16 Apr 2013

Small holders advised on opportunities and responsibilities

6:31 am on 16 April 2013

The owners of small rural blocks and horticultural units in the Alexandra-Clyde area of Central Otago will be getting tips on farming and their responsibilities at a seminar on Tuesday.

Otago Regional Council runs a series of meetings throughout the year for the region's 600 to 700 small holders, to help them get a handle on the rules. But they also receive practical tips.

Council senior land resources officer Bruce Monaghan said Tuesday's seminar was a chance for lifestyle block owners to hear about regulations and the management of local issues.

He said the seminar would also look at some of the programmes designed to reduce rabbit numbers.

Mr Monaghan said best management practices for water issues, burn-offs and spray drift, would also be on the agenda.

He said the council also provided the small holders with information to help them make farming decisions.

Mr Monaghan said the seminar would look at how small block owners could capitalise on the assets of their property.

He said there was also a programme providing soil and climatic information about particular properties which, for example, their owners could use to specialise in a niche crop.