74 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Davidson Engineering Davidson Engineering continues to evolve Davidson Engineering is a DeLaval agent and is now expanding its expertise into robotic milking technology. Karen Phelps For more than a century, Davidson Engineering has been a cornerstone of Dannevirke’s agricultural community and a trusted partner for local dairy farmers, offering the full range of equipment servicing and light engineering services and now eyeing an exciting future for the industry with automated milking systems improving efficiencies, profit margins, and animal welfare. Davidson Engineering originally started in 1919 and was purchased by Tony Boyden in 1990 after spending his early career at the company. Now under the management of his daughter Carla, Davidson Engineering continues to evolve while maintaining its long-standing commitment to the local dairy industry. Carla initially joined the business to manage accounts but soon found herself handling various aspects of the operation. “I’m not really in the workshop unless there’s a job that requires small fingers,” she says. “Back in the day we used to make a lot of gates and other equipment but with mass-production taking over, our focus has shifted to working with pumps and machinery, and installing and servicing all types of equipment from a single cow milker to a 60 bale rotary. Our team has remained strong throughout. Craig our dairy technician has been with us since 1983 and has invaluable knowledge of dairy sheds, and Dean our pump expert has been with us since 1989 and again has invaluable knowledge of pumps. These guys are like family, they are a huge part of our business and I couldn’t do my job without them.” Now, the third generation is stepping up. Carla’s son James, 26, is developing his expertise in dairy technology, specifically in machine testing and milking systems. Davidson Engineering is a DeLaval agent and is now expanding its expertise into robotic milking technology, specifically the DeLaval VMS Series. “These machines are the world’s most flexible milking robots, designed to optimise the milking process,” says Carla. “They adjust to each cow’s individual needs, which helps improve production and cow welfare.” The benefits of robotic milking are numerous and include increased efficiency, reduced labour costs, and improved animal health. The system allows farmers to produce more milk with lower operational costs, all while reducing water and energy consumption. “It’s an exciting time, and James is eager to dive into this new technology. As a young engineer, he understands the tech side of things, and that’s crucial as the industry moves forward.” While the future looks promising, there are some hurdles to overcome. The cost of robotic systems remains a significant barrier for many farmers. “It’s a massive investment and for many, it still feels out of reach,” Carla says. “But we’ve been around for more than 100 years, and we’ll still be here when this technology becomes more accessible.” Finding skilled workers is another ongoing challenge. “We’re always looking for staff, but it’s tough in a small town. We need people who understand the urgency of the dairy industry. When we have a break down, its not a 9-to-5 job. You could be out at 5am in the morning or 10pm at night getting a farmer back up and running.” Despite the challenges, Davidson Engineering remains a steadfast partner for local farmers. “We may get 16 breakdown calls in a row when we also have a light engineering job scheduled, but that’s just how it is,” Carla says. “We’ve been here for over a century, and we plan to be here for many more.”
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