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benefits for improvement in
environmental performance.
DairyNZ catchment
engagement manager Adrian
Brocksopp says the project has
been successful as SMPs are
not about telling farmers what
to do, but about helping them
identify risks and find practical
solutions.
Environment Policy Manager
for DairyNZ, Dr Mike Scarsbrook
says the Upper Waikato
Sustainable Milk Plan project
was given national recognition
as a good example of farmers
caring for water when it
was named a finalist in the
Ministry for Environment and
Department of Conservation’s
Green Ribbon Awards for 2015.
“Farmers are increasing
their understanding of the
environmental effects of
farming activities, at the
same time as setting out
specific actions for improving
performance,” says Mike.
The success of the project has
led to the latest rollout of the
SMP process to support farmers
in the Waipa catchment. Having
conversations with farmers
about their farms helps set
out a plan that farmers can
see will work for their farms,
for the local environment
and ultimately the health and
wellbeing of the Waikato River.
“A key benefit for farmers
will be accurate and
reliable data on how their
farm is doing, so they can
use that information to
make decisions now and in
the future,” says Adrian.
35
Waikato River Authority
Five Year Report
2015