Best Management Practises for Best Practises for FeedManagement Pads and Stand Off Pads: Feed Pads and Stand Off Pads: Extension and Information ExtensionTransfer and Information Transfer Grant no. 03/047 Grant no. 03/047

Final Report Final Report January 2006 January 2006

Best Management Practises for Feed Pads and Stand Off Pads: Extension and Information Transfer Sustainable Farming Fund - Grant no. 03/047 Final Report January 2006 Anna Lambourne – Project Manager

Acknowledgements Thank you to all who contributed toward this project. Most importantly a special thanks must go to all the farmers who have shared their experiences and knowledge, without your support and openess this project would have not been possible. Thanks must also go to AgResearch for their great contribution and continuous support. Finally thanks to the following for their funding support…

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements____________________________________________

2

Introduction__________________________________________________

4

Objectives___________________________________________________

4

Methodology_________________________________________________

5

Milestone Overview____________________________________________

6

Outcomes Literature Review________________________________________

7

Partnership Research_____________________________________

7

Case studies____________________________________________

8

Regional Council Interviews________________________________

9

Technical and Case Study Booklet___________________________

10

National Roadshow_______________________________________

12

Project Evaluation________________________________________

14

Media Articles: Technical__________________________________

16

Rural Professional Training_________________________________

17

Further action required___________________________________________

17

Thanks_______________________________________________________

17

Appendices A B C D E F G H I

Full Feedback Report Technical Articles External Media Reports Case Study Interview Template Regional Council Interview Template Financial Report Minimising Muck Maximising Money: Stand-off and Feed Pads Design and Management Guidelines Booklet Minimising Muck Maximising Money: Stand-off and Feed Pad Case Studies Roadshow Promotional Brochures

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Introduction The MAF Sustainable Farming Fund has co funded the investigation and extension of best practises for designing and managing standoff and feed pads. This project was initiated in July 2003 and was completed in February 2006. This report outlines the methodology and outcomes of the project over that period.

Project Objective The project was conceived due to the increasing use of Feed Pads and Stand Off Pads in the dairy industry as farmers aim to further maximise feed inputs and minimise damage to pasture during wet periods which causes loss of feed production and environmental damage through soil compaction and sediment runoff. Regional councils, Fonterra, Dexcel, and Federated Farmers attended a workshop, organised by Auckland Regional Council on feed pad management. The participants identified that poor management of feed pads and stand-off pads can lead to adverse environmental impacts caused by effluent discharges; animal welfare issues; and loss of production caused by poor feed intake and stress to the animals. It was decided at this workshop that industry led solutions and information transfer would provide more sustainable outcomes than regulatory imposition by regional councils. The project team recognised the potential opportunities that well managed Feed pads and Stand off pads can have and decided to take a whole farm management approach so that on farm issues with standoff and feed pads were addressed in a manner that portrayed the best practises environmentally, economically and socially.

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Methodology

Whilst not much work had previously been done on the topic in New Zealand, there had been some, however much of the work and research had been completed in a compartmentalised manner in response to a specific issue and not in a whole farm context. The information and research available needed to be presented in a manner that was useful and relevant to farmers and also reflects the whole farm system. To achieve the project teams objective of providing environmentally, economically and socially responsible practises for standoff and feed pads, the following methodology was decided upon.

The project undertook the following steps. 1. Brought together existing and current research that was relevant to the decisionmaking processes for the utilisation of feed pads and stand off pads by dairy farmers in a whole farm context. This included why use a stand off or utilise a feed pad, the management aspects of using feed pads and stand off pads, the costs of different systems, and the animal welfare aspects of feed pads, effluent management and system design. 2. In addition to existing information a series of case studies of farms operating effective pad systems was undertaken. These farms covered a spectrum of levels of intensity of usage, different designs and management philosophies. 3. From this information the team including scientists, regional councils, and farmers developed an extension and resource package that included handout material, worksheets, and extension material for delivery. 4. Once the extension material was completed it was important that those contemplating putting in a pad system or operating an existing one received the information. To achieve this we undertook a national roadshow. Each event was held on a case study property viewed a successful operation and discussed the pros and cons of a particular system with expert guest speakers and the host farmer. 5. The Roadshow was accompanied by a targeted marketing campaign and a technical media article series. Additional events where also held to train rural professionals in the new material.

6. At the completion of the field days the material was re-evaluated and any

required changes will be incorporated into the resources and extension package. This material will be available for continued dissemination.

