case study findings etc , with the Regional Plan requirement for the Collective ASM framework comes a need to do some further work on governance and group dynamics.
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Environmental Management Strategy/Collective ASM
To meet the requirements set out in the HWRRP the catchment groups need to finalise a vision for each catchment, governance arrangements for their group as well as agree and document and audit the solutions to the issues and actions required on farm. This will require a step change in both farm practice as well as community involvement as the NCFS noted that the most important barrier to the implementation of regional plans for decreasing nutrient loading and improving water quality was the less than optimum knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of farmers. Communication Strategies
The NCFS noted the need to improve farmer trust with the media, public and regional authorities and the groups have done some preliminary work in identifying stakeholders they wish to develop stronger relationships with. This work could continue as the Collective ASM framework is further developed for the groups. Regulation and Monitoring
The NCFS noted the need for the project to devote considerable effort to improving these factors and to motivate farmers to support regional policies and increase trust by highlighting the severity and susceptibility of the changes. Through the evolution of the groups the project can support farmers to increase their awareness of both regulations and monitoring, including the environmental conditions on farm as well as more localised monitoring of water quality with the assistance of programmes such as Lincoln University's Waterwatch programme.
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FARM SPECIFIC ISSUES (Identified at workshops and through the NCFS) Fertilizer issues relating to the:
• Timing and method of fertilizer application • Management of the application of fertilizer • Types of fertilizer used and on what soil type to aid environmental as well as
economic out comes • Keeping of fertilizer out of waterways • Development of formal fertilization application policies • Timing of fertilizing including Spring applications of fertilizers and staging of
capital fertilizer applications
Fencing issues relating to the:
• Fencing off of sensitive areas and wet lands, understanding the rules and good practice
• Fencing of water ways under intensive grazing of adjoining pastures • Practical fencing of waterways and the costs involved • Fencing off of the easy to do waterways and gullies
Nutrient placement/timing relating to the:
• Nutrient placement and loading and the need to do soil testing first • Need for a plan that includes nutrient budgeting • Need for adaptive practices relating to point sources on farms • Potential capping of nitrate and phosphorous
Cattle in waterways issues relating to the:
• Keeping of cattle away from and out of waterways • Excessive stock grazing near waterways • Elimination of intensive stocking regimes next to waterways
Dairy issues relating to the
• Limitation of stocking rate for dairy farms • Stopping of dairy expansion to more land • Management of runoff from dairy farms • Limitation of consents granted to convert to dairying as options to finish beef
and lamb are being minimised • Need to convince dairy farmers that they need to share nutrients/headroom
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Legislation issues relating to the:
• Understanding of the legislation and policies and costs and the degree of flexibility that will be applied
• Compliance practices with the rules, suspicion that the regulator is building a bank of knowledge
• Management of effluent consents • Availability of clear information to clarify requirements • Confidence that regulation will reward good practice and cap development
especially where the problem has not greatly been occasioned by dry land farmers
Winter management of stock and crop issues relating to the:
• Management of grazing and pastures in winter, appropriate to the land class • Understanding of what is best practice in your catchment for managing large
numbers of cows in winter • Farm Environment plan and stock grazing policies in winter
Information/monitoring issues relating to the:
• Identification and understanding of what the current levels are and lack of historical data to benchmark against
• Understanding of where current water testing and monitoring is undertaken, by whom and where, when etc
• Baseline levels that can be established now and how to get nutrient plans undertaken
• Demonstration of the linkage between on farm changes and water quality changes,
• Science that is needed for my soils and creek flows • Best place to start • Need to have time to digest information, the need to have it in simple format
and language that makes sense.
Erosion and runoff control issues relating to the:
• Methods to control erosion • Management of run off • Minimization of surface run off • Runoff on hill country and hillsides • Need to plant trees (poplars) as well as for animal health • Placement of farm tracks and laneways • The need for more information on climate variability as it affects the
catchments, and related mitigation techniques
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Irrigation issues relating to the:
• Management of irrigation water efficiency • Efficient operation of irrigation systems • Practices of over irrigating especially when river sources may be low
Soils issues relating to the:
• Irrigation of effluent on soils with low water holding capacity • Retention of nutrients and moisture levels; can the soil types cope?
