Cash injection for stock water study

SOLUTIONS: Four Manawatu farms will be taking part in a study to determine the benefits of water reticulation. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Four farms from the Manawatu will take part in a new study to determine the value of stock water reticulation.

The project was announced in Palmerston North last week, and will receive $80,000 from the Government.

Primary industries manager Nathan Guy said the study, in partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand, would look at the economic and environmental benefits.

"This will be based on case studies of farmers who have recently installed stock water systems."

The Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Growth study launched last year will be used a platform.

"This is now the number one region in the country for sheep and beef in New Zealand so improving the productivity of farms, particularly hill country farms, is a priority," Mr Guy said.

He said the 2008 drought had put a spotlight on the effects farmers face without enough water.

"Dams and some smaller creeks and streams dried up and farmers were restricted as to where they could graze stock."

A total of 11 farms will take part including two from Northland, one in the Bay of Plenty, two on the East Coast, one in Marlborough and one in Canterbury.

"We know that the top 20 per cent of red meat farmers achieve returns approximately four times more than those of the average red meat farmer, irrespective of land class and location," Mr Guy said.

"This shows the potential on offer, and the importance of sharing innovative ideas and good practice."

Beef + Lamb New Zealand's website states stock who drink reticulated water are more likely to have an increase in milk production and weight gain. The increased milk production is likely to lead on to "faster growing, bigger offspring", while weight gain will "translate into better returns at the farm gate".