8 | DAIRY PEOPLE » Chris and Pauline Prattley Shelter for the yearling heifers is key Having first built two herd homes, it wasn’t long after they were completed that the couple knew they wanted a third. Sue Russell Since Rural South last spoke with Chris and Pauline Prattley who own and operate a farm near Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury in 2021, some significant developments have happened. The couple’s 196ha farm is home to 750 cows, of which 200 are registered pedigree Ayrshires. The farm is also home to three herd homes, two constructed 4 years ago and the other 3 years ago. “We had been looking a good while at cow shelter options and talked with other farmers about their experiences. With regulations coming in about pugging and the welfare of cows we thought it was best to invest and be prepared.” A meeting with the Herd Homes agent at Field Days near Hamilton provided Chris and Pauline with the opportunity to see the infrastructure in action. Having first built two herd homes, it wasn’t long after they were completed that the couple knew they wanted a third, as a shelter for the yearling heifers about to transition to puberty. The Prattley’s understand that the extreme heat can cause animal health and milk production challenges. “We had some cows lose their embryos. They can handle the heat in the day but it has to cool down at night for them to cope the next day.” The three sheds are next to each other and provide animal management options, particularly if the farm encounters a wet period. The property has deep drains which flow into Lake Ellesmere. “We’re very conscious of what is leaving the farm. It has very heavy soils and had been using Turbo N but felt we needed to go further. We’d get a response but not the expected lift in feed.” Through accessing a farm sustainability grant available to farms with a2a2 cows, the Prattley’s had used this to engage an agronomist which they say has been very valuable. “He’s looking at root depth and soil structure in much more detail and advising us on fertilisers. What we’re doing now is applying more of a Folia fertiliser using a tow-fert spreader we bought. We’re also adding a mix of fish fertiliser, minerals and biological products, so its quite exciting to see how the pasture responds,” says Pauline. As a result of these changes the farm has grown better grass this autumn, the cows are looking in good condition and the milk production is positive. The Prattley’s supply Synlait, who offer a premium for a2a2 milk. Asked how the connection with Ayrshires started, Pauline says many years ago they milked for a couple who had an Ayrshire herd, and just fell in love with the breed. “When we were sharemilkers for Tasman Agriculture Ltd, we purchased our first heifers from the couple and the numbers have grown to 200.” One challenge has been the availability of a2 semen to put over the cows. The Prattley’s source Viking Red Semen.` “Our calving window is 12 weeks. Ayrshires are very good calvers and we seldom have to give any assistance.” These days, the Prattley’s engage a couple as sharemilkers. “Gordon went to Lincoln University and its very good to have someone with sound technical skills.” Chris and Pauline look after the young stock and Pauline also takes care of the administration. Two support blocks, of 24ha and 54ha provide options for young stock and growing crops and the farm’s rotary shed works well. Looking ahead the Ayrshire Conference to be held on 17 April in Dunedin is something the couple FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz are looking forward to. “It will give us a chance to see some Ayrshire herds in the district.” Last winter Chris and Pauline attended the world Ayrshire Conference in the UK and they plan to attend the next one to be held in Sweden in 2028.
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