Hukanui hosts dairy leaders

More than 50 farmers and industry leaders gathered at Geoff Arends and Ester Romp's 162ha farm at Hukanui for the launch of the Tararua DairyLink project last month.
The host farm is one of three selected as part of the project to demonstrate methods of reducing dairying's environmental impact, while also looking to improve productivity.
Geoff and Ester, along with sharemilkers Chris and Dana Sutton, gave attendees a rundown of their operation, what they hoped to achieve in their business and their reason for participating in DairyLink.
Last season's production of nearly 140,000kgMS/ha was affected badly by flooding in the spring, but they were hoping to increase production through better pasture management and by decreasing the use of nitrogen fertiliser.
Geoff said he was taking part in the project to give back to an industry that had been "very generous" to him.
"The DairyLink project provides a way for me to contribute towards the future of dairying in this district," he said.
The DairyLink launch is one of a series of events, with field days also being held in Pahiatua and Dannevirke and more planned for later in the year.
Keith Riley, farmer chairman of the DairyLink committee, spoke of the importance of farmers having greater control over all aspects of their farming systems to improve productivity and reduce negative environmental impacts.
He said there were real opportunities for farmers to use natural resources more efficiently.
The Pahiatua and Dannevirke DairyLink farms were also launched at separate events this week.