Workshops turn nitrogen reports into practical actions

14 January 2015

Workshops turn nitrogen reports into practical actions

Ballance Agri-Nutrients has joined forces with the Dairy Women’s Network, DairyNZ, Fonterra, Miraka, Synlait and Tatua to help farmers come to grips with their farm nitrogen reports and how to use them to support N-loss improvements.

Ian Tarbotton, of Ballance’s Science Extension Team, says a roadshow in both the North and South Islands through February and March will help farmers turn reports into action.

“We want to take the mystery out of farm nitrogen reports, show what factors influence the numbers in reports, and leave farmers with some really practical ways to change their numbers for the better.”

“For farm owners, the aim is to enable them to learn about ways in which they can influence farm economics by minimising nitrogen loss and improving nitrogen-use efficiency. For farm managers, the workshops will give them a good understanding of the five factors that contribute to nitrogen loss, and which of them they can influence. We are also encouraging farm workers to attend because there are some common practices which impact the farm and the environment and their daily activities can make a difference.”

Ian says nitrogen reports are relatively new, but will become an annual feature of farm management given that most dairy companies signed up to collect and model nitrogen loss and nitrogen conversion efficiency under the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord.

“Reports going back to their farmers are providing nitrogen loss and nitrogen conversion efficiency performance information and benchmarks, but the next step is turning these into practical action plans which have economic and environmental benefits and should deliver improved results for farms in the next reporting round.”

Speakers will include local farmers, as well as industry experts in dairy and fertiliser. Workshop participants will receive their own resource workbook, to help them set goals for improving nutrient management on their farms.

Farmers interested in attending the events should register by calling 0800 396 748 or via www.dwn.co.nz

ENDS

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