Winter grazing invoice comments inaccurate

Southland farmers can be assured that comments from Federated Farmers about Environment Southland’s winter grazing invoices are inaccurate.

Today, Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick suggested that Southland farmers were receiving invoices from Environment Southland for inspections when no problems had been found.

Environment Southland compliance manager Donna Ferguson said cost recovery invoices are only issued to farmers where there has been a confirmed breach of a rule.

“We undertake cost recovery so that ratepayers do not pay for the cost of investigating and undertaking enforcement action where non-compliance occurs.”

This year, 75 incidents had been logged, of which 49 have been fully investigated by warranted compliance officers.

Of the completed investigations, 28 farmers were contacted and advised that no further action or cost recovery was required as they were found to comply with the rules.

Another 21 incidents have been investigated where non-compliances were confirmed. Outcomes have ranged from advisory letters to more formal enforcement.

The remaining 26 incidents were still under investigation.

“The winter grazing period runs from 1 May to 30 September and each year, we carry out three aerial surveys between June and August as well as responding to reported incidents and monitoring consent conditions.”

Environment Southland’s approach to assessing winter grazing compliance is education-first.

“We remain committed to supporting our community through fair and transparent compliance processes,” she said.

“When monitoring compliance of winter grazing, particularly around required buffer distances, most cases lead to advice and education for landowners or operators to improve practices and meet standards. More serious breaches may be referred for formal investigation.”

Our officers attempt to make contact in advance of a visit where contact information is held by council. This ensures that any health and safety or operational needs of the farmer are considered.

Mr Herrick also commented on the rules around winter grazing.

These rules have not come out of the blue. The initial 3m rule was in 2016 and there has been many changes since through the Environment Court process, which Federated Farmers was involved in.

Environment Southland has been working to educate farmers about the changes to the Southland Water and Land Plan since before the winter grazing rules were adopted in May 2024.