The accord's '"two years on" report shows 96 per cent of the waterways on New Zealand dairy farms are now excluded from dairy cattle. Ninety nine per cent of stock crossing points on dairy farms also now have bridges or culverts.
"We are really proud of the way farmers have been proactive on farms and got out and fenced their waterways to keep stock out," says Mackle. "The work going on on-farm into environmental initiatives is a bit of an untold story."
He says dairy farmers, like everyone, want their water to be as clean as possible, and greater knowledge, science and expertise is helping shift farm management practices to improve water quality for future generations.
"We've made huge strides and will continue to work on reducing our environmental impact, so we have sustainable farm businesses nationwide."
Mackle says recent coverage of the Havelock North water contamination has raised questions over whether agriculture intensification had a role to play.
He says any water issue is very complex and the true source will hopefully be identified. However, he's disappointed that dairying is often quickly raised as a potential source, without evidence to support it.
"We are watching the Havelock North situation closely -- but there is no intensive dairying in the area of contamination and we don't currently believe dairy farms have had a role to play."
The work going on on-farm into environmental initiatives is a bit of an untold story.
The Havelock North situation does highlight why dairy farmers are putting so much effort into looking after their land -- what is applied to it and managing cow effluent.
"We know waterways are a big issue for us and all New Zealanders," says Mackle. "Farmers understand that the public are interested in farming practices, and information and understanding is the key to having the licence to farm into the future."
Looking after their animals is also a priority for dairy farmers at this time of year, with calves on the ground and breeding season underway.
Mackle says animal welfare will always be a priority for dairy farmers -- healthy cows produce healthy calves, which is so important to the future herd.
We are watching the Havelock North situation closely -- but there is no intensive dairying in the area of contamination...
"New animal welfare rules are being introduced to ensure farmers all meet the same high standards of care so vital for our cows and our reputation."
Mackle says farmers are under a lot of income and debt pressures during calving, which is well known as one of the toughest times of the year. He is pleased to see Fonterra increasing its forward milk price to $4.75 per kg MS, and farmers with shares and receiving a 50c dividend should, on average, will be breaking even by the end of the season.
"There's certainly still room for the milk price to improve, but small signs are there that it's on its way back up," says Mackle. "Even when we get there, it's important we don't lose sight of the learnings of the past three years -- cost control and better pasture utilisation."
As farmers head into spring, DairyNZ is focusing on its Tactics campaign and the 'pasture first' approach.
Research showspasture drives more than 85 per cent of profit for most farms at $7 per kg MS milk price, and 98 per cent at a $4 milk price. "We have got to make the most of this important food source, particularly this spring as farmers strive to make a profit," says Mackle.
