Farmers counting cost of One Plan

Dairy cows on Pinfold Rd on the outskirts of Woodville. Photo / Christine McKay

Tararua dairy farmers have made huge investments in fencing and planting of waterways as part of their responsibility under Horizons Regional Council's One Plan, but that investment has come at a cost, says Tararua District mayor Roly Ellis.

"While many farmers in priority catchments under the One Plan have made significant commitments for the next five years, with any spare funds being spent on environmental issues, rather than debt reduction, consenting needs to be implemented and monitored with regard to the social and economic impacts on our region," he said.

"The cost to farmers has had a direct impact on their discretionary spend and is being noticed by agri-services companies and essential retailers," he said. "We've got to make sure retailers aren't crippled by any major cuts in spending by farmers.

"Food parcels have been issued to farming families and many sharemilkers are supplementing their income in many ways, such as possum trapping and selling firewood.

"But the Tararua District Council is pleased Horizons One Plan is being implemented within the spirit and intent of the Environment Court ruling and the way regional councillors have understood the very difficult period dairy farmers have found themselves in, with falling incomes.

"However, our farmers in the Mangatainoka catchment appear to be coping and moving forward with their consents and it's pleasing to see Horizons working with the industry, seeking solutions that are workable and affordable. But there is no quick fix, it has to be steady as it goes to get the job done properly."

While Tararua had five dairy conversions up to 2011, (before the One Plan) there have been none since, Mr Ellis said.

"We are producing around 1 million litres less milk than the 2011-12 season and cow numbers have dropped by approximately 3.8 per cent."

But district councillor Tracey Collis, who holds the One Plan portfolio, has told the Dannevirke News the district is still seeing good farm sales.

"The emphasis for farmers is due diligence as the One Plan makes farming different here."

Mrs Collis confirmed there had been no dairy farm conversions since the One Plan came into force.

Mr Ellis said Tararua farmers need certainty and stability.

"There is concern for our businesses within the Tararua District and they are feeling the impact of low farming returns. Now a real emphasis is being put on looking after each other and supporting local businesses."

Retiring Chamber of Commerce chairman Suresh Patel told his organisation's annual meeting Dannevirke had turbulent and unstable trading times in the past year, with some business closures and staff reductions.

Mr Patel acknowledged that, while the dairy industry had felt the pressure, local trades people and real estate agents had been experiencing good times.

"We need to stay resilient and positive about the opportunities ahead," he said.

And Mr Ellis told Horizons regional councillors the Tararua District Council had made significant improvements in various wastewater projects as part of its commitment to the Manawatu River Accord.

"We're lining four ponds in Dannevirke, one in Woodville and have a wastewater plant in Pahiatua and planning for new wastewater treatment plants in Eketahuna and Pongaroa. We're very grateful to Horizons and Jon Roygard (freshwater and science manager, Horizons Regional Council), for the support for government funding and on understanding the complexity of our projects. We believe that, in tandem with the One Plan, we are substantially playing our part in cleaning up the Manawatu River."