Land use practice issues relating to the:
• Change in land use practice in the catchments • Farm management skills for intensive farming • The need to have a plan/ for FEPs/ Beef+Lamb New Zealand LEPs (to stage 2
and 3) throughout the catchments • Rules for the positioning and location of offal and silage pits • The need to have food grazing plans • Why the need to change if land use has not changed • Potential to limit the amount of lucerne per farm
Riparian management issues relating to:
• Best practice for buffer zones along creeks • The effectiveness of grass margins near waterways • The need to graze creek blocks in summer, not winter, and with light stock
Pest weed control issues relating to:
• Maintaining good weed control adjacent to waterways • Managing the spread and negative effects of willows along riparian margins
Wilding Pines
This is a major challenge particular to the Waiau (Amuri Range) group who are working hard on the ground and collaboratively with ECAN Biodiversity staff to implement plans to mitigate this weed pest. The challenge has helped gel the group in parallel with meeting the requirements of the HWRRP.
Forest Management
Strategic conservation of native bush/forests to mitigate erosion and for stock shelter.
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Sub Catchment case studies
These have been incorporated into the presentations for the Beef+Lamb NZ LEP workshops and can be seen in full at B+LNZ LEP 1 workshop powerpoint Culverden July 30th 2014.pptx. Some extracts of the presentation, which were attended by over 70 farmers, are in Appendix E. Next Steps
This document forms the basis for developing more detailed responses to the issues outlined through the development of action plans and Landcare manuals detailing best practice for the catchments. This work will be informed by technical skills and advice brought to the project and the continuing focus on up-skilling farmers with stages 2 and 3 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Land Environment Plans , continuing exposure to Overseer and other appropriate industry tools, as well as aligning to the Environmental Management System/ Collective ASM requirements of ECAN that are required by January 2017. For further information and feedback contact: Andrew Harris, Ph: 03 319 2842 or 021 924 842 or email: [email protected] Phil Keene, Ph: 03 338 2634 or 021 035 8551 or email: [email protected]
11 Appendix A: Catchment Groups Aligned to the Project
Waiau (Amuri)
Philip Wright 163 Mt Paul Rd, RD 1, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156304
Tim Diederich Windford Hills, 120 Stackhoves Rd, RD 1, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 021 640027
Chris Harris 35 Druids Rd, RD 1, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156227 or 021 624438
Angus Galletly 63 Lyndon Rd, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156045
Phil Gray 213 Hossack Downs Rd, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156104
Don McLean 1728 Leslie Hills Rd, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156022 or 021 315646
George Johns 163 Kaiwara Homestead Rd, Culverden [email protected] 03 3158334 or 0221983599
Logan Shearer 106 Mt Paul Rd, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156303
Craig Shearer Mt Paul, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156555
Hamish Macfarlane Stroma, Rotherham [email protected] 03 3156319 or 021 640 422
Hamish Roxburgh 256 Morses Road, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156049
Matthew Gardiner 1755 Leslie Hills Rd [email protected] 03 3156312 or 021 315631
Bob Kingscote 257 Hossack Downs Rd, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156064
Brian & Liz Florance 39 Morses Road Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156366
Tim Le Pine 339 Lyndon Road Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156635
Cale Dobby 257 Lyndon Road Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156516
Warren Armstrong 1153 Lesley Hills Road, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156632 or 021 516539
Ian Pettigrew 859 Inland Road, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156082
