36 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Mangorewa Pastures A big leap forward in their dairy career Richard Loader Past Share Farmers of the Year Kevin and Nicole Oppert are set to take a significant leap forward in their dairy career, transitioning from contract milkers to equity partners with Don and Andrea Hammond. “The aim for us would have been to go share milking, but we will step into the equity partnership for stability as our kids are settled here in school,” says Nicole. “It’s a great opportunity and it’s all fallen into place.” Located in Ngawaro, situated between Rotorua and Tauranga, the couple milk a 750 crossbred herd through a 60-bail rotary shed. It is equipped with Protrack, ACRs, in shed feeding and auto teat spraying. In their inaugural season, they have navigated numerous challenges, becoming the first contract milkers on this particular property. Strategic management has been key to their success, with a focus on maximising feed utilisation and genetic advancement of the herd. One of their most notable accomplishments has been dramatically improving the herd’s reproductive performance. By implementing a new mating strategy, they increased the six-week in-calf rate from 63% to 70%. “We put CIDRS strategically into 70 non-cycling 4-8 year olds,” says Kevin. “Then we also brought calving forward by seven days to obtain more days in milk. We did a synchro plan so anything that cycled ten days before the planned start day of mating we gave a PG shot so they could come on within the first week of mating. We didn’t use bulls on farm to reduce mating by one week and instead used cow manager for AI. We used no tail paint, just purely went on Cow Manager. Next year we will watch our non-cycling cows as they head into mating and make strategic decisions around CIDRS and the PG programme. A better rate will come with time on the farm and doing things even better. The aim is to get an 80% six-week in-calf rate within the next few years.” The Opperts are aiming to reduce bobby calves and already put Charolais genetics over the bottom 20% of the herd. They are exploring options for rearing calves to 100kgs themselves. Feed management has been another major focus. The farm is a rolling contour ex forestry conversion block so another challenge has been establishing and improving pasture. With good rainfall since 1 January, the Opperts maintained grass growth through strategic supplementary feeding. They implemented a nuanced approach, using in-shed feeding strategically and ensuring cows had hit target residuals. The proof is in the pudding and the farm is on target for record production of 320,000 kilograms of milk solids. One of their most notable accomplishments has been dramatically improving the herd’s reproductive performance. “We are 450m above sea level so our spring flush took a bit longer to take off as it’s a bit colder up here and didn’t come till November. So we had a 30 day feed gap and had to supplementary feed in the paddock as well to get good production out of the cows. At the moment we are also feeding maize in the paddock as well as in-shed feeding to go into autumn and winter achieving target pasture covers.” Kevin and Nicole both take a hands on approach to their farming business. Nicole manages the administrative side of the business handling bookwork, rosters, and calf rearing, while also overseeing a nearby support block of 91 hectares. The couple, parents to eight-year-old Kaleb and six-year-old Kaitlin, are supported by three full-time staff members. 0274 990 886 | josephsearthmoving@xtra.co.nz | josephsearthmoving.co.nz Expert earthmoving services in Rotorua & Bay of Plenty. Equipped with bobcats, diggers, trucks, and more for any project. Contact us for your next job! WATER SOLUTIONS YOUR SPECIALISTS IN RURALWATER (07) 573 5370 | office@watersolutions.co.nz | watersolutions.co.nz Providing initial design to installation and maintenance. PUMPS FILTRATION IRRIGATION FROST PROTECTION TANKS TRENCHING PIPES & FITTINGS RETICULATION SPAS & POOLS DAIRY SHEDS
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