24 | Progressive approach to agriculture Their initial dairy farm at Grove Bush is situated between Invercargill and Winton. A standout feature is the 640-cow free stall barn. Karen Phelps A Southland farming family’s ambitious dairy expansion showcases a progressive approach to modern agriculture, despite facing significant regulatory hurdles in their journey to establish a more environmentally conscious operation. “We’ve spent two and a half years and more than $400,000 to get the consents. It was very expensive and time consuming. We probably wouldn’t have started if we’d known how difficult it would be,” says Blake Lindsay. Since purchasing their initial dairy farm at Grove Bush in 2017, situated between Invercargill and Winton, the Lindsay family has steadily expanded their agricultural footprint to encompass 800 hectares. The original Grove Bush operation, owned by Robyn and Nelson Lindsay and managed by their sons Blake, who has a background as a mechanic, and Carl, currently supports an 850-cow mixed herd milked through a 64-bail rotary. Their latest venture at Spring Hills, located 11 kilometres from the original farm, represents a significant advancement in dairy farming practices. The property, formerly a Blue River Dairy sheep milking operation, was initially acquired as a runoff block before subsequent land acquisitions enabled its conversion to a dairy farm. “It’s exciting to set up a new system and see how much better we can do in the way we farm. A lot of the motivation with this farm was that we wanted to do things better. How can we make a better farming system, better cow health and better production?” The new Spring Hills operation, designed to accommodate 640 cows, features state-of-the-art facilities including a new twin pit 30-aside herringbone with Waikato Milking System plant from Progressive Engineering. A standout feature is the 640-cow free stall barn, available year-round, which completely eliminates winter grazing. The innovative system includes comprehensive environmental safeguards. All effluent is captured in a dedicated pond and only applied to land when conditions are suitable. Additional environmental protections include sediment traps and waterway exclusion measures. The operation’s diversity extends beyond dairy, with 155 hectares dedicated to wheat production, supplying Winton Stock Feed while retaining a portion for their dairy operations. The family also maintains silage equipment for both their own use and contracting purposes. MEAT & WOOL » Arlake
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=