NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

80 | nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Martin Dairies New rotary shed Karen Phelps A new 70-bail rotary DeLaval shed has seen Martin Dairies combine two properties near Morrinsville into one large unit. When a neighbouring property was purchased in 2015 it paved the way for the Martin family to milk 950 cows over the two properties. Combined with another neighbouring farm they own, the family is now milking 1200-1250 cows over the properties with a combined milking platform of 307ha effective. Shane Martin grew up on a dairy farm nearby and his career saw him relief milking around the district and working as a fencer, builder and on a drystock farm, before becoming the third genera- tion to farm the units he and wife Melanie are now operating on a day to day basis. Shane says that the new cow shed has been a big help in managing the large dairy operation, where the herd is milked year round with split calving. After a run in with a bull, cow sensors were purchased that have further increased ef- ficiencies. “He was stuck in the fence and I was trying to get him out and he decided to go for me. So as bulls and I don’t like each other much now I de- cided to sell all the bulls and beef stock and used the money to invest in CowManager sensors,” says Shane. The system gives real-time insights into the fertility, health, nutrition, and location of the cows helping farmers to work more efficiently, save medical expenses and increase the general health and productivity. “For example, this morning I woke up and it said I had a sick cow running a high tempera- ture. She got drafted to the side and I’ve already treated her. “It means I have control of my cows without being so hands on and allows me to get on top of any animal health issues quickly,” he says. The shed also comes equipped with milk me- ters, conductivity reader and of course automatic cup removers. One unique feature is a hydraulic platform that can be adjusted to suit the height of the milking operator, a necessary addition as Shane is six feet tall and his staff members range down to five feet. The farms are supported by a 177ha drystock block located 7kms away that is used for young stock and drying cows off. Around 800 tonnes of maize is grown and 600 tonnes bought in along with 1500 tonnes of palm kernel. They also make grass silage, this year around 700 tonnes of bulk pit silage and 400 bales. There is an in-shed feeding system and the farms’ have three herd homes with plans to build another. They are used in hot weather to prevent heat stress and during wet weather to prevent pasture damage and protect animal health as well as make winter calving easier. Shane and Melanie are starting to buy into the business, which is owned by Shane’s parents Peter and Karen. The next generation is already showing signs of being keen to take over the family business one day. Son Olly, 5, can already teat spray 250 cows and get the herd in for dad. The couple also have two daughters: Carly, 3 and Adelene, 1. “He was stuck in the fence and I was trying to get him out and he decided to go for me. So as bulls and I don’t like each other much now I decided to sell all the bulls and beef stock and used the money to invest in CowManager sensors.” 24 Hour Service - 7 Days PROUD TO SUPPORT MARTIN DAIRIES Phone 07 889 0598 (Morrinsville) 07 888 8051(Matamata) Email service@mcgregorsfarmservices.co.nz 9 Ron Ladd Place, Morrinsville 3300 Proud to be a service provider for Mar�n Dairies Ph 07 889 5693 Ph 07 888 8245 24 Hour Service www.electrico.co.nz • New Cowsheds & Addi�ons • Milk Flow Controls • Implement Shed Wiring • Water & Effluent Pump Controls • Variable Speed Drives • Pump & Motor Repairs • New Homes & Altera�ons • Commercial Installa�on • Industrial Peter Martin, Shane and Ollie (5) take a break from milking in the new DeLaval rotary shed.