| 71 Barn designs prove a game-changer Numat director and general manager Jacob Judd says the focus has been on solving real problems. Timber composting barn Kaituna. Kelly Deeks Numat is helping New Zealand dairy farmers tackle the challenges of wet winters, hot summers, and rising compliance costs with its latest barn designs proving a game-changer for off-paddock systems. Numat director and general manager Jacob Judd says the focus has been on solving real problems for farmers. “There was frustration around the cost and practicality of traditional structures,” he says. “We’ve partnered with Prolam in Motueka to rethink how these barns can be built more cost effective, faster, and more durable, while keeping cows comfortable.” Numat’s timber-framed design uses H5 poles, H3 treated purlins, and locally made Glulam LVL rafters, creating a warmer, softer environment than steel alternatives. The system manages heavy moisture loads efficiently, giving farmers a practical solution that doesn’t compromise on durability or cow welfare. A standout project at Carterton’s Bosch farm shows the impact. The 250-cow hybrid barn, built in just three months, reduced pasture damage by 30% during winter rains and provided a dry, stress-free space for calving. The benefits were immediate and on the first morning, not a single cow was standing, they were all lying down. The barn’s layout features a central loafing and compost area, with feed on both sides, supporting consistent nutrition and better production outcomes. With a mono-pitch roof and heavy-duty mesh curtains, it delivers cost savings without compromising function. Total build costs were circa $350k, including concrete aprons, and installation. On a larger scale, Willesden Farms in Banks Peninsula has turned 300 hectares into a dairy operation, milking 700 cows, with a composting barn at its core. The 185m-long by 31m-wide barn houses 550 cows comfortably and feeds up to 1,000 during wet or hot weather, reducing stress and protecting pasture. For the farm owner and its manager, this is a formula for viability, and a practical solution for challenging land. Willesden’s model shows that dairy conversions work when paired with systems that protect assets long-term, turning compliance pressures into straightforward advantages. The barn allows wintering without soil damage and shelters herds year-round during extreme weather. The timber frame is up to 20% more cost-effective than steel and handles effluent-heavy conditions without corroding. RURAL SERVICES » NumatAGRI 0800 252 002 info@pbinz.com pbisolar.com/solar-heat-pump-hot-water-systems/ S O L A R Worlds First Purely Solar, Off Grid On Grid Hot Water System Solar ACDC’s solar heat pump hot water systems use air-source heat pump technology and solar power to deliver efficient hot water year-round while reducing electricity use. Each unit features a 270-litre tank, heats to 70 °C, and includes a 240 V AC backup element. It can also operate without AC power, heating water during the day and switching off at night—ideal for lowering energy bills or protecting off-grid battery systems. Solar Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Animal welfare is a key advantage. Cows are protected from heat stress, and wet conditions, reducing lameness and improving overall health. It has transformed herd comfort and daily routines, with easier calving, simpler feed management, and pasture protected for the long term. Environmental sustainability is a major driver. By capturing effluent in the composting beds, the barn reduces nitrogen leaching and methane emissions. Numat launched a construction division in 2022, extending its innovation to a full suite of off-paddock solutions. From feed pads to wintering barns, the company works closely with farmers to design tailored systems that enhance efficiency, protect pasture, and boost long-term profitability. Jacob says the focus is always practical innovation. “We want solutions that work for farmers, improve animal welfare, and deliver a real return on investment. Our timber barns are just one example of how we’re doing that.” With rising environmental standards, unpredictable weather, and the ongoing drive for sustainable productivity, composting barns are becoming a critical tool in New Zealand dairy. Farmers attending Numat open days have responded enthusiastically, praising both the efficiency and comfort these barns provide. Numat’s approach demonstrates that innovation in farm infrastructure doesn’t have to be complex or expensive—it just needs to be built around the realities of modern farming.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=