Reducing environmental impacts through wetlands

Join us for an interactive field trip visiting two farms to see and learn how the recent construction of wetlands in the Balfour catchment is reducing the environmental impacts of farming. Designed to remove nitrate nitrogen and enhance biodiversity, the development of wetlands in priority areas is a collaborative effort by DairyNZ, Thriving Southland, and the Balfour catchment group, drawing on local knowledge, physiographic analysis, and stream water quality data.

Hear from local farmers Brendon Stevens, Craig Collins, Ian and Sandra Orr about their experiences developing wetlands. Along with DairyNZ Environmental team manager Justin Kitto and DairyNZ senior farm systems specialist Ron Pellow.

During this visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore the wetlands, understand the development process, and learn key lessons when designing and building a wetlands. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Catchment programme, funded in part by DairyNZ and the Ministry for Environment's Jobs for Nature funding, which also includes evaluating farm system options to improve environmental outcomes.

Lunch will be provided.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.