On farm support helping to build resilience
A new service is supporting Murihiku Southland farmers to continue building on the positive environmental changes they are making on-farm.
On Farm Support is the Ministry for Primary Industries’ free national advisory service which has been operational for about 12 months.
Recently appointed Southland regional manager, Liam Carey, brings a wealth of practical Southland farming experience to the role.
Liam grew up on a small sheep, beef and dairy grazing farm in Waianiwa, and attended Central Southland College before studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture, Farm Management and Rural Valuation) at Lincoln University.
“Prior to joining On Farm Support, I was the South Island operations manager for Biosecurity New Zealand’s Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme,” Liam says.
Outside farming and work, Liam uses the nearby Ōreti River for duck shooting and fishing.
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“I also like getting out on the lake, following the local Bush Pirates rugby team, and trying to get my 1970 Valiant back on the road to see the sights Southland has on offer.”
Liam and his team of three regional advisers are passionate about helping Southland farmers to be successful in an increasingly complex operating environment.
“We’re here to work alongside existing support services and councils to help farmers successfully navigate today’s farming challenges.
“One of our aims is to simplify processes for farmers. When we sit down and help streamline paperwork, farmers often find that, through smarter record-keeping and use of technology, meeting the new requirements becomes easier,” Liam says.
“For example, integrating Farm Environment Plans, Tiaki reporting (a requirement for Fonterra suppliers), and new Freshwater Farm Plans into one can be beneficial for dairy farmers.”
The On Farm Support team’s role is not to regulate. It’s to provide on-the-ground support for farmers and growers to navigate requirements around climate, water, and the environment, and to build business resilience
“We want to help farmers and growers to meet their profitability and sustainability goals. Southland's farmers care deeply about their land and are trying to strike the right balance between profitability and environmental stewardship."
We want to highlight farms exemplifying this, by sharing their success stories to inspire others,” Liam says. Farmers have a range of resources at their disposal.
From levy organisations, farm advisors, catchment groups and Thriving Southland, Environment Southland advisors, the Rural Support Trust, and now, the On Farm Support team, all there to help.
“We can provide a bit of extra support, to help farmers realise their full potential. Every step counts, and even small changes, undertaken by everyone, can make a significant difference,” Liam says.
The farming sector has been dealing with change for some time, and that will continue. Environment Southland is updating the Southland Water and Land Plan and the first plan change (Plan Change Tuatahi) is focused on aligning Southland’s rules with national direction and setting out the blueprint for improving freshwater in the region.
Environment Southland will be seeking input from the community about local solutions over the next 18 months. While there is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability across the region and the motu, taking time to understand what’s required in Southland, how to engage, and seeking advice is important.
“Rather than feeling overwhelmed, it's beneficial to seek assistance. Our team is here to help. We offer confidential services, connecting farmers with a range of support and resources,” Liam says.
