38 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Oraka Farms The McKenzies are presently shifting stock around for a more even spread over the dairy platform and are applying for consent to build a wintering barn for each dairy shed. year and use them as their mating bulls as well as leasing some out as yearlings. By constantly monitoring stock right through from birth until they’re into the dairy herd and raising their own bulls Blair says this gives them great control of their stock and business. To diversify they produce beef cattle from the dairy cows each year for extra cashflow and this strategy also provides Hereford bulls to remain in line with the family’s mating strategy. Using the Hereford bulls replaces any need for mating intervention so they do not have to use CIDRs. Environmental regulatory changes are at the forefront of the family’s mind to future proof their business and Blair says they prefer to take a proactive approach. They are presently shifting stock around to spread it more evenly over the dairy platform and applying for consent to build a wintering barn for each dairy shed, which Blair believes will have huge flow on benefits. “It will give us the ability to not need to winter crop on the dairy farm any more and therefore the ability to make better decisions as some parts are not suited for cropping. It will give somewhere for the stock to stand off in wet weather protecting pasture. We will put early calvers in the shed as well as house colostrum cows and calve all cows inside. It will give us the ability to put milkers in there in the shoulders of the season and during rough weather so they can be fed in there and keep better condition,” explains Blair. Other benefits he cites include improved ability to capture and utilised effluent, staff needing to spend less time milking in the shed and growing better grass. The farm’s people are another big focus. The family has put a lot of time into improving work conditions and attracting the right staff then retaining them in their business. For example they assist overseas workers to work in their business by taking care of all the tricky aspects of visa application. Their longest serving staff members – 11 and 10 years – have just both had their application for New Wintering barn ‘will have huge flow-on benefits’ • from page 40 Zealand residency approved. The McKenzies also pay for training if this is something staff wants to pursue. “The lead has to come from them as some are career driven to move forward while other people are happy with a steady job and a house to live in,” says Blair. This has seen the family also place a big focus on providing great accommodation, building four new homes in the past five years. This means each staff member has their own house that is warm, dry and comfortable to live in. The McKenzies do regular inspections to ensure any repairs are identified and taken care of quickly. “Our philosophy is that if we look after our staff, they will look after the cows and the cows will look after us.” Woodlands 03 2313 237 Kapuka 03 2395 854 Tokanui 03 2468 737 www.kapukaheenans.co.nz Southland Farm Services 85 Bill Richardson Drive PO Box 1256 Invercargill Phone: (03) 214 3136 office@southlandfarmservices.co.nz www.southlandfarmservices.co.nz Phone 03 231 3315 • Andrew 021 177 4241 o ce@dougsengineering.co.nz PH ASAP TO LOCK IN YOUR WINTER MAINTENANCE • Repair and modification of all farm implements • Sturdy round bale feeders • Hydraulic hose repairs • Dairy shed pipework • Rotary platform improvements and maintenance • Milling of wear strips (over 10 years milling experience) • Centre poles, electric glands, water glands The Southland Engineers You Need Specialising in all Agricultural Engineering, including: Drain Cleaning • Novaflow & Tile Cleaning • Culverts • Drain Locations • Repair & Maintaining Drains • Waterblasting Waterlines & Waterline Locations • Cowshed Drains Proudly supporting Oraka Farms and the McKenzie family 027 226 5019 Your hole is our goal!
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