The Dairy for Healthy Estuaries project aims to improve nutrient management on WA dairy farms. Four years into Healthy Estuaries WA, it’s a good time to share what we’ve learned and showcase our progress in effluent management.
Catching up to Code
More than half of south-west WA’s dairy farms have, over the past four years, taken part in a review to see how they stack up against the Code of Practice for effluent management.
The reviews showed that, on average, more than half of the standards (4.5 out of 7) in the Code were being met. All of the farms managed to meet at least one standard, and only four farms could meet all of them.
The storage of effluent over winter—when spreading isn’t suitable—and strategic reuse on-farm are key requirements of the Code. Since 2020, there’s been a 45% increase in farms meeting these standards, marking a strong improvement in effluent management and investment by dairy farms.
This improvement was largely driven by upgrades subsidised through our 2016-2020 DairyCare project, which was part of the Regional Estuaries Initiative (now Healthy Estuaries WA). On average, DairyCare farms met two more standards in the Code of Practice than other farms. Many still need to upgrade parts of their effluent system, and some have made a start, with improvements included in effluent management plans.
“Before the project, only a handful of farms had an effluent management plan. That number now sits at around half the industry, which is an impressive achievement,” says Dairy Project Officer Niamh Rayne.
However, in the absence of capital funding incentives, the pace of on-ground progress appears to have slowed, and many plans are yet to be actioned.
DairyCare Project Manager Dan Parnell from Western Dairy, says: “There have been excellent improvements in the management of dairy effluent the last few years. Challenges remain, but as farmers continue to invest in modern milking and feeding systems, it creates an opportunity for modern effluent systems built with the latest designs and technology.”
Another finding from the reviews was that milk processors may play a role in influencing effluent management on farms. Lactalis Australia is an example of a company that has offered a milk price incentive since 2019 for suppliers meeting the Code of Practice. Other upgrades have also been incentivised through programs such as the Coles Nurture Fund.
With more work needed on effluent storage and reuse, the project continues to support solutions that keep nutrients on farm and out of waterways where they might contribute to algal blooms and fish kills.
From pond to paddock
New insights are expected this year from a South West trial assessing pasture growth benefits from effluent reuse. A key question being asked is how effluent can be applied in the shoulder seasons to help combat dry conditions. “If we can demonstrate its ability to grow more feed at critical times of the year, it will strengthen the business case for effluent management improvements,” says Niamh.
Another exciting initiative launching this August is the industry-led Fertsmart workshops and nutrient management plans. Aimed at helping dairy farmers fine-tune fertiliser and effluent decisions, these plans and workshops support farm sustainability and the health of our south-west estuaries. By improving nutrient use efficiency and applying inputs at the right place, rate, and time, farmers can get better value from dairy effluent.
A solid effort
While liquid effluent storage often takes centre stage, solid material removed from ponds, traps or feeding areas also needs careful management to prevent nutrient leaching and runoff.
According to the Code of Practice, solids should be stored on lined and bunded surfaces that direct runoff back into the effluent system. Since solids storage was introduced as a new standard in the 2021 Code, recent reviews indicate there is still some way to go before this becomes common practice.
“Solids captured in trafficable solids traps have traditionally been stockpiled on bare ground adjacent to the trap,” says Dan. “Concrete solids storage pads or basins give farmers the ability to contain solids even in wet weather. This not only reduces the risk of nutrient loss but also makes solids easier to manage and improves the overall appearance of this part of the farm.”
Western Dairy recently worked with four farms to install concrete pads for manure storage. The upgrades were supported by Healthy Estuaries WA, which provided financial incentives to complement farmer contributions.
One farmer shared, “The funding enabled us to install a large storage area which is awesome.” Another who had upgraded their solids separation trap at the same time said, “The trap and solids storage pad are working well and contain all our effluent even during the wet winter months.”
Having achieved some great successes so far, the team is eager to continue working with dairy farmers and industry partners to protect our estuaries and the sustainability of the WA dairy industry.
Learn more about our Dairy for Healthy Estuaries projects here.