The public's perception of the dairy industry and how it treats the environment is one of the themes of a conference in Ashburton.
The large herd conference is open to those those who are interested in, or are farming, large dairy herds.
Conference chairman Bryan Beeston says the conference will discuss ways to irrigate the land effectively and the environmental effects of large herd farming on water sources and supplies.
Mr Beeston says the conference will, for the first time, present a Dairy Scientist Communication award. Eight young scientists will put forward their work for judging by delegates and scientists.
The conference which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, began on Monday night and was to run until Thursday.
