NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

54 | nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Earnslaw Pamu Organic milk demand drives conversion Karen helps A desire to reduce environmental footprint as well as capitalise on the growing demand for organic milk has led Pamu to convert some of its farms to large scale organic dairy farming. The first was Earnslaw Organic Farm and accord- ing to farm manager Glenn Edwards it’s been a resounding success. “It was definitely a bold direction to take but it’s done really well,” he says citing the fact the farm was the fifth highest performing last year in the Pamu pastoral complex in Taupo comprising 19 farms. Located on State Highway 5 less than 15 min- utes from Taupo the 340ha farm peak milks 780 cows through a 54-bale rotary shed and rears re- placements for Earnslaw and two other Pamu farms – Tasman and Tutoko – on the 335ha runoff. The conversion process to organic was started in 2016 and by 2019 the farm was fully certified. Positive results have included eliminating the need to use urea, halving N leaching, reducing use of antibiotics with somatic cell counts typically around 200 and ability to reduce the stocking rate. One hundred cows have been dropped out of the system yet production is 2% higher currently than last season. It’s also been quite a journey for Glenn, who prior to taking the position on Earnslaw had always farmed traditionally. “If you’d told me five years ago I’d be farming organically I wouldn’t have believed you,” he says with a laugh. “My perspective has changed and I’ve seen a lot of quality farmers and farms that are organic.” Glenn admits that he struggled with concepts such as using homeopathics to treat animals but after trialling this, and other organic methods, couldn’t argue with the fact they worked. “For example we’ve found homeopathic ignatia has really made the heifers a lot calmer. You have to find what works for your herd and farm – some things do and some don’t.” He says a key is being proactive about animal health “because you don’t have all the conven- tional levers”. For example to control mastitis the Earnslaw shed uses Protrack’s somatic cell count bale sensors on every fourth bale, that allows Glenn to monitor somatic cells in real time so he can act early. Cows are usually tested once every 10 days with the device and treated with appropriate homeopathics. Simple systems also work well. The farm tail paints cow’s, AIs and finishes mating with bulls and last year had a 7% empty rate and a 76% six week in-calf rate, which Glenn hopes to replicate or better this year. Other organic methods utilised include using certified reactive phosphate rock and chicken ‘nuggets’ of chicken poo. Weeds are manually removed, though some organic spray is used. Good staff is another essential ingredient in the mix. “We need staff that are in tune with the animals and have good stock skills. We also rely on a good relationship with our vet.” Glenn is currently exploring the best pasture spe- cies mix for the farm and is presently trialling a mix of different species. He is also experimenting with grazing styles including trial paddocks where the top third will be grazed, a third trampled in to put organic matter back into the ground and a third left behind. With the success of Earnslaw, of organic baby formula in the China market and rapid take up of • to page 55 Cows graze contentedly at Earnslaw Organic Farm with Mount Tauhara in the background P 07 333 8259 M 021 593 163 E mierscontractors@farmside.co.nz 198 Butcher Road, RD2, Reporoa AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Miers Contractors (1995) Ltd • Harvesting • Cultivation • Supplements for sale & supply • Undersowing (all pastures & crops) • Earth moving • Truck cartage • Balage & Hay • Effluent Management Proud to support Earnslaw - Pamu Profile your business with the NZ Dairy Publication