A draft intensive winter grazing farm plan module has been developed by a Southland Advisory Group. However, rules preventing the expansion of intensive winter grazing (IWG) would still apply. The deferment would enable an IWG farm plan module to be rapidly developed, tested and deployed ready for formal incorporation into wider certified freshwater farm plans in 2022, Mr Parker said. Immediate improvements in IWG practices this season were required and he had set out his expectations to both councils and industry bodies. Federated Farmers said it was pleased the Government had taken the time to listen to and understand the practical difficulties that accompanied the rules on winter grazing.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2021 15:32 UTC