Ben Chaffey 370 Chaffeys, Waiau [email protected] 027 4322957
Graham Dalley 558 Leader Road, R D 1, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156292
Scott Anderson 53 Green Road, Rotherham [email protected] 03 3156272
Wayne Yates 256 Phoebe Road, R D 1 [email protected] 03 3198197
Bryce & Julie Stevenson 729 Leamington Road, R D 2 [email protected] 03 3198482
Rob McBeth 507 Leamington Road, R D 2 [email protected] 021 736580
12 M G Boissard 848 Sherwood Road, Waiau [email protected] 03 3156077
B J Dalmer 1264 Inland Road, Waiau
03 3156197
Kara Lynn 972 Sherwood Road, R D Waiau [email protected] 03 3156650
Grant Florance 1154 Leslie Hills Road, Waiau [email protected] 021 0585151
Peter Turnbull Mt Terako, R D 3, Kaikoura [email protected] 03 3156090
Jess Turnbull 2495 Inland Road, R D 3, Kaikoura [email protected] 03 3156614
Jane Northcote 2479 Inland Road, Kaikoura 7373 [email protected] 03 3156081
Solveig Northcote 130 Inland Road, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156013
Greg Williams 682 Inland Road, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156376
Chris Scarlet 459 Inland Road, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156113
Richard Jordan 2000 Inland Road, R D 1, Waiau 7395 [email protected] 03 3156606
Graeme Grigg Grassington, Rotherham [email protected] 03 3156052
Hawarden
Sam Zino 1042 The Peaks Rd, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144662
Mark Zino Flaxmere Gardens, 128 Westenras Rd, Hawarden [email protected] 027 4547466 or 03 3142288
David Fincham 259 Powers Rd, Hawarden [email protected] 027 5566895 or 03 3144127
Richard Power 51 Allandale Rd, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144280
James Costello 317 Costello’s Rd, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144201
Dan Hodgen 724 Heathstock Rd Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144603
James Forbes Maungatahi, R D 3, Amberley [email protected] 021 554577 or 03 3146865
Alister Bremner 553 Waikari-Hawarden Rd (Chetterwood)
03 3142553
Dugald McLean 105 Easterbrook Road, Fernside [email protected] 021 0381916
Bob Clark-Hall 522 Mt MacDonald [email protected] 03 3144346
Tom Costello 174 Murrays Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144566
Graeme Stevenson 38 Flaxton Road, R D 1, Kaiapoi [email protected] 03 3138039
Dale Inch 279 Allandale Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3142233
13 Elizabeth Thomson 251 Double Comet Road, Amberley [email protected] 03 5506159
Russell Green 251 Double Comet Road, Amberley [email protected] 03 5506159
Iain Wright 377 Hawarden Hurunui Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3142202
John Allan 174 Hawarden-Waikari Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144379
Maureen Bamford 242 Christians Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144262
Mike Hodgen 675 Pyramid Valley Road, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144063
Dugald Rutherford Melrose, Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144180
Matt Iremonger Mt Benger, R D Hawarden [email protected] 03 3144079
Jean Forrester Drynie-Vale, R D 3, Amberley [email protected] 03 3145849
Marie Black Double Hill, R D 3, Amberley [email protected] 03 3144142
Dick McLachlan 1036 Tekoa Road, Culverden 7392 [email protected] 03 3158316
Ed Shand 455 Tekoa Road, R D 2, Culverden [email protected] 03 3158314
Gregor Mackenzie 130 St Leonards Road, Culverden [email protected] 03 3158468
Lower Waiau
Simon Lee Mendip Hills, R D 4, Cheviot [email protected] 027 4355779
David Bush 609 Leader Rd, Parnassus, RD 4, Cheviot [email protected] 027 2261915
Richard Reed 920 Leader Rd, Parnassas, RD 4, Cheviot [email protected] 027 2207090
Chris Bennett 787 Leader Rd, Parnassas, RD 4, Cheviot [email protected] 027 6878321
Blair Kirkland 122 Sisters Rd, RD 4, Cheviot [email protected] 027 4714330
Peter Montgomery 122 Gore Bay Rd, Cheviot [email protected] 027 2269405
Don Peddie 517 Sisters Rd, Cheviot 7384 [email protected] 03 3192936 or 027 2944619
Henry Shield 102 Eggleston Rd, RD2 Cheviot [email protected] 021 319867 or 03 3198665
