Make a difference over winter
The farming sector has developed two resources to assist you with wintering. The first is a quick checklist you can use to spot any improvements you can make before winter arrives. The second is a Winter Grazing Plan which will help you take the right steps to continue lifting wintering standards.
Download checklist Download winter grazing plan
National and regional regulations
The National Environmental Standard for Freshwater bought in new national regulations for Intensive Winter Grazing. See Intensive winter grazing rules. Note your regional council may also have requirements for wintering – check with your regional council.
An effective wintering system
- supports good animal health and welfare
- minimises soil and nutrient loss to the environment
- complies with regional council regulations
- protects valuable topsoil
- complements the overall dairy farm system and the work of the team on farm
- has a contingency plan for periods of adverse weather
Podcast: What's next for wintering?
How did we arrive at our current wintering practices? What’s next for wintering animals on crop? And what kind of changes can you make on farm now? Find out in this episode with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Dawn Dalley and Southland dairy farmer Rob Dingle.