Campaign to highlight issues with winter cropping

A campaign is being launched later this morning bringing attention on the farming practice of winter cropping or winter grazing. This is where both dairy and beef cattle are strip fed on a paddock of crops and once it's eaten down the animals are often left standing knee-deep in mud. Winter cropping happens in most parts of the country but is particularly prevalent in Southland, a place known for its wet winters. Campaign-organiser, Angus Robson wants to highlight both the environmental effects, and animal health and welfare issues of winter cropping. He says often the stronger cows get first go at the crops and then are followed by the weaker ones.