Sam Shield 60 Leamington Rd, RD 2 Cheviot [email protected] 03 319 8176 or 021334829
Hugh Dampier-Crossley 180 Fagans Rd RD 2 Cheviot [email protected] 03 319 8300
Tom Ensor 555 Leamington Rd Cheviot [email protected] 0275 800229
Andrew Harris 12 Mendip Road, Parnassus [email protected] 03 3192842
14 Hamish Haugh 470 Sisters Rd, RD, Parnassus [email protected]
John Stevenson 387 Eggleston Road, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198987
Mark Stevenson 1024 Stonyhurst Road, Greta Valley [email protected] 03 3198587
Carl Forrester 1267 Leader Road, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3156509
Lynda Dickson 481 Munro Road, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198034
Mike & Lois Bowler 242 Hawkswood Road, Parnassus [email protected] 03 3192847
John Fitzgerald 200 Ferniehurst Road, Parnassus [email protected] 03 3192739 or 021 02708214
Charles Macfarlane 221 Hawkswood Road [email protected] 03 3192895
Julia Whelan 55 Mendip Road, 7 R D, Parnassus [email protected] 03 3192841 or 0211263088
Lower Hurunui
Lower Hurunui Nick Ensor 299 Riverview Rd, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198996
Dave Holland 1324 Greta Rd, Cheviot [email protected] 027 2318395
Andrew Newton 1314 Domett Rd, R D 2, Cheviot [email protected] 027 2082247 or 03 31984133
Chris Mulcock 577 Hurunui Mouth, R D 3, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198331
Ben Ensor 110 McQueen Rd, Cheviot [email protected] 027 5668100
Mike Norton 75 Darrochs Rd, R D 2, Cheviot [email protected] 027 4381523
Paul Davies 1736 Blythe Rd, Manuka Downs, Cheviot
03 3198372
Jim Hiatt 1192 Domett Rd, R D 2, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198662 or 021 484 996
Beau Shield 2 Leamington Rd, R D 2 Cheviot [email protected] 03 319 8020 or 027 3616157
Nick Harris
[email protected] 027 2272001
Mark Harrison 995 Domett Rd, R D 2 Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198357
Ross Minehan 161 Hurunui Mouth Road, R D 3, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198166
Jens Ravn 171 Gore Bay Road, Cheviot [email protected] 03 3198975
Vince Daly 243 Campbell Road Cheviot [email protected] 033198773 0r 0276888644
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Appendix B: Map of Hurunui- Waiau, Waipara and Conway
16 Appendix C: Hurunui-Waiau River Regional Plan (flowchart)
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Appendix D: Why should sheep and beef farmers do a Land and Environment Plan?
Soil – it’s our biggest asset so anything we can do to keep it on our farms has got to be good
for the environment, good for water quality and good for our bottom lines. Markets – our markets want to know our farms are being managed with consideration to the
environment. Having all New Zealand sheep and beef farmers operating under their own L.E.P would provide a significant marketing tool for our meat companies.
Money – getting our money’s worth out of fertiliser, identifying potential for improving performance and profit, and enhancing the value of our property.
Public expectations – most of the publicity has been on dairy, but sheep and beef farmers need to collectively show that they are taking environmental issues seriously, or risk further regulation.
Politics – If we all have an L.E.P in place our industry representatives are better able to demonstrate to all what is happening 'on-the-ground'..
Action – if there is a plan in place, it is more likely to be actioned. Budgeting – by prioritising issues and setting realistic time frames. Information – An L.E.P is a stock-take of resources and issues. Its purpose is to identify issues
even if there may not actually be a solution at this point in time. We can’t afford to wait for science to catch up. Use your plan to understand your resources and work out what your options are.
Succession – An L.E.P can provide a valuable blueprint for succession purposes. Communication – husbands/wives/children/business partners/farm managers /staff can also
understand the priorities, issues and goals for the farm. It may identify areas where views may differ?! That need further discussion!
