Moving Day is approaching and will take place over several weeks — a long-standing tradition where dairy herds are moved between farm properties from 1 May.

Portfolio lead Councillor Andrew Noone says effluent from stock trucks can pose risks to road users and nearby waterways. He is urging farmers to stand off their animals for at least four to 12 hours before transport.

“The emphasis is on farmers standing their stock before moving, and on trucking companies making full use of roadside effluent disposal sites,” Cr Noone says.

Effluent on roads can create safety hazards for drivers and may enter roadside drains or pollute nearby waterways.

The Otago Regional Council, along with several local authorities, operates nine roadside effluent disposal sites across Otago. These include six sites on State Highway 1 between Pukeuri and Clinton, and three on inland highways at Raes Junction, Brassknocker Road, and Tarras.

Farmers moving herds along roads should keep stock away from roadside drains to avoid disturbing soil and causing sediment and effluent to enter waterways.

Standing off green feed

Cows should be stood off green feed for at least four hours, but no more than 12 hours, before loading. This helps reduce the amount of effluent produced during transport.

For animal welfare reasons, DairyNZ recommends using a grazed-out paddock or stand-off pad rather than a concrete surface, which can lead to tender feet and is unsuitable for lying down.

For general enquiries, contact the ORC Environmental Implementation Team Catchment Advisors on 0800 474 082 or email catchments@orc.govt.nz.

Stock truck effluent spills into waterways can be reported to the ORC Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033.

Stock truck effluent
DairyNZ's information on Moving Day