Proposed changes to the Otago Regional Council's water plan have knocked North Otago "from every side", North Otago Federated Farmers president Richard Strowger says.
Speaking at the Federated Farmers Otago annual meeting in Balclutha last week, where the changes were a main topic of discussion, Mr Strowger said there were some "huge consequences" for the district.
Otago meat and fibre section chairman Simon McAtamney encouraged farmers to take the time to understand what effects the proposed changes might have on their farming practices.
It was a "massive document filled with science", and Federated Farmers had prepared a "huge" submission in response.
It would have significant effects on sheep, beef and deer farmers as regards to permitted discharge limits in some catchments.
Farmers would especially have to take care with run-off from winter crops, starting this winter.
There might also be issues with the ORC regarding non-reticulated stock water systems, stock crossings and development work, he said.
Mr McAtamney was also concerned about the economic and social costs.
Dairy section chairman David Wilson said water plan change 6A (water quality) was a major alteration to the way farmers approached their obligations concerning water quality.
The onus was now on farmers to meet the ORC's standard and mitigate any effects on the environment.
ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead told farmers at the meeting that although he was not going to specifically discuss the water plan changes, he wanted to help them understand "the bigger picture".
Farmers were busy and did not always get a chance to keep up with the latest reports and legislative changes.
They did not often have time to think of the "drivers", where pressures were coming from and community expectations.
Community expectations, with respect to water quality, had been growing over the past "20-odd years".
As a result of intensification of land use, both rural and urban, deterioration of water quality continued to occur.
Growing recognition of that had resulted in increasing community concern and pressure.
The regulators had moved to regulate, he said.
Mr Woodhead acknowledged the very good progress landowners had made.
Many had invested time and money to improve management and environmental outcomes on their farms.
The reason for regulating was not for the water, or fish; it was "all about people".
"It's allowing the opportunity for your and my grandchildren to grow and develop their businesses and have the opportunities we had," he said.