Video series to help farmers protect water quality

New videos showcase Rotorua farming practices that help protect water quality

MEDIA RELEASE
27 July 2017

A new video series has been launched to help farmers protect water quality.

Rotorua farmers, like other farmers throughout New Zealand, are being challenged to reduce nutrient losses from their land, while staying profitable. Excessive nutrient losses from farms and other sources cause water quality problems.

Proposed rules to help protect Lake Rotorua will require most local farmers to substantially reduce nitrogen losses with accompanying good management practices to tackle phosphorus losses. To help farmers to meet these nutrient targets, a series of ten 3-5 minute videos has been produced.

In this video series, Rotorua farmers talk about how they applied a particular good management practice or 'GMP' on their farm. GMP impacts on nutrient loss, profit and the wider farm system are explained in plain English.

This GMP project was guided by the principle of ‘by farmers for farmers’, with Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective members contributing their time and expertise.

Jo Carr from the Collective says “We now have a nutrient good practice toolkit that recognises the great work being done by farmers in our catchment to protect water quality. The videos and support information will help farmers assess what practices might suit their farm."

"These videos showcase the willingness of our local farmers to share their experiences with other farmers, not only in Rotorua but across New Zealand.”

Ian Tarbotton from Ballance Agri-Nutrients says “We were pleased to support this nutrient good practice project with Rotorua farmers. The core job of our Ballance field staff is to work with farmers on customised nutrient management solutions aligned to their goals, soils and farm system. These GMP videos will help our engagement with farmers."

This project was funded through the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund and Ballance. Landconnect Ltd managed the project with videography by Island Films. See the videos on the Collective’s website www.rotoruafarmers.org.nz/gmp
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