Environmental Risk

ENvironmental Risk

Freshwater

Risks

• Effluent irrigation via pivot and pods poses a risk of nutrient and pathogen leaching if systems fail or are misapplied.

• The Awamoko Stream and on-farm ponds could be impacted by direct stock access, runoff, and sediment loss.

• Winter grazing on slopes and near drains increases the likelihood of sediment and faecal matter entering waterways.

Potential Impact

• Elevated E. coli and nutrient concentrations in surface water.

• Reduced water clarity and aquatic ecosystem health.

• Potential non-compliance with regional freshwater standards.

Mitigations

• Fence riparian buffers along streams and ponds.

• Keep effluent application within soil moisture limits and away from critical source areas in accordance with the Effluent Management Plan.

• Controlled winter grazing with stand-off areas and setbacks in accordance with the Winter Grazing Plan.

• Monitor water quality downstream for E. coli, N, P, and turbidity.

• See full Farm Environment Plan for full suite of actions. Particularly the  Waterway and CSA Management section.
  
  

Soil Health

Risks

• Intensive grazing, particularly in winter, can cause pugging and compaction, reducing water infiltration, aeration and root growth.

• Effluent and fertiliser over applications risk nutrient imbalances and soil acidification.

• Steep and slippery slopes are prone to erosion under over-application of irrigation.

Potential Impact

• Reduced pasture productivity and resilience.

• Increased runoff and sediment delivery to waterways.

• Long-term degradation of soil structure.

Mitigations

• Rotate grazing to avoid overstocking vulnerable paddocks. Avoid grazing steep paddocks in rain.

• Use soil testing (pH, Olsen P, N, K) to guide inputs.

• Apply effluent and fertiliser at rates matched to crop/pasture demand.

• See full Farm Environment Plan for full suite of actions, particularly the Soil and Nutrient Management section.

• Protect erosion-prone areas through fencing and reduced stock pressure. Some areas have been retired.

Biodiversity

Risks

• Limited riparian cover along streams and ponds reduces habitat for native species and increases vulnerability to sediment and nutrient inflows.

• Large areas in pasture provide low structural diversity for native fauna.

• Pest plants and animals can reduce habitat quality and compete with native species.

Potential Impact

• Risk of decline in native aquatic and terrestrial species presence.

• Potential loss of ecological services (pollination, pest regulation, nutrient cycling).

Mitigations

• Maintain rank grass riparian planting to filter sediment, stabilise banks and provide shade.

• Develop biodiversity zones on retired gullies.

• Control pest plants and animals.

• Monitor bird, insect, and aquatic life presence.

• See full Farm Environment Plan for full suite of actions, particularly the Mahinga Kai, Biodiversity and Biosecurity Management section.

Nutrients

Risks

• Dairy effluent, fertiliser, and animal urine patches are the main nutrient inputs.

• Risk of nitrate leaching on lighter soils and phosphate runoff from erosion or drainage lines.

• Carcass composting can add localised nutrient loads if not well located.

Potential Impact

• Groundwater nitrate accumulation.

• Phosphorus and nitrogen enrichment of waterways.

• Breach of environmental limits.

Mitigations

• Use expert analysis to guide fertiliser use. Adjust fertiliser rates based on regular soil test results.

• Target effluent application to paddocks with lower nutrient load and higher uptake potential.

• Site and manage deadstock composting high and dry, away from waterways and drains.

• See full Farm Environment Plan for full suite of actions, particularly the Soil and Nutrient Management section.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Risks

• Methane emissions from enteric fermentation in the dairy herd.

• Nitrous oxide emissions from urine patches and effluent application.

• Carbon dioxide emissions from fertiliser use, machinery, and electricity.

Potential Impact

• Contribution to on-farm greenhouse gas footprint and New Zealand’s agricultural emissions profile.

• Potential exposure to future emissions pricing schemes.

Mitigations

• Optimise herd efficiency (milk solids per cow) to reduce methane intensity.

• Improve nitrogen use efficiency to minimise surplus application and nitrous oxide release. 

• Monitor for new mitigation technologies becoming commercially available and proven food safe.

• Maintain shelterbelts, riparian plantings, and other permanent vegetation to store carbon. Use effluent to build organic matter, soil structure and soil depth to sequester carbon.

• Record annual fertiliser use, fuel consumption, and herd data to calculate emissions profile.

• See full Farm Environment Plan for full suite of actions, particularly the Greenhouse Gas Management Plan.