Dairy NZ

Posted On: Friday, 27 January 2012

Two DairyNZ events on aspects of effluent system design are being run for Otago dairy farmers in February.

DairyNZ environmental extension specialist Donna Corbin

The first event in Milton on February 7, will help farmers find out what technologies are available to monitor farm effluent systems.

The second event, on the Taieri Plains on February 8, is one of a series of workshops being run around the country on effluent storage pond construction. It is aimed at providing farmers with the information they need to build effective storage systems.

DairyNZ environmental extension specialist Donna Corbin says the Taieri Plains event will use the experience of others to highlight some of the important elements around pond construction.

“There will be plenty of photos to give dairy farmers an idea of what happens when the construction process runs well and also what happens when it goes wrong. We will also show examples of different types of ponds, including visits to two properties with different systems.

“It is important to get construction right because getting it wrong is expensive, while a good system will capture the value of effluent.”

The event will cover the construction process, the different types of ponds available and the pros, cons and pitfalls of what to look for when designing, constructing and managing an effluent pond.

The effluent technologies event will cover effluent system management and “fail-safe” technologies.

“Farmers will have the opportunity to look at new and existing technology that is commonplace on-farm, see what the benefits are and how they can help in the day-to-day running of an effluent system,” says Donna.

Industry representatives will be on-hand to run through the details of different technology and answer any questions that farmers have.

For more information go to dairynz.co.nz/events

Event details:

• Effluent Technologies
  Tuesday, February 7
  10.30am-1pm
  69 Bruce Rd, Milton, supply number 38380
  Lunch provided by RD1
  
  
• Pond Construction
  Wednesday, February 8
  10.30am-1pm
  Start location: Dunedin International Airport Farm, 122 Otokia Rd, supply number 38449
  Finish location: 186 Nichols Rd, Outram, supply number 38250
  Lunch provided by RD1

Media Contact:
Vanessa Neems
DairyNZ Communications advosor
07 858 3736
Vanessa.neems@dairynz.co.nz