Tony Dodunski's Sustainable Dairy Practices Earn Fonterra Award

Tony Dodunski, managing Beaumaris Dairies in the Lake Ellesemere/Te Waihora catchment in Canterbury, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership in sustainable dairying. His efforts earned him the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award at the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

The Dodunski family acquired the farm in 2017, fully aware of the environmental challenges associated with its heavy soils and low-lying areas. These conditions heighten risks related to nutrient, sediment, and phosphorus runoff. To address these issues, Dodunski implemented significant measures such as constructing a concrete feed pad to manage cow effluent during heavy rainfall.

Additional sustainability efforts on the farm include the installation of sediment traps, riparian planting, a low application rate effluent system, comprehensive soil testing, targeted fertilizer application, and the use of solar power to run the cowshed. Dodunski also focuses on breeding smaller cows and optimizing pasture utilization to maintain environmental balance.

Dodunski emphasizes the importance of profitability in achieving long-term sustainability, stating that financial resilience allows investment in sustainable practices. He believes that sustainability encompasses environmental, financial, and community aspects, contributing to the broader dairy sector's longevity.

The award is a testament to the collaborative effort of Dodunski, his family, and the team involved in the farm's operations. He expressed gratitude, noting that the achievement reflects the contributions of many individuals over the years.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards committee highlighted Dodunski's ability to integrate high environmental performance through strategic system design and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring the farm's operational and environmental success.