Shift stock, not slop: reduce effluent spills this Moving Day
As Moving Day approaches on 1 June 2026, we're reminding farmers and stock truck drivers that preventing effluent spills is a shared responsibility. Simple steps, good planning and clear communication across the supply chain helps protect our environment and keeps roads safer for everyone.
Last year, we spoke directly with the transport industry to understand how truck drivers work to reduce the chance of effluent spilling onto the roads. It’s clear that good communication and planning across the whole supply chain goes a long way toward keeping our roads clean.
This year, the focus is on building on those good practices and keeping those good habits rolling.
Preparing stock for transport
For dairy farmers, Moving Day usually means shifting stock between farm properties – either by road or by stock truck.
Effluent spills most commonly happen when cows are transported too soon after being on green feed. A bit of preparation before loading can make a big difference.
The most effective step farmers can take is to stand stock in a yard with hay, or in a paddock with minimal green feed, before transport. We know farmers also need to carefully balance timing and animal welfare during a busy period.
With this in mind, we recommend farmers follow the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Code of Welfare for transporting stock.
The code recommends that farmers:
- stand animals off green feed for at least four hours (but no more than 12 hours) before transport
- provide animals held off-pasture with water and an appropriate alternative feed source (like hay) during their stand-off period
- use a dry, comfortable base, like woodchip or straw, to keep animals clean and supported, and;
- inspect each animal before loading them to ensure they are fit and healthy for transport.
Visit the Ministry of Primary Industries’ website for the Code of Welfare for transporting stock within New Zealand
Shift stock, not slop this Moving Day
Truck drivers have a key role in reducing effluent
Preventing effluent spills takes everyone in the supply chain.
Truck drivers are encouraged to keep making good use of effluent disposal facilities and to stay in close communication with farmers and stock agents – especially if pick-up times change. There are several stock effluent disposal facilities available across the Waitaha Canterbury region.
Our northern compliance team leader, Brian Reeves, says the focus is on preventing problems before they happen.
"The transport industry is already aware of how important it is to reduce effluent spills and is always looking to find ways to make improvements – we recognise the effort that goes into keeping our roads as clean as possible."
"Everyone in the chain has a part to play, and Moving Day is a timely reminder of that," Brian says.
As we head into this significant time of the year for the farming industry, we’re asking truck drivers to keep doing what works. This means continuing to use disposal sites regularly and making sure truck effluent tanks are emptied before reloading stock.
Preventing effluent spills
Under Section 15 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991, effluent spillage and unauthorised dumping of effluent into the environment is prohibited.
Drivers who allow effluent to spill into the environment may receive a $1,500 infringement fine.
“Preventing spills isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about doing the right thing for our environment and our communities,” Brian says.
Reducing effluent spillage helps protect soil and water quality by stopping faecal bacteria and nutrients like nitrate from entering waterways.
Cleaner roads mean safer travel, healthier rivers and streams, and better outcomes for drinking water, recreation and wildlife.
Report effluent spillage: If you see effluent spillage on our roads, report an environmental incident online or for urgent issues call the 24/7 hotline on 0800 765 588
Find out more
- Read more about effluent management on your farm and during transport
- For more practical guidance on avoiding effluent spills and keeping cows healthy during transport, visit Dairy NZ
- Visit the Ministry of Primary Industries’ website for the Code of Welfare for transporting stock within New Zealand