Environment Waikato polls farmers on fertiliser use

Environment Waikato is conducting a telephone survey this month to find out how dairy, dry stock and horticultural farmers use fertiliser.

“The aim of the research is to find out when and where rural land owners use fertiliser,” Environment Waikato environmental services programme manager Ross Wightman said.

“We also want to find out whether they understand our existing rules for fertiliser use and how we can support land owners to work within the rules and industry guidelines.”

The survey follows the release of two quick reference guides for land owners covering the permitted activity rules most farmers in the region carry out, including fertiliser use.

The survey will run from November 5-23, polling 766 people. Privacy is assured and no names or addresses will be recorded.

The results are expected to be available by next February and will be made available to the public.