Winter grazing under scrutiny from the sky in Waimakariri
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A flyover of Waimakariri farms has found that most farmers are following winter grazing rules.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) conducted a trial flyover of the district in an aeroplane last month to observe winter grazing.
Principal implementation adviser Sarah Heddell said those on the flight were pleased to see that farmers were well prepared.
Farmers were grazing strategically towards waterways, creating buffer zones, placing water troughs and feeders close to new breaks, avoiding paddocks with waterways and wetlands, and grazing with smaller mob sizes.
‘‘Overall, most farms we observed were meeting good management practice.
‘‘Fences were set back from waterways, stock were on the paddock not in the stream, and waterways were relatively clear.
‘‘Our Waimakariri land management adviser followed up with a couple of landowners who were identified as needing some extra support and their response has been positive.’’
The flight took place during the some of the wettest winter conditions Canterbury has ever seen, making for tough conditions for intensive winter grazing.
Heddell said surface flooding and waterlogged soils meant this was a tough time for farmers with calving and lambing under way.
‘‘All this rain has made it difficult to farm right now, and that reinforces the need for farmers to have an intensive winter grazing plan in place.’’
She said the council appreciated the help industry groups provided for the trial.
‘‘While we know these kinds of things can feel invasive, we believe flyovers can be a useful way to understand how farmers are approaching intensive winter grazing and where we can focus help, support and advice.’’
Staff would continue to work with industry groups throughout the region over the next year to help farmers plan for winter grazing.
No further intensive winter grazing flyovers were planned this year and staff were looking to refine the process before any future flyovers.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.7% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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