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On-Stream

We made it! It's finally spring and despite the recent cold snap the air is getting warmer, the daffodils are out, and even though the lambs and calves are keeping farmers busy, seeing them in the paddocks is putting a smile on people's faces as they drive past.

It's a busy time of year, and for those who are still affected by the flooding in late July it's great to see the on-going support of neighbours looking out for neighbours, and industry groups offering so much help and advice.

This is our tenth issue of On-Stream and to celebrate reaching double digits we'd like to thank you for letting us know you think it's a good read.

This is reflected in our readers tripling in number since we hit the Send button on the first issue last December. Even more exciting is that our 'click' rate (the number of people who read it after it's landed in their In Box) has been consistently over 50% for every issue, which is well above the average of 25% for e-newsletters. 

We hope we continue to bring you news and information that's relevant and interesting, so if you have any ideas about what you'd like to see in On-Stream you can email us at water@orc.govt.nz


Happy reading,
The ORC team
 
Feature: An app that might surprise you
DairyNZ is launching an app called ‘EnviroWalk’, which identifies good practice solutions to environmental risks. The app can also be used by sheep/beef and other farmers.

EnviroWalk is an easy-to-use tool that helps farmers assess environmental risks across the farm. When areas for improvement are identified, the app lists actions that can be selected to form a customised action plan, and leads you to further information. Plans are saved and can be downloaded, printed and updated at any time. 

The EnviroWalk app asks a series of yes/no questions about your:
•    nutrient budgeting and fertiliser use
•    effluent system management
•    waterways
•    lanes and crossings
•    cropping
•    storage and waste management
•    water use on farm
•    water irrigation

We had a demo of the app at ORC couple of weeks ago and were impressed with not only how easy it is to use, but also how useful the information is.

You can also use EnviroWalk off-line, which is handy when you're on a spot of the farm that has limited or no reception.

DairyNZ said a number of the farmers who helped them test the app before they made it live were surprised at the number of good management options they could implement to address identified environmental risks on their farm. 

EnviroWalk is a great tool that supports dairy farmers to use good management practice. Check it out here and download it on your phone so you can give it a try.

                           
              
 
Updates from your liaison specialists
Bruce Monaghan - Central Otago
 

Bruce is on an overseas jaunt and will be away until late October, so if you have any queries in the Central Otago area please call Nicole Foote on 0800 474 082. 
 
Nicole Foote - Strath Taieri & Central Coast Otago

nicole.foote@orc.govt.nz
027 564 7788

Can someone please tell spring that it is late to the party? We may not have seen much sunshine yet but it seems like the lambs and calves are off to a good start, and hopefully the sun turns up in time for tailing.
 
I was on hand at the Tapanui and Balclutha Beef + Lamb Land Environment Panning sessions held last month for ANZCO suppliers. Both sessions went well and I love the challenge of answering the curly questions that come my way. If you’re interested in completing an LEP please contact Beef + Lamb.

I also presented to members of the Taieri Rotary Club, who surprised me with their enthusiasm about all things ORC as we discussed everything from water to wallabies. It was a good evening and I'd like to thank them for their hospitality.
 
While Bruce is off completing his OE, I am here to help with your deemed permit enquiries so please don't hesitate to get in touch.
 
On a final note, we have started ORC's Long Term Planning for the next ten years. Make sure you get in touch if you have a project in mind and we'll see how we can align it into our work programme. If we don’t know about it, we can’t assist!
 
Rebecca Begg - South Otago

rebecca.begg@orc.govt.nz
027 558 7551

With calving and lambing underway, all hands are on deck around South and West Otago at the moment.

Despite the busy time of year, it was awesome to see representatives from the Clutha Development Trust and the Pomahaka Water Care Group make the trip to Dunedin recently to meet with ORC Councillors to update them on their water projects.

These programmes are clearly showing an increase of water quality awareness in the rural sector and are a positive forum for sharing best practice. Both programmes also have an on farm water sampling component, and have negotiated a deal on laboratory rates for water samples. So if you are looking to do some water testing on your place this summer, let me know and I can help you with contact details.  
 
Something else to look out for in November is the report from the water quality science study ORC did in the Waiwera catchment. We will have a meeting in the area sometime in November for anyone wanting more information on this and will let you know the details in the October issue of On-Stream.
 
James White - North Otago

james.white@orc.govt.nz
027 286 5342

Wow! A massive shout-out to NOSLaM and landowners in the Kakanui catchment for the huge turnout at the recent meeting in support of achieving good water quality in the Kakanui River. Over 40 landowners turned up and it was great to sense such a positive vibe.
 
I presented at the meeting and outlined the problem of excess nitrogen in the lower reaches of the Kakanui River, while Waiareka Creek has problems with nitrogen, phosphorus and E. coli. One of the more visible effects of the excess nutrients is algal blooms in the Kakanui estuary during the summer months. Less visible but just as important are microscopic diatom blooms, and the negative experiences and perceptions of recreational river users.
 
The Regional Plan: Water for Otago (Water Plan) has rules in place that should result in improved water quality. The Water Plan also allows landowners to make their own choices about how they go about doing the right thing. This personal responsibility essentially gives landowners control over their own future, and we're seeing some huge efforts being taken by both individuals and communities. 

ORC wants to hear about the good stuff that is happening, and this is where the opportunity that NOSLaM is offering landowners is gold! I encourage all Kakanui landowners to get involved by contacting NOSLaM coordinator Rob McTague at noslamoffice@gmail.com or (021) 194 9597.
 
 
 
 
In Brief
Whitebait fritters - yum!
Click here for more information about whitebait rules and regulations. Stands need resource consent in Otago, apart from Clutha River/Mata-Au or its branches. ORC will not get involved with any issues about using someone else's stand as this is a civil matter.

 
Keen to find out how your farm stacks up?
Entries are open for the Ballance Farm Enviroment Awards. You’ll get independent feedback about what else you could be doing to not only help the environment, but also your business. Click here to find out more. Entries close 31 October.
 
New website for Beef + Lamb
Beef + Lamb have launched their new website. Click here to have a look, and here to find out more about their Environment Plans.

What's coming up?

- 18 & 19 October, East Otago Field Days 
Come and visit our stand at the Palmerston Sale Yards

- 25-27 October, Arrow River and Wakatipu Basin Aquifer
Minimum flow and water allocation limit setting consultation

- 31 October, Pest Management and Biodiversity forum
A workshop to develop the regional Pest Management Plan review and biodiversity strategy

- Early November, Pest management and biodiversity drop-in sessions around Otago
Public meetings to get community feedback about the above

- November (date TBC), Waiwera water quality report presented to the community
 
If you missed the winter issue of ORC's newsletter 'Waterlines' you can check it out here: http://bit.ly/2tUMXUO. The sping issue is due out soon.
 
If you know someone who should subscribe to On-Stream, forward this email to them and suggest they email us at  water@orc.govt.nz to subscribe.
 
Make sure you like the 'Good Water in Otago - ORC' Facebook page - click the Facebook link below.
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