5

Milestone Overview The project methodology was broken into achievable milestones as below. Milestone 1 To identify and source existing resources and new research that is being undertaken. Check the suitability and applicability of existing extension packages. – July 2004 Milestone 2 To incorporate resource material developed from the Management and Design of Feed pad and Stand Off Pads into the DEC Manual for Dairy Farm Effluent Systems -August 2004 Milestone 3 Identification of sequence of field day for remaining regions. Case study properties identified, visited and case studies written. Regional council input into regional issues identified and included in material. -May 2005 Milestone 4 Extension package and tools developed, capturing all relevant resources - Sept 2005 Milestone 5 Pilot region identified. Case Study properties identified, visited and case studies written. Dates set, pilot run and evaluated. Changes made to materials – Dec 2005 Milestone 6 Field days run in each region – May 2006 Milestone 7 Post project evaluation undertaken – June 2006

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Outcomes Literature Review Milestone 1 To identify and source existing resources and new research that is being undertaken. Check the suitability and applicability of existing extension packages. – July 2004 Milestone 1 was initiated as soon as the project received word of its acceptance. Two contractors where involved in the collection this information. Both New Zealand and international research and information where identified on the topic. The search was extensive and enabled the progression of the project to the next stage. Additional work was carried out on this milestone. With all resources and research loaded electronically into digital format to allow fast and easy distribution of research and resources. The digital versions are included in the completed project CD and are available to rural professionals as further reading.

Partnership Research Milestone 2 To incorporate resource material developed from the Management and Design of Feed pad and Stand Off Pads into the DEC Manual for Dairy Farm Effluent Systems -August 2004 The project team worked cooperatively with the Dairy InSight funded project “Adding Economic and Environmental Value to Dairy Effluent” (AgResearch). The two projects worked closely together in identifying farmer case studies, opportunities, and sharing the results of these interviews. The case studies undertaken in this project as part of Milestones 4 and 5 utilised the interviews and information collected from the AgResearch project to provide further continuity. The AgResearch findings where circulated to all members of the project team for comment and input prior to the final report being collated. The AgResearch group reported their final report to the reference team on the 20th September 2004. The material that was presented was of a very high standard and will be excellent support material for farmers and rural professionals. It has now been delivered to the DEC committee who will incorporate the technical material from both projects into the updated DEC Manual. Material presented was in confidence to the group until it is officially released.

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Case studies Milestone 3 Identification of sequence of field day for regions. Case study properties identified, visited and case studies written. Regional council input into regional issues identified and included in material. -May 2005 Case studies where a crucial component of this project and formed the basis of one of the booklets and the National Roadshow. In identifying the case studies the first thing was to identify where the Roadshow events where to be held. In doing this we focused our time and effort on those areas with either 1) high proportion of high input farm systems and 2) regions with wet soil conditions. The team worked with AgResearch, local consultants and rural professionals to help identify suitable candidates. In the selection of farms we ensured that a range of farm systems, pad types and designs where covered. In total 21 farms where selected. To ensure the information we got from each property was consistent we developed an interview template (See Appendix D). Each farm was then individually visited and interviewed by the same person. A report of the property was prepared after each visit. Each case study farm had to agree to host a roadshow event on their property and discuss their system with the attendees.

1

Whangarei

2

Maungauroto

3

Waiuku

4

Thames

5

Matamata

6

Koromatua

7

Ohaupo

1

8

Edgecumbe

9

Stratford

10

Feilding

11

Ekatahuna

2 3

4 6

5 7

8

9

10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 21

20

12

Takaka

13

Westport

14

Greymouth

15

Kowhitirangi

16

Whataroa

17

Rakaia

18

Ealing

19

Tapanui

20

Balclutha

21

Invergargill

Case study locations

8

Regional Council Interviews Milestone 3 Identification of sequence of field day for regions. Case study properties identified, visited and case studies written. Regional council input into regional issues identified and included in material. -May 2005 In addition to interviewing farmers, the team conducted interviews with all Regional Councils. Once again using a set template the interviews identified the existing rules and regulations, future directions, major issues and extension material required relating to standoff and feed pads (see Appendix E). This interview information was collated and included in the technical booklet produced.

9

Technical and Case Study Booklets Milestone 4 Extension package and tools developed, capturing all relevant resources - Sept 2005 The creative team discussed the extension package and the methods of delivery. This group decided that two booklets should be produced. The first booklet “Minimising Muck Maximising Money: Standoff and Feed Pads Design and Management Guidelines” focuses on the design and management of standoffs and feed pads, 44 pages long (see Appendix G). This book covers the following topics, Minimising Muck Maximising Money: Stand-off and Feed Pads Design and Management Guidelines 1. 2. 3. 4.

