NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

| 5 nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Burmeister Farm: Mike & Heather Burmeister rural community weathers storm ness and business growth awards, along with a study trip to tour Fonterra’s markets through Brazil and Chile. The couple are also former regional sharemilkers of the year. They have long appreci- ated the importance of getting the fundamentals right. A great team culture is fostered on the farm, which employs seven Kiwi staff, all committed to high standards of animal welfare. There is also a strong focus on using water and land as sustain- ably as possible. This is nothing new: a decade ago they were part of a three-year DairyLink trial aimed at reducing nutrient leaching while still boosting profitability. “A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then! We’re now milking 3-in-2 (3 milkings in 2 days - 25 per cent fewer milkings than TAD) for most of the season. It equates to 420,000 fewer kilometres for the cows to walk so there’s that animal welfare benefit, plus we’re using six million litres less water through the cowshed and freeing up a thousand hours of labour for other work on farm.” A new cowshed, built in 2004, has an effluent water recycling system – “we recycle 20 million litres of water a year just for washing the yards.” Soil moisture probes have also been installed to help ensure water is being used efficiently. Now in its first full season, the benefits are already being seen. Mike says they can now irrigate much more accurately to avoid any unnecessary wastage. “Repeatability and sustainability is the essence of our business today. We always strive to achieve financial sustainability, as well as sustainability around people, animals and the environment.” Heather and Mike enjoy contributing to their local community. Heather organises a monthly ‘loaves and fishes’ meal for senior citizens at a local church and, as part of last year’s irrigation upgrade, the couple had a fire hydrant installed that is now avail- able for use by the rural fire service in their area. “We’re now milking 3-in-2 (3 milkings in 2 days – 25 per cent fewer milkings than TAD) for most of the season. It equates to 420,000 fewer kilometres for the cows to walk so there’s that animal welfare benefit, plus we’re using six million litres less water through the cowshed and freeing up a thousand hours of labour for other work on farm.” Photos: Using green water for flood wash – 20 million litres of water is recycled yearly. One of 3 pivots on the Burmeister farm A total of 220ha is irrigated with pivots and long laterals. Behind the pivot is one of two QEII reserves on the dairy farm. • Silage • Hay • Maize • Direct Drilling • Balage • General Cartage • Cultivation Proud to support Mike & Heather Burmeister “adding value to your business” 12 Noel Rodgers, Place PO Box 215, Palmerston North Ph: 06 354 7164 | Fax: 06 354 1992 www.transag.co.nz Your Farm Machinery Specialists TransAgCentre AGRICULTURE ... and proud of it (2014) Ltd. Hawera: (06) 278 5119 New Plymouth: (06) 758 2274 For all your Rural Transport needs 027 688 2081 • o r ders@bealetrucking.co.nz “For the real deal call Beale”