• Access
• |
• Sitemap
• |
• Contact

• Home
• Your Council
• Resource Consent
• Environment
• For Schools
• Publications
• Living in Southland

Dairy Advisor

In mid-2007, as a response to the increasing conversion of farms to dairying and a rise in dairy farms' non-compliance for dairy effluent discharge, Environment Southland created a Dairy Advisor role.

Russell Winter has been in this role since its creation, but has been working with dairy effluent related matters for the council in other roles since 1990.

His main role now is to help achieve higher rates of environmental compliance from dairy farmers and workers by working alongside them. Not only does the Dairy Advisor help farmers through the environmental requirements of the conversion process, he also assists with trouble shooting problems with existing effluent disposal systems.

From effluent storage and staff training, to new and renewing consents, nothing's a problem for Russell, and he knows Southland like the back of his hand.

There are a number of consents up for renewal in the next few years, and Russell is keen to talk to farmers early on in the process. "I can give the farmers information that is relevant to their property, which can make the consent renewal process simpler and faster," Russell said. "I can also talk about the pros and cons of conversions if someone is thinking of moving to dairying."

Russell brings a wealth of expertise to the role, is well respected in the dairy farming community and has enabled a closer working relationship between people in the industry and Environment Southland. Because of this, Russell can help to make contacts with certified suppliers for those needing more specialised advice.

For Russell the key to converting or to renewing a consent is to get good advice and get it early. "Give me a call early on and save yourself any headaches when it comes to converting or consents."

Contact Russell Winter by phone on 0800 76 88 45 or by email russell.winter@es.govt.nz.