Decision Making Feed Pad Planning Feed Pad Design and Construction Feed Pad Effluent System Design and Management 5. Feed Management 6. Animal Management 7. Feed Pad Design and Management Checklist 8. Stand-off Pad Planning 9. Stand-off Pad Design and Construction 10. Stand-off Pad Effluent Management 11. Stand-off Pad Management and Maintenance 12. Stand-off Pad Design and Management Checklist 13. Taking the Next Step - Wintering Pads and Wintering Barns The second booklet “Minimising Muck Maximising Money: Standoff and Feed Pad Case Studies” presents an overview of each of the 21 case study farms interviewed (see Appendix H) Each Case study provides the following information, • • • • • • • • • • •

Snap Shot of farm statistics How they run their system Key dimensions of the pad Pad system costs – Construction and Maintenance Benefits of their system Effluent management Feed management What they did well What problems have they had What they would do differently Farmer tip

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In addition to the booklets a poster series was printed as well. The posters were a key extension resource that where used throughout the National Roadshow events.

11

National Roadshow Milestone 5 Pilot region identified. Case Study properties identified, visited and case studies written. Dates set, pilot run and evaluated. Changes made to materials – Dec 2005 The first region for pilot testing was Waikato. After the case study template was confirmed and properties identified. A small working team visited the first farm. The interview and visit was carried out on farm. The team then meet subsequently and fine-tuned the template and process. The reviewed template and process was then applied to the remaining case study farms. The organisation and content of the Roadshow events was determined and speakers confirmed. Speakers for each event included the host farmer, Anna Lambourne (Dexcel), Bob Longhurst (AgResearch), David Millar or Ian Williams (Pioneer Brand Products). The first event was held in Waiuku. After the first event a formal evaluation completed by the attendees and presenting team was undertaken. The event was subsequently fine tuned and adapted. Improvements to the events and presentations where continually made for all remaining events, based on ongoing feedback sheets from attendees. Milestone 6 Field Days run in each region – May 2006 Using 20 of the 21 case study properties as venues and the newly produced extension material the project team coordinated 22 events throughout the country. The two additional events where held on farms where registrations exceeded capacity and an additional events were held the following day. North Island events where held during July 2005 and the South Island during November 2005. A promotion and marketing plan was run in conjunction with Pioneer Brand Products for both the North and South Island events. Two separate promotional brochures where designed and printed, one for the North Island and one for the South Island (See Appendix I). The brochures were distributed through a series of avenues. A personalised letter was sent to all Pioneer clients and all their rural professional contacts. The brochure was provided to all Dexcel field staff that promoted the events through the discussion group network. Promotion was also done online through industry calendars and websites. A general media release was written and distributed to the main newspapers and media forums. The Dairy Exporter ran a promotional story on stand-offs and feed pads and promoted all field days. Local advertising was put into smaller farming papers and local newspapers. In additional to this all South Island Fonterra suppliers received a brochure as an insert into their Farmlink Magazine and a reminder on their tanker docket prior to their local event, and all Westland Milk Products (WMP) supplier’s received a brochure directly through Westland Milk Products. Events where held at the locations identified below. Participation at the events was fantastic and in total 1488 farmers and rural professionals attended and participated in the events. This was well in excess of the anticipated target.

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National Roadshow Venues and Attendance Region

Target Attendance

Actual Attendance

North Island Waiuku Northland Wellsford TeAwamutu TeAwamutu (repeat) Thames Matamata Matamata (repeat) Stratford Wairarapa

20 24 24 80 80 60 100 100 60 16

60 70 53 50 115 65 130 100 103 100

24 54

130 75

10 10 10 10 10 50 40 40 50 50 922

33 17 17 31 27 89 66 65 42 50 1488

Feilding Bay of Plenty South Island Takaka Westport Greymouth Kowhitirangi Whataroa Invercargill Tapanui Balclutha Rakaia Sth Canterbury Total

The content for each event was based from a template developed by the presentation team. Each event followed the programme below. However the focus of the day was adapted to the local region and the needs of that area. Programme Farm Tour

10:30 - 11:30

Spend an hour on-farm looking at a successful pad system and discussing the decisions and management of the operation. What are the reasons for putting in a pad, why do it, what are the other options and what to do when you’ve decided. Complimentary lunch 12:00 - 12:30

