32 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Mayflower Organic Dairy Organic farming the way forward for Casper Sue Russell Casper Meyer has been working on PAMU (formerly Landcorp) farms for 16 years and for the last 3 years, as Manager on Mayflower Organic Dairy Unit, 15 km from Taupo. Mayflower Dairy is part of a network of PAMU owned or leased farms that make up the Wairaki Estate. When the opportunity came up to apply for the role Casper says it was the nature of the farming that was most appealing. “I had always wanted to be on an organic farm and to be involved in the process of converting a mainstream dairy unit into a certified organic farm.” Infact organics was a big of a ‘no-brainer’ giving Casper the chance to move away from conventional animal and land management practices into ways that would, he feels, bring lasting benefits, for animals, people and the environment. With so many environmental compliances bearing down on dairying practice, Casper says converting to an organic approach, if properly researched and planned, can really bring immense gains. “Especially when it comes to animal health, or approach these days is not about treatment for conditions but prevention of. When animals are boosted to be naturally as healthy as they can then they are in a much better place to keep their condition and produce.” Casper says the decision to convert to organics was prudent, given traditional farming approaches would have pushed the N leaching rate above permitted levels. The steps to convert were directed by the standards and pathways developed by Assure Quality. For the first two years the focus was on converting the land by discontinuing use of chemicals and synthetic fertilisers. Chicken compost was applied to reduce Nitrate levels and after two years the land was accredited as organic and attention turned to organic animal management systems. And with an eye to the cost of using preventative remedies on stock balanced with demand and price for organic milk Casper says once fully accredited, which is expected to happen this year, the cost of production per kilo/MS will work out well. The decision to go hard and fast and pull the pin on the use of modern medicines forced Casper and the team to concentrate on what they are doing to get the full organic system in place. “When you are accredited you can’t make any mistakes. We feel now that we have made the right decision and are more confident.” Casper says today he is well-versed on what to do and what not to do. Feeding the cows really well is top priority, so that they naturally maintain good health. “Well fed cows handle stress better, so we increased pasture cover and gave them plenty of opportunities to eat their fill.” And in other ways, the organic approach has brought benefits. Mating performance in particular has been enhanced. “From the very first year our six week incalf results were above 70%. We also concentrate on the mineral levels of the cows and we’re getting a lot less milk fever coming through.” Patience too comes into the mix, when cows suffer lameness for instance. They are given plenty of time to rest and naturally come right which increases the time from traditionally 3 to 4 days with intervention to 15 days. “Experience has become a very big factor in this business. You have to rely on all your staff knowing what they are doing. There’s no room for error and there’s no cruising.” Mayflower Organic Dairy is home to between 660 – 700 cows. The 294 ha effective property also has 30ha lucerne. The emphasis is on cultivating a mix of natural grasses. Pasture is kept clipped to retain its vegetative state. Three other staff work on the farm and the milk is processed by Fonterra. ““From the very first year our six week incalf results were above 70%. We also concentrate on the mineral levels of the cows and we’re getting a lot less milk fever coming through.” Chicken compost was applied to reduce Nitrate levels and after two years the land was accredited as organic. AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Miers Contractors(1995) Ltd • Harvesting • Cultivation • Supplements for sale & supply • Undersowing (all pastures & crops) • Earth moving • Truck cartage • Balage & Hay • Effluent Management 198 Butcher Road, RD2, Reporoa P 07 333 8259 | Gordy 021 593 163 | Mark 021 948 472 E mierscontractors@farmside.co.nz 16 Miro Street Taupo office@mainlandeng.co.nz • Dairy shed milking plant and water systems • General engineering for the agricultural sector • Feeding systems for herringbone and rotary sheds
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