"It is particularly disappointing to have a leading farming entity that owns a number of farms and should be setting an example of how to do things right," Lynch said.
"Another concerning aspect with this case was the obstructive behaviour aimed at the council staff who were tasked with inspecting the farm property. They were responding to a complaint that effluent was being poorly managed and were only doing their job.
"Certainly the people on the farm on this occasion made it a difficult and unpleasant experience, sufficiently that police were called to enable the inspection to be carried out."
Fernaig own many farms in the area including four dairy farms.
A prosecution in 2013 also resulted in convictions and a fine of $30,000 for effluent mismanagement on their Mangakino property.