The Northland Regional Council (NRC) requires all dairy farms to comply with the rules for animal effluent disposal which are outlined in the Regional Water and Soil Plan for Northland.

This guide outlines some options for land application systems in Northland. It explains how transitioning from discharge to land management effluent systems brings tangible benefits:

• It reduces fertiliser bills
• It allows you to control when and where you irrigate valuable nutrients
• If managed properly, can help to protect the environment now and in the future.

The variances throughout the region, including extreme weather events and challenging topography, mean that each farming system is unique.

Land is one of farmers’ greatest assets, and managing it productively and sustainably will add further value to the farm.

It’s part of future-proofing New Zealand’s unique landscape and waterways to ensure we can continue to farm in a productive and sustainable way.