Business South March 2021

32 | Brave new world for Westland T T from page 30 Geographically the West Coast is unique in terms of isolation, its lush pasture, the climate and the smaller breeds of cows. “Our grass growth is typically based upon rainfall,” says Richard. “Because of the high volume of rainfall the jersey cows are typically farmed on the Coast. They’re a smaller cow and easier on the pasture than the larger friesian breeds.” With three metres of annual rainfall at coast level and up to twelve metres in the hill coun- try, to this day a large proportion of Coast farms do not have irrigation. That uniqueness is also about how farming integrates with nature and a well established partnership between the ‘salt of the earth’ West Coast farmer and nature utilizing very traditional farming methods. “The isolation of the region from the rest of the country has also made Coasters more resilient with a strong independent streak. “When Fonterra was formed and many of the co-operatives around the country joined, Westland Milk Products stood on their own and for a long time did very well.” Located on the eastern edge of Hokitika township and on the road leading to Lake Kaniere, Westland Milk Products is the biggest private sector employer on the Coast with a team of 579, with another 150 in its Rolleston plant. T T to page 34 Dairy country: Westland has 3 metres of annual rainfall at coast level and up to 12m in the hill country. DAIRY INDUSTRY Westland Milk Products – Canterbury return daily – Available for general cartage/freight – Bulk fertiliser or feed – Hiab hire – Servicing the dairy industry for 15+ years ● PROCESS AUTOMATION ● INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES ● INHOUSE DESIGN AND BUILD ● DATA, COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL NETWORKS ● TURNKEY PROJECT MANAGEMENT ● REALTIME PROCESS TRACKING ● INDUSTRIAL DATABASE DEVELOPMENT Industrial Controls are proud to support Westland Milk Products Ltd Telephone 03-688-5310 Email icsc@icsc.co.nz Website ww.icsc.co.nz Locations Timaru Christchurch Rolleston iZone