| 17 Technology improves performance A smaXtec bolus system has had a big impact on farm systems and performance. The DeLaval 24-aside parlour has also increased efficiency. A smaXtec bolus system installed two years has had a major impact on farm systems and performance, say Hayden Lawrence who farms 151ha effective/175 total located between Eltham and Hawera milking a herd of 400 predominantly Friesian cows. It’s also had a significant impact on the health of his family with them able to head off for a two-week holiday in Australia this year while the farm manager Kenneth Babas could take care of calving. “With smaXtec a bolus is inserted in the cow that measures inside the cows’ reticulum. So unlike a collar, where you get secondary information such as counting the number of bites the cow takes, the bolus actually measures true rumination by measuring contractions. “Calving alerts tell us 24-48 hours before a RURAL PEOPLE » Hayden & Alecia Lawrence cow calves. We now draft them out and have them close to the shed on grass. It’s been better for cows, calves and management. Around 95% of cows calved in breaks around the cow shed so the technology was pretty accurate. “The farm is also 50-70% down on antibiotic use for mastitis than previously because the technology can also pick up the diseases 24 hours before it goes clinical.” Hayden stresses technology must be backed by good protocols for best result. Technology has always played a big part in how Hayden and Alicia farm to improve performance and efficiency. The other major investment they have made in technology is to build a DeLaval 24 aside parallel parlour. Once again they were one of the first to take the plunge on the system in New Zealand and say it was half the price of other options and has reduced their labour in the shed from 18 hours per day to four hours. This has been achieved through fast throughput by ensuring cow traffic runs smoothly, milking equipment performs optimally, and that milking is fast and effective. Consolidating their farm after a period of growth has seen them turn their attention to how to reduce the cost of their maize silage grown on farm. Once again they are taking a scientific approach. “We are comparing strip tillage and conventional tillage side by side to measure results over six paddocks,” explains Hayden. “On another three paddocks we are using different sowing rates to see if we can change the yield profile of the crop and reduce costs.” Hayden grew up on the farm and will be the second generation to farm the land. Hayden and Alecia split calve to gain the Fonterra winter milk premium. This season they are on target to produce around 200,000 kgMS. Their eventual target is 220,000 kgMS, which Hayden thinks is possible from further tweaking their system. “We are setting the business and farm up for the next phase with an eye to hiring a contract milker or sharemilker in the next ten years. We’re already thinking about what this would look like in terms of systems and infrastructure because when we get to that point we want to make sure its an attractive job and the farm is well set up to be a productive system.” Karen Phelps 06 278 4902 • admin@betterdairysolutions.co.nz • Milking Systems • Cooling Systems • Drafting Systems • Feed Systems • Water Pumps • Pools & Spas • Effluent Systems BETTER DAIRY SOLUTIONS SYSTEMS Home Of Office 06 278 0020 Steve Roylance 021 287 5335 Peter Laurence 027 252 2174 WilliamMoynihan 027 279 7099 CLAASHarvest Centre areproud tosupport Hayden&AleciaLawrence 027 446 0443 19a King Edward St, Eltham o ce@gernhoefercontracting.co.nz At Lloyd Gernhoefer agricultural contracting, we o er you a wide range of Agricultural services. Call Lloyd now for your 2023 season requirements. Specialising in rural services with over 20 years in the trade means you are choosing an Electrician you can trust. Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week Call Chris for all your electrical needs. (06) 272 8210 027 515 5442
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