Effluent attracts more to latest expo

More than 40 exhibitors will be attending this year's Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek.

Last year 25 exhibitors patronised the inaugural event attended by an estimated one in 10 of the region's 4500 dairy farmers, says agriculture advisor Kate Ody.

"The buzz around last year's event has certainly helped lift exhibitor numbers this year. Another factor is that we've encouraged more exhibitors to come to provide farmers with the ability to see a wider range of effluent solutions, which they can match to the unique circumstances of their farms."

Organised by Waikato Regional Council, and sponsored by DairyNZ, the 2012 Effluent Expo will be held on Tuesday, February 28 between 9am and 3.30pm at the Mystery Creek Events Centre.

Ms Ody says farmer attendance at the expo could be further boosted as Bay of Plenty Regional Council has let dairy farmers in its area know about it, and the Auckland Council has publicised it with farmers south of Auckland.

The expo comes at a time when the regional council is looking to do more to protect water quality and water resources in the Waikato from the impacts of intensive agriculture, especially nutrients and bacteria from dairying and other livestock farming.

"Expos are a good way of providing information to farmers about having an effective effluent system which helps them maximise their profits and minimise their environmental footprint," says Ms Ody.

"Besides what the exhibitors have to offer, there will be a number of optional seminars and demonstrations to take in, which will be repeated throughout the day."

Regional council staff will be on hand to answer questions about complying with council rules on effluent management.

Outside the venue, visitors will be able to see demonstrations of a range of effluent irrigators.

The Waikato expo last year was the first of its kind in New Zealand. Its success has resulted in other regions, including Canterbury, hosting similar events this year.