12% Otago farms picked up by council over winter grazing practices

The Otago Regional Council says a recent compliance flyover of the region was positive but some farms photographed had issues which have been followed up with.

The majority of the flyover work is checking intensive winter grazing practices, but also includes wetlands, forestry and any large-scale land disturbance.

Council principal compliance specialist Mike Cummings said observations from the first round of flyovers which happened at the end of May and start of June were really positive.

"There were lots of good examples of grazing practices including buffer zones, and signs of strategic grazing plans.

"About 12 percent of farms photographed had issues which were followed up by a site visit, to discuss winter grazing practices."

The review of aerial the photos focussed on the potential for issues to arise during the winter grazing season council staff consider the current rules, history of issues on the site and other risk factors which may be relevant for the catchment.

"We know that farmers, often supported by catchment groups and industry groups, have been working hard to improve winter grazing practices.

"It was obvious from the flyover the majority of farmers were making a targeted effort to develop protections around the at-risk areas on their properties," Cummings said.

"Since the flyovers occurred staff have visited the properties identified with the highest risk; which was 12 percent of the observations.

"Farmers needing a little help with their intensive winter grazing are being asked if they want to be referred to representatives from Federated Farmers or their industry groups, Deer NZ, Beef and Lamb or Dairy NZ."

In addition, support was available directly from council's environmental implementation team or they could be connected with a catchment group in their area, he said.

Two more rounds of flyovers are scheduled, one later this month and a final one in August, all being weather dependent.