Dry-off is a good time to reset, review, and get ahead of compliance before the next milking season starts. A quick check now can save a lot of stress later. Here is a simple checklist to run through:
1. Are your consents up to date?
Regularly reviewing your consents helps ensure you remain compliant and avoids any surprises when conditions are checked or renewed.
- Check expiry dates for water takes, effluent discharge, and land use consents
- Have any conditions changed recently that you may have missed?
- Are you operating within the current consent limits?
2. Are your monitoring records complete?
Keeping monitoring records up to date is essential for compliance and helps demonstrate good farm practice.
- Water meter readings up to date and submitted if required
- Effluent application records completed
- Any required nutrient or farm environment reporting done
- Irrigation logs (if applicable) completed
3. Any upcoming renewals or changes needed?
Planning ahead for consent renewals or farm system changes can help avoid delays and compliance issues later on.
- Do you have consents expiring in the next 12–24 months?
- Are you planning changes (e.g. herd size, effluent system upgrades, irrigation expansion)?
- Would any of these trigger a consent variation or new application?
4. Infrastructure condition check
A dry-off inspection helps identify maintenance needs early and ensures systems are ready for the next season.
- effluent ponds, storage, and pumps
- irrigation systems
- water meters (accuracy and calibration)
- raceways, crossings, and high-risk runoff areas
The dry-off period on dairy farms is more than just a production break – it’s a good opportunity to make sure your system is compliant, efficient, and ready for the next season.
Natalia Zefferino
Environmental Consultant