Environment
As a Demonstration Farm, Owl Farm is particularly focused on the environment, as we strive to demonstrate the best practices to ensure dairy farming is sustainable for our natural resources and community. Read how we do this below.
Primary KPIs
- Biological greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide and methane as carbon dioxide equivalents) trending down
- Modelled nitrogen loss trending down
Secondary KPIs
- Total greenhouse gas emissions per hectare trending down
- Nitrogen Leaching Loss Rate (NLLR) trending down
- Purchased nitrogen surplus per hectare below 75th percentile of Fonterra suppliers in district
- Phosphorus loss from root zone of less than 0.5 kg/ha (as modelled in Overseer)
- Adequate soil chemical, biological and physical health
- Less than 55 L/cow/day water use at the shed
- Actions completed in our Farm Environment Plan
Environment Stories
Wetland Performance
Through careful planting of the various wetland areas of the farm, we are making sure that any water draining through the soil is filtered of excess nutrients.
Greenhouse Gases
All dairy farms produce methane and nitrous oxide. Read below how we monitor and minimise these emissions through our different strategies.
Soils
Owl Farm is situated on light, free-draining soils, which can easily dry out in the summer. Read below how we help these soils retain moisture and reduce nutrient leaching.
Water Use
Water is a precious resource, and essential for agriculture. Find out what we are doing to measure and manage water use at Owl Farm
Nitrogen Management
What can be done to maximise the effective use of nitrogen and reduce the amount that is leached through the soil? Here are our strategies.
Farm Environment Plans
Farm Environment Plans are a useful framework to identify on-farm environmental risks and set out a programme to manage them.
Biodiversity
Owl Farm has over 8 hectares of land from which stock is excluded, along with a kahikatea stand and numerous plantings between the cycleway and the river. These diverse areas offer habitat for all sorts of creatures.
