The Government’s revised Essential Freshwater Package, released on Thursday, continues to emphasise the importance of good nutrient management in order to protect waterways and to help maintain social licence to farm.
A key feature of the package is the introduction of mandatory and enforceable Farm Environment Plans (FEPs), with Fresh Water modules, that will recognise the unique characteristics of farms and the range of systems they operate under. These FEPs allow for site-specific and targeted approaches that take account of factors such as climate, topography, soil resource and hydrology. The package also signaled the introduction of strict rules around dairy grazing.
FAR will ensure that its existing arable Farm Environment Plan template is developed to meet the new requirements and continue to focus on research and extension that will support growers as they further develop their farm systems in order to meet these new environmental goals.
See links below for summaries of the Freshwater Management Strategy and some useful FAR resources around Farm Environment Plans, nutrient management and dairy grazing.
Decision on National Freshwater 28 May 2020
Freshwater summary slides 28 May 2020
Good management for dairy grazing
Nitrogen Quick Test Mass Balance Tool & Guide
Nitrogen Application in Wheat and Barley
Nitrogen in Perennial Ryegrass Seed Crops
FAR Research Results 2018-2019