34 | Huge growth over the past three seasons Under the management of contract milker Chaminda ‘Chum’ Wijesooriya, the farm has achieved huge growth. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Woodleigh Farm Trust An irrigation upgrade at Masterton’s Woodleigh Farm Trust has been instrumental in driving production figures and future proofing the farm. Under the management of contract milker Chaminda ‘Chum’ Wijesooriya, the farm has achieved huge growth over the past three seasons, with irrigation playing a pivotal role in supporting an expanding herd and increased milk production. The 2024/25 season saw the farm produce 350,947kgMS with 720 cows, the farm’s best production ever. “The farm was running two pivot irrigation with water consent,” says Chaminda. “Then we got another brand-new pivot last season to cover nearly 80ha. We got water for this pivot from the run-off. Bay Irrigation has done a great job for us. BC Contracting also contributed to the irrigation projects.” In February 2025, Ordish and Stevens supplied and installed 13 hectares of K Line irrigation for the farm. This season irrigation will be installed on a further 22 hectares. With 60% of the 250-hectare milking platform now covered by pivot irrigation, the system has helped increase grass growth for the growing herd and also helped provide resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. “It’s made a big difference to our grass production and helped us to navigate dry periods better,” explains Chaminda. “It’s helped us increase production. Last season we did 470kgMS per cow compared with 450kgMS the season before.” Chaminda is now in his fourth season contract milking for Cameron, Duncan and Andrea Stuart. When he started in 2022/23, the farm had a herd of 650 cows and produced 300,000kgMS. The following season saw the herd expand by 50 cows, with production reaching 320,000kgMS, exceeding targets by 6%. This season Chaminda has set a target of 365,000kgMS, equating to 500kgMS per cow. He plans to achieve this through focusing on cow nutrition and grass management, with the irrigation system assisting consistent pasture growth. To support the expansion an additional 50 hectares has also been leased, bringing the total milking platform to its current 250 hectares. The farm now runs 750 cows, though disease management saw numbers reduced to 720 after approximately 30 cows were lost to Johne’s disease. Herd and blood tests helped identify and cull affected animals, with ongoing monitoring ensuring the situation remains under control. Chaminda says the irrigation system has enabled more strategic feed management, allowing the farm to maintain optimal cow condition throughout the season. Light cows join heifers on a 10-milkingsper-week schedule after calving, rather than the standard 14 per week. “This will help them keep condition,” says Chaminda. “Although the heifers are producing well, we want to support their frames while they are small.” With impressive statistics including a 9% empty rate and 74% six-week in-calf rate, Specialist suppliers of irriga�on equipment Pivots and laterals Variable rate irriga�on for pivots and laterals Hoses & accessories Couplings & fi�ngs Hard hose irrigators Pumps and motor pumps Generator sets Engine protec�on Rain guns and booms Intelligent controls for all irriga�on machines 0800 65 55 45 www.bayirriga�on.co.nz 15 Barnes Place, Has�ngs Intelligent, dependable irriga�on systems that last Chaminda credits his three long-term permanent staff members as key factors in the farm’s success. “We all work as a team and I am lucky to have some great people working here. Their knowledge and skills are invaluable.” He aims to help staff increase their knowledge and experience and encourages them to pursue Primary ITO courses. Currently staff are completing level three and four courses. Chaminda’s wife Thilanka is also an important part of the operation. “During calving season she makes sure the staff are fed on time and their wellbeing is looked after. When it comes to hiring, she always helps to find the right person for the job and ensures the staff and their families are well cared for. Even with two young kids and a full-time job as a banker, she still keeps the business administration running smoothly. Her support keeps everything together.” Chaminda has his sights set on a 50:50 share- milking position on the farm, with discussions already underway with the owners. “Maybe in three years’ time I will be ready. The industry has presented some great opportunities and I love working for Woodleigh Farm Trust; they’ve been very good employers.”
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