Bell Block’s Fonterra farmers have installed 1000’s of kilometres of fencing to exclude stock from waterways as the co-operative’s deadline to ring- fence almost all rivers, creeks and other water sources approaches in two weeks. Chief executive Theo Spierings said fencing was gathering pace and by December 1,2013 it was expected more than 90 per cent of waterways would be safe from livestock. Spierings said Fonterra was committed to providing its farmers with support to lift their environmental performance and reduce their impact on waterways. A Fonterra programme offers support on fencing, effluent management and nitrogen management. “We share New Zealanders’ concerns about water quality and we recognise that we must continue to up our game in the area of environmental sustainability,” Spierings said. “This is not just about dairy, but about New Zealand’s international reputation.”Fonterra says farmers are maintaining and managing raceways, tracks and paddocks on 10,600 supplier farms more effectively to reduce run-off and the impact of flooding, with strong efforts going into riparian planting. The work is part of a 10-year plan for a strong, sustainable future for dairying that protects natural resources and farmer profitability.
