This document represents the culmination of a project partially funded through APL and the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. The case studies highlight how pork producers can use piggery effluent as a nutrient source and provide examples of how to maximise nutrient value and efficiency.

The publication titled “Sustainable Piggery Effluent Utilisation in Australian Farming Systems: Case studies on the development and implementation of Nutrient Management Plans at ten Australian piggeries“ summarises the farms’ physical conditions, their management objectives in relation to effluent management, and issues for consideration in developing the plan. The case studies then outline specific recommendations and action plans determined for each farm and a summary of how implementation has progressed to date.

The Nutrient Management Plans contained in the case studies aim to assist producers in quantifying the mass balance of nutrients produced and utilised on-farm, and identifying potential risks of nutrient losses to waterways or groundwater. By outlining current management practices and potential environmental risks, plans which adjust practices or improve infrastructure can be developed and implemented.

According to producers who participated in the project, “This project benefitted our operation by helping turn a potential environmental risk into a benefit to the farm. In the long term, this will help our business to be sustainable and allow ongoing pork production. This benefits the whole industry.“

“The most important part is that the project has identified areas where we can enhance production. As a result we have purchased more advanced machinery to achieve this result more efficiently. We have been urging other producers to look at sustaining their future by implementing these techniques.“

The case studies will ultimately assist in providing the wider industry with tools to address nutrient management planning while maximising productivity and sustainability of the Australian pork industry. The publication can be downloaded from APL’s website at www.australianpork.com.au/pages/page76.asp or in hard copy from APL.

For further information and any enquiries, please contact Janine Price on 1800 789 099 (Toll Free) or [email protected].