Decision making and planning Technical Sessions Rules and Regulations

12:30 - 12:45

The value of managing effluent Pad design and effluent management options Getting the best out of your system

12:45 – 1:00 1:00 – 1:30

1:30 – 2:00

The local regional council will explain current and future regulations on effluent management for standoff and feed pads. The untapped value that effluent can provide to your farm system. Options to consider when designing a feed pad or standoff pad and the options available to manage the effluent captured. How to maximise the benefit of your feed pad or standoff pad and how you integrate it into your farm system for maximum efficiency, including pasture and feed management

Host Farmer and Dexcel Dexcel

Local Regional Council AgResearch AgResearch and Dexcel Pioneer® Brand Products

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Project Evaluation Milestone 7 Post project evaluation undertaken – June 2006 The evaluation of this project has two main components, the assessment of the extension material and secondly that of the Roadshow. The technical and cases study booklets were developed and reviewed in conjunction with a range of scientists, regional councils and farmers. The process of development was very successful and has resulted in two key products are a proving extremely popular and are in heavy demand. Both booklets have received high praise from both rural professionals and farmers. An evaluation of the National Roadshow was carried out after each individual event, at two levels. The presentation team held a daily debrief to review their performance and to refine the presentations and adapt the focus for the next event based on the specific needs of the area. This system worked exceptionally well. In additional to the presentation teams perspective, attendees where asked to provide and evaluation of the event and critique both the knowledge provided and the presentation of the speakers. Overall all the feedback was very good throughout the country, results are summarized below. A full report on feedback is provided in Appendix A. A further indication of the success of the Roadshow was the tremendous amount of news clippings written by external journalists who had attended and reported on the events. A newspaper clipping service at the time of the writing of this report had identified eleven independent articles that had been written and published. For a copy of these refer to Appendix C.

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Field Day Venue

Knowledge Provided High

Presentation

Waiuku Hikirangi Wellsford Te Awamutu 1 Te Awamutu 2 Hauraki Matamata 1 Matamata 2 Stratford Ekatahuna Feilding Bay of Plenty

40% 57% 35% 33% 33% 42% 52% 46% 55% 32% 24% 30%

4 36% 36% 62% 67% 50% 42% 33% 46% 34% 42% 56% 68%

3 24% 7% 4% 0% 13% 16% 13% 9% 11% 23% 20% 3%

2 Low 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 2% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0%

Excellent 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

33% 54% 35% 22% 36% 50% 47% 35% 60% 37% 29% 49%

4 46% 39% 65% 78% 45% 33% 43% 61% 32% 43% 59% 51%

3 21% 7% 0% 0% 17% 17% 10% 4% 8% 20% 12% 0%

2 Poor 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

North Island AVERAGE

40%

48%

12%

1%

0%

41%

50%

10%

0%

0%

Takaka Westport Grey Valley Kowhitirangi Whatoroa Winton Kelso Balclutha Rakaia Ealing

27% 57% 25% 65% 50% 47% 44% 43% 56% 11%

67% 43% 75% 29% 33% 53% 38% 50% 44% 79%

7% 0% 0% 6% 17% 0% 6% 7% 0% 11%

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 12% 0% 0% 0%

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

33% 57% 38% 56% 60% 58% 31% 29% 40% 21%

53% 43% 63% 44% 20% 37% 62% 64% 60% 74%

7% 0% 0% 0% 20% 5% 8% 7% 0% 5%

7% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

South Island AVERAGE

43%

51%

5%

1%

0%

42%

52%

5%

1%

0%

OVERALL AVERAGE

41%

49%

9%

1%

0%

41%

51%

8%

0%

0%

Media Articles – Technical A component of the project is to provide information and advice to those whom did not attend the Roadshow events. One avenue for doing this is the inclusion of technical articles in well-known media forums. For the dairying sector the most widely read magazine is the Dairy Exporter. The team successfully secured an article series with the Dairy Exporter that extended for 5 months during 2005/2006. Articles published to date in all publications include the following. These can be found in full in Appendix B. Location Dairy Exporter

Title If your contemplating a standoff or feed pad…then…STOP Minimising muck, maximising money!

Planning

Part One: A guide to managing Stand-off and Feed Pads – Planning Minimising muck, maximising money!

Pad design features

Part Two: Stand-off and Feed Pad Design Features Minimising muck, maximising money!

Effluent Management

Part Three: Managing Effluent on Stand-off and Feed Pads Minimising Muck, maximising money!

