- Sustainable Effluent Management
Today’s smart dairy farming is designed with efficiency and flexibility in mind, helping owners and managers manage nutrients in a way that saves time, reduces labour, and stays within regulations. Here are five clear reasons why forward-thinking farmers are choosing tankers over other methods.
There are several cost benefits to using a farmer slurry tank. Unlike other systems, slurry tankers do not require a separate pump for spreading. Effluent is collected by vacuum and discharged through pressure, so your farming tankers can process heavier, thicker concentrations without pump failures. This significantly reduces maintenance and operating costs.
Tankers are also better in terms of labour. One operator and a tractor are all that is required, making this approach much more accessible to farms of all sizes. Since they don’t require electricity and run on surprisingly low horsepower, tankers are an excellent contingency plan, especially when power is not available. Another advantage is mobility: tankers can spread nutrients across paddocks that fixed systems cannot reach, making them suitable for multi-farm operations. Some farmers even contract out their tankers to neighbours, creating an extra revenue stream.
Versatility is one of the greatest advantages of slurry tankers. They are ideal for emptying effluent ponds as well as slatted floor barns with catchment areas. Since they are not pump-driven, tankers are capable of handling effluent with high solid concentrations, avoiding the risk of pump burnout.
With a tanker, there are no pipe or hose limitations. You can simply fill the slurry tank and take nutrients exactly where they are needed, supporting cow rotation and maximising the nutritional value of pasture across the farm. Many operators also find their tankers useful for secondary tasks, such as cleaning water troughs, which improves hygiene and animal health. In this way, tankers prove their worth well beyond effluent dispersion.
Nevada’s tankers with RainWave™ applicators make it easier than ever to remain council-compliant. Regulatory issues typically arise when effluent enters waterways or spreads beyond boundary lines. With farming tankers and a RainWave™ system, you can easily control application rates, spreading evenly without the risk of overrun.
Tankers allow you to spread little and often. This flexibility ensures that spreading aligns with weather and ground conditions, preventing ponding or run-off. RainWave™ applicators also use low pressure, producing larger droplets that reduce wind drift and volatilisation. This means nutrients are absorbed into the soil more effectively, supporting compliance while improving plant uptake.
One of the frustrations with traditional irrigators is their limited range, often confined to straight lines. Tankers, however, give farmers the freedom to spread nutrients in oddly shaped paddocks and hard-to-reach areas. By offering precision application, you can prevent nutrients from being wasted in places they don’t belong, such as roadways or neighbouring properties.
Having the ability to manoeuvre into challenging spaces is not only practical but also ensures better environmental responsibility. With a RainWave™ system fitted, you can access precise control, which enables you to stay compliant while nourishing every corner of your land.
Time is one of the most valuable resources on any farm. Farming tankers are known for their efficiency, often performing faster than expected. In fact, some contractors using modern machines report outperforming pumping systems, especially when dealing with smaller, regular spreading tasks.
Minimal set-up is another advantage. There are no complex hoses or pumps to manage, which reduces mess and saves valuable time. Farmers can spread as little or as much as needed, depending on conditions, with RainWave™ applicators ensuring nutrients reach the soil without excessive volatilisation. This flexibility enables farmers to maintain productivity without lengthy delays, making this approach one of the most practical investments for day-to-day farm management.
For farmers seeking a balance of cost effectiveness, versatility, compliance, reach, and efficiency, slurry tankers deliver across the board. Whether operating a slurry tanker for heavier loads or as part of a fleet designed for flexible spreading, these machines give you more control and confidence for your effluent management.
If you want to learn more about how you can transform effluent management on your farm, we can help. Nevada offers a comprehensive range of slurry tankers and applicators specifically designed for New Zealand conditions. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover the right tanker solution for your property.
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