Federated Farmers

Nelson

Introduction

Federated Farmers Nelson represents local farmers' views at one district council, one city council and one combined council.

Main issues

The main issues in our province are to do with Bio-diversity and Significant Natural Habitats, the level of rates and the interpretation of the Resource Management Act.

Tasman District Council: Free Soil Testing around old sheep dips

Federated Farmers Nelson would like to advise its members that the Tasman District Council (TDC) is conducting free soil testing around old sheep dips in autumn of next year.

TDC wants to repeat the successful October 2011 sheep dip project, and offer farmers and land owners :

-Free soil testing around their old dip sites

-Sheep dip Factsheets with practical advice on managing potential risks to stock and people from the residual pesticides.

Pesticide residues have been found at high concentrations close to the dips, and also spread into the release paddock and disposal area.

A handheld XRF quickly tests the soil for the metals used in sheep dips to establish the area around the dip with elevated levels. The farmer then decides from the results how best to manage the site.

For those property owners with old sheep dip sites who wish to take advantage of this free soil testing offer, council needs their names by 1 February 2012. The strictly limited places will be filled on a first come basis.

Please contact Jenny Easton (email: jenny.easton@tasman.govt.nz, phone 03 5438413, or post c/o Tasman District Council, P. Bag 4. Richmond 7050.

To download sheep dip factsheets click on the PDF's below:

Sheep Dip Factsheet 1 (1.0MB)

Sheep Dip Factsheet 2 (258kB)

Sheep Dip Factsheet 3 (288kB)

Sheep Dip Factsheet 4 (1009kB)