32 | nzdairy • from page 31 DAIRY PEOPLE » Coshquin Farm There’s been a flow-on effect from a severe drought last summer to a challenging wet spring/summer this season. In January the herd recorded the best milk production in six years. O ce (07) 825 9870 Mace 0275 397 602 Graeme 027 451 8143 Email: admin@gcl.net.nz 525 Te Pahu Road, RD5, Hamilton Goodwright Contracting Ltd is pleased to be associated with Coshquin Farm Diggers • Bulldozer • Truck & Trailers • Tractor & Trailers • Effluent Ponds • Feed Pads Ground work • Ag Lime & Fert Cartage • All Grades of Metal • Sand Proudly Supporting Coshquin Farm FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING REQUIREMENTS Topics can cover any aspect of life on the farm and one video clip gives viewers a history of Andrew’s own working life prior to returning to the family farm. This included stints overseas working on and off farms of all forms. Asked how this season is going Andrew says there’s been a flow-on effect from a severe drought last summer to a challenging wet spring/ summer this season. “They were a little light going into calving which Isn’t ideal, but have recovered now and then with this season being so wet it has had a flow on effect with the reproduction rates which have taken a hit” Helping Andrew on the farm is his father, William, who loves having him home so he could take a step back, and is also open to the ideas of bringing technology to the herd. “The introduction of Trutest cow collars has been an absolute game changer, the accuracy of them is such a great piece of mind knowing cows are definitely cycling and there’s no 50/50 calls anymore” In January the herd recorded the best milk production in six years and when NZ Dairy spoke with Andrew he described the farm as nice and green, sitting in a good position for this point in the season. “I have grown another two hectares of maize so we have plenty of feed available.” The decision to shift to once a day milking eight seasons ago has proven to be the right one. As Andrew says, with no loss of production, why spend more time in the milking shed than you need to. “It’s not for everyone but suits our system and lifestyle perfectly. It’s great for the cows, they recover from calving faster and have very little cases of lameness.” The herd dries off at the end of May, when naturally milk production volumes reduce. “Calving goes really well with the herd and we don’t have many animal health issues to contend with.” Andrew is considering reducing the herd down from 320 to 300 and tossing up whether to grow less maize to retain more paddocks in pasture. “I think it will just work better for this farm to be feeding 300 and I’m sure I can still do the same production.” The farm has a covered feed pad a kilometre away from the dairy shed, where the top producing herd get fed, while the younger herd are on the top country which tends to dry out earlier in the summer. Andrew says he’s proud to have taken over responsibility for the operation of this historic property. “It’s great to be in a position to mark my stamp on the farm and to build on from the years of work of my father, grandfather and great grandfather. Dad’s still a great help too and the farm and herd are heading in the right direction.” Dairying goes digital for ‘Once a Day Farmer’
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