Good time to check plans for winter crops and grazing

Winter grazing practices have improved over the past few years, but Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will continue to monitor livestock farms and their land use practices this winter.

Poor performers are now more in the minority says the Regional Council’s Central Catchment Manager, Brendan Powell.

“Many people aren’t aware that farmers are already well into their planning and operations ahead of winter, with winter crops in the ground and growing. The approach they take with their grazing management of crops and stock is an important part of good farming practices,” says Mr Powell.

The Regional Council has carried out compliance flights over the past two years, to monitor operations for evidence of where winter grazing practices are having an impact on streams or don’t meet land use rules. The Tukituki Plan covers all of the Tukituki catchment and Ruataniwha Plains area.

Information on the management of winter crops is on the Regional Council's Farmers Hub, Good Farming Practice page, with helpful factsheets on the Summary of rules on feedlots and feedpads, a Summary of winter crop rules and Good environmental practice for winter crops.

Winter crops are planted early to carry stock through. Grazing management is an important part of good farming practices.

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