Dairy farmers urged to make more effort

NICOLE GOURLEY/The Southland Times

WELCOME: New Zealand Large Herds Association chairman Bryan Beeston at the opening of the organisation's annual conference in Invercargill.

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Dairy farmers needed to make a greater effort to be aware of their neighbours and their concerns, delegates at the Large Herds Conference were told yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of the annual conference in Invercargill, New Zealand Large Herds Association chairman Bryan Beeston said farmers had to make sure the tools and skills they used were up to the job to ensure environmental compliance.

"There have been many instances where machinery has failed, people not trained, the suppliers of the gear, the systems we run, are not up to the job."

But he was confident the conference would show the industry was complying with the standards and conditions placed on it by councils and the Government.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt also welcomed delegates at the opening yesterday.

About 450 dairy farmers are expected to attend the 41st conference, last held in Invercargill in 1993.

Organisers hope to address local, national and international trends in the industry.

The conference starts today with a presentation by Southland dairying pioneers with different backgrounds, and will be followed this afternoon with a presentation by Dame Jenny Shipley on international trade issues.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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