Monday 1 August

Survey of fodder to inform freshwater risk

Council environmental services team has been busy mapping crops for a second year of winter crop surveying.

Staff began surveying land being grown for animal feed in the winter during July.

“We want to know more about how land is used in our region,” says shared services science manager Lois Easton.

Last year, 4783 hectares of land was surveyed across Motu and Matawai, the east coast as far north as Hicks Bay, south to the Tiniroto area and part of the Poverty Bay flats and surrounding areas.

46% (2212ha) was planted in winter crops.

“This year’s results will be compared with data from last year’s survey to determine trends on where crops are grown, what is grown and how often, and find out where stock are feeding in proximity to waterways,” says Ms Easton.

“We expect there may be a trend towards less fodder crops because of the reduced prices for milk products and also unusually warm weather for winter.

“There could be less dairy cows grazed in the region over winter and more pasture available this year with warmer weather than previous years.”

The information collected will be used to monitor waterways in these areas, help to develop Farm Environment Plans and also inform the local farming community on crop types and trends.

The survey is also important to identify areas where animals are break feeding in larger numbers and risks to freshwater.

“We’re particularly interested in the area of land in our region that is planted specifically for break-feeding stock.”

The proposed Gisborne Regional Freshwater Plan identifies potential rules for excluding stock from within 5 – 10 meters of a waterway where break-feeding is occurring.

“The rule would come into effect from 1 July 2017.”

The results of the 2016 survey will be available on council’s website later this year. The 2015 Winter Crop Survey report is available to view on council’s website.

Hearings for the proposed Freshwater Plan are scheduled over August to November before the final Plan is approved at the end of the year.

ENDS

© Scoop Media