Ministers considering Southland Advisory Group report on winter grazing “Intensive winter grazing is a high-risk activity with regards to freshwater health,” Environment Minister David Parker said.Devdiscourse News Desk | Wellington | Updated: 16-12-2020 08:50 IST | Created: 16-12-2020 08:50 IST Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said while most farmers had moved to improve their wintering practices, the reality is that the increase has had a significant impact. Image Credit: Pixabay Ministers David Parker and Damien O'Connor are considering a report and recommendations from the Southland Advisory Group on intensive winter grazing, released today. New intensive winter grazing regulations come into force in May 2021 as part of the Essential Freshwater package. That package was delivered to stop further degradation of waterways, make a material improvement in freshwater quality within five years, and restore waterways to health within a generation.