| 7 nzdairy The farm’s performance has lifted significantly Richard Loader Aaron Frazer has already made changes in his first season as farm manager for Pouarua A, which have seen the farm’s performance lift significantly. Located on the Hauraki Plains just outside Ngatea, Pouarua A is part of an iwi-owned enterprise representing Ngati Maru, Ngati Paoa, Ngati Tamatera, Ngati Tara Tokanui and Te Patukirikiri. The business is managed with a long-term perspective of sustaining the whenua. Pouarua A comprises 213-hectares effective milking 600 crossbred cows through a 54-bail rotary milking shed equipped Waikato Milking Systems technology, automatic cup removers and Protrack automatic drafting. The farm supplies 100% A2 milk to Synlait. Technology has played a pivotal role in Aaron’s management approach. Allflex collars monitor cow rumination and Halo systems track water, milk and effluent. The unique challenges of farming on peat soil have required adaptability. “The peat soil is very different from what I’ve been used to,” explains Aaron. “It’s been a bit of a learning curve in terms of how it behaves and how the grass grows on it. Peat is very moisture dependent and you can get in a feast or famine situation quite quickly.” To mitigate these challenges, Pouarua have rigorous pasture management techniques. Ten-day pasture walks monitor growth rates and covers, ensuring optimal grass quality and cow nutrition. Strategic grazing management, including round speed topping and silage production, has been crucial in maintaining high-quality feed. His most significant achievements this season include a big improvement in reproductive performance. The six-week in-calf rate is 78%, an increase from the previous season, while the empty rate dropped to just 8%. To achieve this focusing on cow health has been key. Farming is a family affair for Aaron with his wife Nikki supports the operation, helping with calf rearing and currently exploring relief milking opportunities off farm. Three of their children are already establishing careers in agriculture: Harley, 21, in a management role; Lane, 19, working on a sheep and beef farm; and Lincoln, 17, working as a full-time farm assistant. DAIRY PEOPLE » Aaron Frazer The six-week in-calf rate is 78%, an increase from the previous season, while the empty rate dropped to just 8%. M: 0274 954 037 | E: barksdigs@xtra.co.nz Steve Barker LtdDigger Contractor - Ngatea HAURAKI PLAINS MOTORS LTD For all new and used farm machinery 1 Pipiroa Road, NGATEA - Ph. 07 867 7021 e: admin@hpmotors.co.nz www.haurakiplainsmotors.co.nz Miles Shelley 027 227 1121 Michael Duffin 027 440 4681 “It’s been a bit of a learning curve in terms of how it behaves and how the grass grows on it. Peat is very moisture dependent and you can get in a feast or famine situation quite quickly.” PROUD TO SUPPORT POUARUA FARMS Aaron is aiming to continue to build on the better condition of the cows and further increase production as well as improving the farm’s infrastructure.
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