All About Dairy

Fencing waterways

 

Did moo know that just over 97% of waterways on Moo Zealand dairy farms are fenced?

That’s the same as about 26,000 kilometres, which is like 12 road trips from Cape Reinga to Bluff!

One of the main reasons that farmers fence off waterways on their farms is so cows can’t get to them.

Why is fencing waterways great for the environment?

356 Factpage Tile Fencing

Cows can’t get into the water – so they can’t do any damage! It’s much better for the environment and much safer for the cows. Less poo and wee (which farmers call effluent) goes into the water which means there are fewer nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen getting into the water.

With no cows in the water, there is less soil falling into the water from their hooves or the edges of waterways (known as erosion).

Bridges Culverts

Farmers are much happier when they know their cows are safe and fenced out of waterways.

As well as fencing off waterways, farmers also build bridges and culverts on farms.

Culverts are big pipes under the ground that are installed at almost all the regular water crossing points on farms to keep the cows away and out of the water!

Watch my cow cam to learn more!