Planting a winner – how to protect farm waterways

Planting a winner – how to protect farm waterways

How to get the best results from planting waterways and avoid the common pitfalls will be the focus of a DairyNZ and Tatua field day on February 13 at the Tatua farm in Tatuanui.

Representatives from DairyNZ, Tatua and Waikato Regional Council will be answering farmers’ questions and providing advice on how to successfully plant farm waterways.

As part of the Sustainable Dairying Water Accord, all dairy farms must have stock excluded from waterways by 31 May 2017, and a planting plan for stream banks by 2020. The accord covers all dairy farms and is supported by all dairy companies across the country.

DairyNZ water quality scientist, Tom Stephens, who will be talking at the field day, says the focus will be on helping to ensure farmers get value for money from their planting while making the most of the environmental benefits.

“It’s important to choose plants that are best suited to the farm’s climate and soil, and plant them at the right time of the year,” says Tom.

“We’ll be looking at plant options and what ones are most suitable for Waikato soils and climates, as well as the best time of the year to plant and different techniques.”

At the field day, farmers can see what has worked well on the Tatua farm, as well as problems they may encounter and how to fix them.

Waikato Regional Council will also be at the field day to present funding options and provide advice for keeping costs down.

DairyNZ and Waikato Regional Council recently released a quick-guide to successfully planting waterways in the Waikato region – ‘Getting riparian planting right in Waikato’. It will be available at the field day and can be downloaded or ordered from dairynz.co.nz/waterways.

The guide helps farmers get started with the top five species to plant beside Waikato waterways, as well as a planting calendar and a table of plants to suit Waikato conditions, outlining the benefits and tolerances of each plant.

The planting field day will be held on Friday, February 13 at the Tatua farm at 3321 State Highway 26, Tatuanui, from 10am-1pm. Registration is not required for the event and lunch will be provided.

Event details
Friday 13 February
3321 State Highway 26, Tatuanui
Tatua supply no. 14
10am to 1pm
Lunch provided

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