30 | Glenwillow Farm investing in growth Glenwillow Farm continues to grow its Real Milk Timaru business, selling fresh raw milk directly from the farm gate and delivering throughout South Canterbury and the Mackenzie District. Kelly Deeks Strong milk prices have given Glenwillow Farm the confidence to invest in growth, with the South Canterbury dairy operation expanding cow numbers, embracing new technology, and sharpening its focus on seasonal production and its growing raw milk business. For Stuart and Andrea Weir, the stronger payout has created an opportunity to reinvest back into the farm rather than simply bank the returns. That has seen the herd increase by 50 cows to 300 this season, supported by a change in resource consent and a move away from winter milking. The transition from year round production to a seasonal system has been one of the biggest changes for the family business. Instead of winter milking, Glenwillow Farm now operates two seasonal herds, allowing more cows to be milked through the peak production period. Stuart says the move followed declining profitability from supplying winter milk. The first season brought challenges as the business adapted to a new calving pattern, but this year the operation is fully established. Glenwillow Farm continues to grow its Real Milk Timaru business, selling fresh raw milk directly from the farm gate and delivering throughout South Canterbury and the Mackenzie District. The direct to consumer business has become an important part of the operation, allowing the family to capture more value from their milk. Technology is also playing a bigger role, with Stuart and Andrea recently introducing smaXtec health monitoring boluses across the herd. The capsules monitor body temperature, rumination, activity, heat detection, and other health indicators. The system also provides early calving alerts, helping identify potential health issues before visible symptoms appear. Stuart says the investment was driven by the need to tighten the calving window and improve mating performance. “We’ve always relied on bulls, and that worked well with winter milk, but now we need better heat detection and a tighter calving spread.” The technology appealed because it provides detailed information without requiring cows to wear collars or external devices. The next generation is also becoming more RURAL PEOPLE » Glenwillow Farm involved in the business. Son Mitch returned to the farm a year ago after 10 years as a heavy diesel mechanic and is now fully involved in the daily routine. He is building his own pathway into farming through owning one of the runoff blocks that the dairy farm leases. Daughter Bella lives nearby with her husband and two preschool children and supports the operation through administration, calf rearing, and relief milking. Meanwhile environmental improvements have continued alongside production gains. During the off season, extensive riparian planting was completed by Andrea and Bella through a Fonterra incentive programme, while a further 10ha have been added to the farm’s irrigated area. 53-55 Sophia Street, Timaru admin@footes.co.nz (03) 687 2036 • Business Advisors • Tax Advice • Business Development • Accountancy Proud to support Glenwillow Contracting www.footes.co.nz Chris Heath, Peter Cockburn, Megan Baird, Peter McPherson, Dean Mitchell, Sandra Wiggins, Rebecca Patrick & Supporting Staff Inspection / Clearing of Drains, Log Fire Installations, Solar Heating Roofing and Spouting Repairs, Plumbing Maintenance, Marine Plumbing 25 MALTBY AVENUE, TIMARU Contact Us 027 703 5868 scotty@sjmitchell.co.nz www.sjmitchell.co.nz Proud to support Glenwillow Farm for 20 years. Built to Last. End of story. Civil & Specialist Works | Building Repairs & Maintenance | Hard Landscaping and Driveways New Builds, Renovations & General Building | Building Reports & Project Management The business also carries out a small amount of silage contracting through a partnership with fellow contractor Paul Talbot. For Stuart, every investment comes back to building a more efficient, sustainable business. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the farm, look after the cows, and make sure the business is well placed for the future.”
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