Pre-grazing flights to take place in central Canterbury
Winter grazing flyovers over the past two years have proved how far Canterbury farmers have come in implementing best practices. This year, we’ll be flying in the Selwyn and Ashburton districts.
Third year of flights
For the last two years, we’ve carried out flyovers in Waimakariri, providing guidance and advice on how farmers are managing winter grazing and working with them where improvements may be needed.
Last year we extended our flights to the Ashburton district, and this year we will fly in Ashburton and Selwyn.
As in past years, this year our flights will take place in a fixed wing aircraft. Our land management advisors will be onboard, joined by a trusted community representative. They will be taking notes and not photographs.
We will follow up with farms, noting both good preparation and areas where improvements can be made.
Our findings so far
The flights we’ve held in previous years have given us confidence that Canterbury farmers are some of the best prepared in the country when it comes to winter grazing.
We’ve found plenty of evidence of good practices in strategic grazing and risk minimisation, with critical source areas protected and appropriate setbacks to rivers and streams.
Last year we saw some situations where stock water races were unprotected and water quality was affected. This year we want to see improvements in which these waterways are fully protected, with well-managed stock drinking water bays.
Have a plan – and make a plan B
The key to managing your intensive winter grazing is making and following a winter grazing management plan.
Our intensive winter grazing webpage contains links to industry-prepared templates you can use to plan winter grazing.
But as farmers know, even the best laid plans can be disrupted – especially by adverse weather.
With the possibility of a wet winter ahead, you also need to have a plan B for exceptionally wet conditions.
More support available
If you have questions about good management practices, we're happy to help, and so are industry groups.