NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

108 | nz dairy TRADE SERVICES » Chris Perrett Electrical / Dairymaster Milking Systems Cutting-edge tech Kelly Deeks Upgrading effluent and milk cooling systems two key areas • from page 107 “I have always had apprentices and I especially enjoy training them.” Upgrading effluent systems is a vital compliance activity and Chris Perrett can offer ideas, options and direction about where to go for objective information. Chris and the team also take on residential work. radius of base in Hawera. Future plans are to continue to grow as demand for his services justifies. “My plan is to have sufficient key staff to move out of being on the tools and to having greater capability to service a larger number of clients to a standard that I am proud of,” Chris says. He also has his eye set squarely toward keeping abreast of latest changes and trends in the industry. “It’s a continually evolving space and its essential we remain up to speed on how technology is changing so we can pass these benefits on to our customers.” Chris has noticed a slowing down in spending within the rural sector on large new plant projects as many farms in the area are now up to speed with compliance and with their milking technologies. “We have enjoyed two very good seasons in South Taranaki/Whanganui and I’m confident this region will continue to be an important dairying hub in New Zealand.” Upgrading effluent and milk cooling systems have been two key compliance activities that many farm- ers have had to address and Chris says where he can add value to them is to provide ideas about op- tions and where to go to get objective information. Among the nine on the tools, four staff are working through their electrical apprenticeship pathways. “I have always had apprentices and I especially enjoy training them. The hardest part has been to find good pratical young ones who want to get into the industry, who have the right attitude and are prepared to work hard to gain their qualifications. It’s an industry where there is a shortage.” There has been an increased emphasis in the on-line component to the training programme, something Chris says was already happening within the industry but has become even more important given COVID. “It’s taken a few of the guys on to computers but it was happening anyway and I see it as a good thing long-term for the sector.” Along with servicing rural customers, Chris and the team also take on residential work, including new homes along with a lot of light commercial projects. The company tends to operate within a 40km www.maclon.co.nz Maclon is pleased to support Dairymaster Milking Systems and proud to be a supplier of high quality water reticulation products. B U I L D E R S LT D New Zealand Certified Builders Association CB We provide Residential, Dairy Parlour and Farm building services with Professionalism and high quality Workmanship. D airymaster Milking Systems is all about in- novation, and is well aware technology must deliver in less work, more profit, and a better outcome on all fronts. Dairymaster Milking Systems NZ director says all Dairymaster products are designed with cutting edge technical design in the background, but are also very easy to use at the coalface. “Some of the areas we specialise in are milking equipment, cow management, effluent disposal, refrigeration, and water solutions,” he says.“In all these areas, we are trend setters and employ cut- ting edge technologies where possible.” Dairymaster milking systems are rugged and reliable with a unique difference, using 4x0 milking, technology that aims to milk as close to nature as possible. High vacuum is applied during the milking phase and low vacuum during the resting phase, just as a calf would naturally suck and release. The system milks and rests all four teats at the same time. “This considered approach allows us to use small claws, have next to no cup slip and no teat end damage using one liner every time guaranteed. “A 4x0 Dairymaster system can work at low vacuum levels and is very gentle on cows. As cows are more relaxed during milking, oxytocin release is greater resulting in quicker milkout and quiet cows. You will find heifers are no problem to milk because they are comfortable.” Dairymaster is pioneering in robotic drafting and heat detection, with thousands of drafting systems around the world. These systems combined with “Some of the areas we specialise in are milking equipment, cow management, effluent disposal, refrigeration, and water solutions. In all these areas, we are trend setters and employ cutting-edge technologies where possible.” heat detection are game changers in managing animals and reducing the amount of labour these processes require. A Dairymaster effluent system utilises low energy equipment and where possible add control systems which minimise power consumption and wear and tear. Craig says keeping systems high-tech in some areas but simple in others is the key to a long-life design where effluent is involved. Dairymaster refrigeration systems utilise low energy, 21st century technology. These systems chill using variable speed chillers, constantly moni- toring the inputs and outputs so as only the energy required is used. “Most systems we use are off peak, reducing the load on the nation’s transmission system and ensuring maximum efficiency by cool- ing when it’s cool. We always data log, so we know where the issues lie and target them.” Innovation is required even in the way farmers utilise their water, ensuring consumption is at a minimum and water pumps are matched to their duty with equipment like variable speed controllers to again minimise the impact upon the environment. Dairymaster has had a presence in New Zealand for more than 40 years, with Craig and Julie Bur- rows owning the company since 2005. Dairymaster Milking Systems NZ has since grown to 22 staff as farmers have increasingly come on board with the products and technology offered. Craig says although New Zealanders are great innovators, it’s difficult for Kiwis to compete long term with the big internationals. As an international brand, New Zealand farmers can benefit from the advanced technologies and start to finish solutions offered by Dairymaster.