Smart wintering field days showcase technology and soil science

Smart wintering field days at Waiau and Pukerau next week are a great opportunity to check in on grazing plans ahead of the start of the season.

Environment Southland Land Sustainability Manager Simon Stokes said the field days would feature informative and thought-provoking speakers and a quick run through of a winter grazing checklist.

The theme for the Waiau field day is ‘Technology solutions for winter’, featuring Paul Ruddenklau from Resolution, Russell MacKay from FarmIQ, Ben Dunbar from eShepherd and James Gardyne from Halter.

At the Pukerau field day, the theme is ‘Soil and strategic grazing’, with speakers including Tom Orchiston from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, digging into the science beneath our feet to help us understand soil structure, nutrient movement, and how strategic grazing choices can protect and enhance your land.

The best way to mitigate risks is to have a winter grazing plan for the season, which runs from 1 May to 30 September, as required under the Southland Water and Land Plan.

Making sure people get it right around buffer zones and protecting critical source areas was crucial, he said.

“Good planning is crucial in helping prevent environmental issues and getting as much productivity return as possible.

“Help your team and contractors understand what they need to be doing. If you haven’t already, take the team out on a farm/paddock trip and have a look at the location, go through a few scenarios, including what to do when the weather cuts up rough, or the soils get saturated early in the season.”

Get in touch with the team on 0800 76 88 45 or email service@es.govt.nz or check the Environment Southland website at es.govt.nz/winter-grazing

Field Day details:

Waiau

Wed 29 Apr 2026, 10am – 1.30pm

Jericho Station, 2812 Blackmount-Redcliff Road

Lunch provided

Pukerau

Thu 30 Apr 2026, 10am – 1.30pm

Pukerau Hall, 71 Middle Street

Lunch provided