The taskforce was appointed in August by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and minutes of its September 27 meeting show it discussed the need for further research to identify the scope of the winter grazing problem and viable solutions.
O’Connor appointed the taskforce after images of stock being intensively wintered on muddy crop paddocks in Southland and south Otago raised concerns about environmental and animal welfare issues.
In September taskforce chairman John Hellstrom urged O’Connor to be transparent about its work to soften criticism the taskforce membership was not representative of all views and to reduce pressure being felt by rural communities.
“Some members have raised their concerns about this contributing to the pressure being felt in rural communities.
“We are keen to reduce uncertainty over our work and also to be as open and transparent as possible in our processes.”
Meeting minutes and other documents have been released on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
The taskforce met four times and heard submissions from industry, farming and science groups.
They discussed the need for farmers to be made aware of the possibility of stricter enforcement next year and that decisions made now about paddock and crop selection could mean they will not comply with animal welfare requirements.
The taskforce found best practice information is not being shared by the various participants involved in winter grazing.
“It has already been identified that arable farmers, seed merchants and rural contractors, for instance, are not receiving the same information as farmers,” Hellstrom told O’Connor.
“There is no united view and guidance on best practice.
“Similarly, the role of veterinarians as advisers on best practice may be something to explore.”
Other issues discussed include the relationship between winter grazing, environment and animal welfare and that it cannot be assumed good management practice will meet the required standards.
The taskforce also discussed the detection of poor-performing farmers and that the wording used in codes of welfare and legislation makes it difficult for MPI to prosecute animal welfare offences involving mud.
Everyone in the supply chain has responsibility to mitigate winter grazing issues and animal welfare planning must be integrated into wider farm planning, such as farm environment plans, along with forward and contingency planning for adverse events.
During winter grazing the taskforce says farmers need to consider the positive welfare states and needs of animals such as social behaviour and the absence of negative states such as pain and distress while considering space allowance, surface conditions, mud depth and animal health risks from nutrient deficient or rich feed.