Getting the Basics Right Dexcelink

Part Four: Making the most out of your pad Minimising muck, maximising money! A guide to designing and managing Stand-off and Feed Pads Minimising muck Maximising money Feed pads don’t have to be expensive

Focus Effluent Management

Labour, Financial, pasture management Planning, type of pad, effluent management, optimising the system Promotion of Roadshow Case Study

Rural Professional Training In addition to the Roadshow which had an open door policy, specific training sessions where held for small select groups. These groups included a 2hr presentation to the Landcorp Senior Management and Farm Operations teams and 2 hr presentation to the Southland New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management.

Further Action Required Due to the success and high level of interest from both farmers and rural professionals it is important that specific extension continue on this topic. The resources, tools and extension package will be available for use by any individual or agency that wishes to do so. However specifically the following extension will be carried out. • Dairy 3 Conference - A presentation on stand-offs and feed pads will be held in April 2006. • Dexcel Consulting Officer Training - Regional Training days • Grasslands Conference 2006 - A presentation on stand-offs and feed pad management Whilst the success of the Roadshow was great the groups that attended indicated that further days should be held where smaller groups of people could go and visit a number of pads in the one day and discuss the comparative pros and cons of each. Feedback from the Roadshow attendees also recommended that more work be done on the financials and cost benefit side of standoff and feed pads. This further work could be completed in one financial year.

Thanks The project team would like to sincerely thank the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund for their support over the past three years and in particular acknowledge the assistance of Helen Percy over this time.

Anna Lambourne Business Developer Dexcel Limited

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Appendix A

Full Feedback Report

18

Appendix B

No 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8

Technical Articles

Location Dairy Exporter Dairy Exporter

Title If your contemplating a standoff or feed pad…then…STOP Minimising muck, maximising money!

Dairy Exporter

Part One: A guide to managing Stand-off and Feed Pads – Planning Minimising muck, maximising money!

Dairy Exporter

Part Two: Stand-off and Feed Pad Design Features Minimising muck, maximising money!

Dairy Exporter

Part Three: Managing Effluent on Stand-off and Feed Pads Minimising Muck, maximising money!

Getting the Basics Right

Part Four: Making the most out of your pad Minimising muck, maximising money!

A guide to designing and managing Stand-off and Feed Pads Dexcelink Minimising muck Maximising money Dexcelink Feed pads don’t have to be expensive

Focus Effluent Management Planning

Pad design features

Effluent Management

Labour, Financial, pasture management Planning, type of pad, effluent management, optimising the system Promotion of Roadshow Case Study

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Appendix C

External Media Reports

31 May 2005

Waitomo News

5 July 2005

Waitomo News

14 July 2005

Bay of Plenty Times

18 July 2005

Farmers Weekly

August 2005

Dairy Exporter

5 October 2005

Southern Rural Life

27 October 2005

Ashburton Guardian

31 October 2005

Countrywide – Southern

October 2005

12 November 2005 22 November 2005

Countrywide – StockLand Countrywide – StockLand Greymouth Evening Star Southland Times

24 November 2005

Ashburton Guardian

25 November 2005 25 November 2005 30 November 2005

Otago Southland Farmer Otago Southland Farmer Southern Rural Life

2 December 2005

The Ensign

December 2005

Country-Wide StockLand Country-Wide StockLand

October 2005

December 2005 December 2005

Country-Wide StockLand

Minimising muck, maximising cash Feedpad alternatives should be looked at Don’t jump into using feedpads Dairy farmers get hard word on effluent disposal Weighing up Muck and Money Focus on Feed Pads – Roadshow to visit the South Learn how to ‘minimise muck and maximise money’ Dairy output doubled after building feed pad Cow effluent volume causes early headache Dairy output doubled after building feed pad Standoff lesson “Minimise Muck, Maximise money’ Dairy options explored Feed, stand-off pads under discussion Alternatives looked at Shelter Key for stand-off Feedpads feed pockets, farmers told Feed pads feed pockets, farmers told Consider all feedpad options and impacts first Pads allow more grass to be harvested and profit Feed Pad provides Options

20

Appendix D

Case Study Interview Template

21

Appendix E

Regional Council Interview Template

22

Appendix F

Financial Report

23

Appendix G Minimising Muck, Maxinimising Money: Stand-off and Feed Pad Design and Manamgnet Guidelines

Appendix H Minimising Muck, Maxinimising Money: Stand-off and Feed Pad Case Studies

Appendix I Roadshow Promotional Brochures

Appendix J Final Report - CD Version

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