18 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Dairy Holdings Ltd Making greener pastures. Oxford Ag Proudly supports Dairy Holdings Ltd FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT: OPERATIONS MANAGER - JASON SKURR / ALAN NEILL 021 275 2432 TRANSPORT MANAGER - SAM GILLMAN 022 327 7437 • from page 16 and soil fertility to significantly increase milk production from 14 million kg to 17.2 million kg,” says Colin. “Our enduring relationship with Dairy Holdings is testament to the value of taking a partnership approach,” says Gary Bowick, Ravensdown’s Head of Sales. “Working collaboratively with customers means we can actively pursue the goal of reducing the overall fertiliser footprint while also driving increases in productivity for New Zealand farmers and growers.” The collaborative approach between Dairy Holdings and Ravensdown extends to digital solutions as well. Each of Dairy Holding’s farms uses HawkEye software to plan, track and monitor nutrient usage, providing real-time data that informs decisionmaking. “HawkEye is a software solution that provides decision support, data recording, reporting, visualisation and comparison tools. We can order Ravensdown fertiliser directly from the farm map using a phone app, tablet or desktop computer. HawkEye’s integration with Tabula and Precision Farming integrated spreaders, allowing GPS proof of placement data to be captured accurately. HawkEye also allows us to manually enter on-farm events, helping to build a complete picture,” explains Colin. Water management represents another area where technology plays a crucial role in the Dairy Holdings’ sustainability efforts and assists what Ravensdown is helping the company to achieve in terms of nutrients. Soil sensors installed across all properties measure soil temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity under each irrigator. This technology uses historical data to constantly adjust thresholds for starting and stopping irrigation. “It results in the use of less water and electricity for irrigation. It also means less nitrogen is leached from the soil,” explains Colin. Dairy Holding’s self-contained operation - including ownership of 20 dairy support properties for wintering cows and raising young stock - further enhances its sustainability credentials by reducing biosecurity risks and providing consistency in livestock development. For Colin, the company’s success demonstrates that environmental stewardship and commercial performance can go hand-in-hand. “Ensuring the long-term sustainable future of a farming operation requires a dedicated focus on the inputs of today,” says Colin. “Working with Ravensdown and making the most of all the know-how, science, data and technology available makes a tangible difference to farm performance.” As New Zealand’s agricultural sector continues to face environmental scrutiny, he hopes that Dairy Holdings’ approach offers a compelling case study in how large-scale dairy farming can reduce its environmental impact while maintaining profitability and productivity. SIMMENTALS Enquiries: Tararua Breeding Centre – 06 376 4955 o ce@tararuabreedingcentre.co.nz Tony Thompson: glenanthony1@yahoo.co.nz Dairy Xbred: Sired by G.A. Y-arta DAIRY FARMERS: Simmental NZ Data April 2025 GLEN ANTHONY Y-ARTA: • 5th Best in NZ for Birthweight • 2nd Best in NZ for Calving Ease • The Best in NZ for Gestation Length Use GLEN ANTHONY Y-ARTA This Season. Semen Available Tararua Breeding Centre
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