Insurance – worst case scenario where you are out of action and someone else has to step in and run the farm, in addition to day to day management they need to understand the long term priorities, issues and goals.
Results – collectively thousands of small changes on many properties, can make a big change overall.
In conclusion, an L.E.P takes a bit of time and thinking, but for little cost it can be a valuable part of your business and our whole industry.
18 Appendix E: Case Study Examples
Maps
ONE TREE HILL
Total Area 979haOne Tree Hill 818haTe Puna 161ha
Wintering:– 5200 Sheep (incl replacements, hogget lambing)– 300 Beef cattle
(fattening)– 800 Dairy cows. – 300 Deer
TOPPESFIELD– Area - 611ha– Stock:
• Sheep – 3300 SU• Cattle – 1600 SU• Deer – 1550 SU
– Developed clay downs through to steep hill country
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Kanuka Downs
LMU 1 Moderate to steep hill country
LMU 2 Cultivatable clay downs
LMU 3 Tussock ridges
LMU 4 Limestone ridges
LMU 5 Streams and Dams (already fenced or to be fenced)
LMU 6 Scrub & Bush to protect
LMU 7 Unstable Riparian margin
LMU 8 Forestry
LMU 9 Nutrient filters
KANUKA DOWNS
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KANUKA DOWNS
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Sediment and
Phosphate entering streams from hill country runoff
-Wintering hinds on self-fed silage areas instead of compacting heavy paddocks-Fenced areas to trap sediment and filter runoff. Monthly water quality monitoring at five sites to test effectiveness
PHOSPHORUS
TOPPESFIELD
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH P loss through hill
country developmentTarget development areas based on soil type and vulnerability, select methods accordingly, use experienced contractors, fertiliser application timing (summer and autumn), target optimum Olsen P, soil test to transects
HIGH P loss and soil damage on winter feed blocks
Careful paddock selection and strategic grazing management to limit compaction, grazing young stock only on winter feed areas, planning paddocks, direct drilling, down hill fencing and riparian buffers
PHOSPHORUS
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KANUKA DOWNS
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Stream bank erosion Deer fence creek on one bank, allow sheep
grazing on other side of stream between water and boundary fence
EROSION
TOPPESFIELD
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEMEDIUM Erosion through deer
tracking/pacing fencelines-Double fencing worst areas-Strategic placement of new deer fences-Corner plantings
HIGH Slipping on hill country -Strategic development – avoiding mechanical clearing of steep areas-Poplar poles to stabilise existing slips-Monitor slips and use more poles if necessary
EROSION
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PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Cattle and Deer
access to streams-Avoid intensive grazing access-Sediment traps – maintain-Fence and plant wetland with ECan funding contribution – 5 years ungrazed with possibility of sheep grazing for weed control in time if needed-Retain bush and scrub in gullies-More stream fencing planned-Ongoing weed control in wetland-Strategic trough placements
FAECAL BACTERIATOPPESFIELD
KANUKA DOWNS
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Stock access to
streamsMaintain plantings already established. Continue programme of fencing and planting these areas with appropriate species. Fence filter areas atbottom of hill blocks
FAECAL BACTERIA
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KANUKA DOWNS
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Soil fertility and
establishment and persistence of quality pasture
-Continue soil testing programme-Annual nutrient budgeting with a qualified advisor-Use both soil testing information and nutrient budget to guide fertiliser programme
PRODUCTIVE CAPABILITY
TOPPESFIELD
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSEHIGH Weeds and pests resulting in
lost production- Continued weed control programme
HIGH Soil structure -Maintain soil structure by direct drilling where possible -Targeted development based on soil type and contour-Adult cattle and deer wintered hill rather than downs (heavier soils) and not breakfed
PRODUCTIVE CAPABILITY
TOPPESFIELD
PRIORITY ISSUE RESPONSE
HIGH Nitrogen fertiliser efficiency -Timing of application (not applied May, June, July)-Use technical advice and nutrient budget to identify opportunities to increase N use efficiency-Target to crop and plant demands-Not applied in excessive amounts
NITROGEN