But farmers say their practices are improving every year and the sector is welcoming the delay in implementing unworkable new intensive winter grazing rules while the Government works out appropriate regulations for the industry. Environment Minister David Parker said farming leaders accepted winter grazing practices that undermined freshwater health needed to improve. Southland dairy farmer Ewen Mathieson said the delay offered a window of opportunity for farmers to take ownership of the sector’s way forward. There was universal recognition that the freshwater rules passed in August last year had several unworkable parts. The rules around intensive winter grazing were one of the first ones to take effect and needed urgent attention, Mr Allen said.

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