Abstract

The progressive definition of water quality and quantity limits in catchments throughout New Zealand is a positive step towards improving the management of our freshwater resources. The process brings with it significant challenges for the sustainability and competitiveness of the dairy industry. In responding to these challenges, the dairy industry is working to develop a range of systems, resources and capability building programmes that will mitigate risks to the industry and support farmers through what is the largest shift in resource management in a generation. The dairy industry has defined a four-step model for engagement in the process. Essentially, the four steps can be considered to represent the setting of limits to address water quality issues, the definition of regulatory and non-regulatory methods to achieve those limits, managing to limits on farm, and the assessment of progress towards desired outcomes

MR, Scarsbrook

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 74, Napier, 245-249, 2014