Resources for Shareholders
Farm Information Recording Sheets
Record keeping is a fundamental component of the Farm Environment Plan implementation. There are a range of methods that you can use to store and manage your data, including farm calendars, farm maps, whiteboards, computer databases etc. We have had a number of requests from shareholders asking for a booklet to be able to record aspects of irrigation management, effluent management, fertiliser applications, and supplements imported and exported off farm. See below for both an excel version you can store on your computer, or a pdf version if you would like to print off and keep in the shed or truck.
Stock Exclusion from Waterways – Regulatory and Industry Based Review
This review provides a brief summary of regulatory requirements around stock exclusion from water ways in the Canterbury region. In addition reference is given to steps the dairy industry has taken. Comment is also provided on potential policy and planning changes that may occur in the future.
Stock Exclusion From Waterways April 2017
Bucket Test Kit
Opuha Water has two ‘bucket kits’ available to lend shareholders to test the performance of your irrigators. The kit includes guidelines and worksheets which enable you to do the testing and calculations yourselves. The purpose of undertaking the Irrigation Performance quick test is to determine the depth of irrigation applies during an irrigation event and how uniformly the irrigation is distributed. Effective and efficient irrigation maximises productivity and profitability and minimises water use and leaching. Contact Julia on 021 535 174 or julia@opuha.co.nz if you would like to borrow the bucket kit to undertake a performance test on your irrigator.
Click on the link for a guide to the DIY Bucket Test and the full DIY Irrigation Evaluation
LINKS TO USEFUL RESOURCES:
IrrigationNZ Knowledge Centre
An internet information resource for all things irrigation in NZ. It contains fact sheets, articles, presentations, reports, current research projects, practical irrigation tools, links to other websites, field days and workshops.
http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz
Irrigation Calibrations & Efficiency Tests
Guidelines and worksheets for a series of do-it-yourself, in-field irrigation system calibrations e.g. ‘the bucket test’.
http://www.pagebloomer.co.nz/resources/
DairyNZ Farming Resource Centre
Online information and resources relating to nutrient, effluent and water management.
http://www.dairynz.co.nz/
Environment Canterbury – Farming Advice and Information
An online resource to provide farmers with ideas about how to improve their on-farm environmental management. There are simple solutions and techniques to help with most on-farm environmental issues.
http://www.canterburywater.farm/
Beef and Lamb NZ
Workbooks and guidelines targeted at environmental issues on sheep and beef farms.
http://www.beeflambnz.com/compliance/environment
Farmers’ Guide to Soil Moisture Monitoring
Why, and how, to measure soil moisture. http://myirrigation.co.nz/
DairyNZ Riparian Planner
A step by step process to design, budget, and prioritise waterway management on your farm. For helpful tips on how to use the riparian planner and information on waterway management.
dairynz.co.nz/waterways or https://riparian-planner.dairynz.co.nz
Fertiliser Spreader Calibration Guide
A ‘How to …’ guide for farmers using their own fertiliser spreading equipment to ensure its performing correctly.
http://www.fertspread.co.nz
Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator (DESC)
Step by step instructions on how to calculate storage requirements and to ensure your system meets those requirements. https://www.dairynz.co.nz/environment/effluent/effluent-storage/dairy-effluent-storage-calculator-desc/
