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Jersey cows - Source: ONE News -
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Plans for large scale cubicle dairying in the Mackenzie Country have been abandoned for the time being, but the main man behind the proposal says it's the way of the future.
Richard Peacocke from Southdown Holdings says when the time is right he will try again to house 18,000 cows indoors for most of the year.
"We think it ticks all the boxes that this country and the dairy industry need to address in the future," he says.
The plans caused an uproar with many claiming the effluent would harm the environment.
But the applicants say they have already presented evidence showing it is the best option and argue that the government's decision to call-in the consents is unnecessary and expensive.
"We're not going to give the government $2.6 million because we don't see that as a sensible option," Peacocke says.
But Environment Minister Nick Smith says it's right for the government to insist on having New Zealand's best fresh water technical skills and an "environment court judge kick the tyres pretty hard on that proposal".
Those opposed to the plan are pleased.
"Green grass we don't want thank-you and dairy cows stay in the waikato," says Graham Stewart.
The companies are looking at traditional farming in the short term but long term believe cubicle dairying is the way to go.
"We see it as the most logical and viable option and we would like to pursue it at some stage," Peacocke says.
Whenever that is.. their opponents will be waiting.
"Plan b is fine, so long as it doesn't involve cows... Simple as that," says one farmer.
With most of the world's cows already kept indoors, Federated Farmers say it is a practice we are likely to see more of in colder parts of New Zealand.
