10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Chris and Sally Guy Still going strong after six generations Chris Guy has been milking his family 80ha farm, with his wife Sally for the past 10 years. Aimee Wilson On the southern boundary of Auckland district, one of the country’s longest established dairy farms is still going strong after six generations. Chris Guy has been milking his family 80ha farm, with his wife Sally for the past 10 years, with the land having been in the family for 145 years. As well the 230 Fresian dairy cows, the farm has 200 dry stock, including 100 R1 (dairy/beef) and 80 R2 (dairy/beef) on an adjacent 70ha lease block. The couple were runner-up in the National Sharemilker Of The Year awards back in 2018, and in 2021 decided to sign up with Halter as a partner farm, to test the product and to help provide feedback and direction for the company. Chris said the AI-powered GPS cow collar system that enables virtual fencing, remote herd management, and health monitoring has been a game changer for the farm - particularly as a one-person operation. Using sound and vibration cues to guide animals, it eliminates the need for physical fences, allowing for precise grazing, improved animal welfare, and 24/7, app-based monitoring of cattle location and activity. “It just gives us flexibility as we only milk once a day all season. Not having to come back and shift cows or milk them in the afternoon, this gives the opportunity for more family time, ” he said. The solar-powered smart collars tracks cow health metrics like rumination, grazing, movement and heat detection. “It’s a massive time saving ability that we have available. We run two herds so it’s less time in the yard, and less pressure on the water systems in the summer.” He said the technology gives him the ability to graze the farm in an unconventional way, for example, by moving cows at night when bad weather is on its way - running the entire operation from his phone. “The pasture management is more efficient so we can refresh our paddocks quicker with the easy use of back fencing.” Situated 40 minutes south of the Auckland CBD, in Karaka, the couple also opened Little Guys Learning, an Early Learning Centre on the farm five years ago in 2021. Licensed for 100 children, the centre offers an outdoor learning program on the farm. The children get to experience life on the dairy farm and enjoy the outdoor classroom set up in the macrocarpa forest. Chris and Sally are busy with three children of their own (Hunter, (9) Fletcher, (7), Sophia, (6). His parents and two sisters also live on the property and his father Allan helps out on the farm where possible, often looking after the run off stock. • Maize silage • planting & harvesting • Loader wagon silage • Big square baling • Round baling • Full ground cultivation 027 4648 437 | murdoch.ag.contracting@gmail.com Chris’ mother Wendy is a great support to Chris and Sally, helping out with the grandchildren where possible. Being among one of the last farms left in the area, surrounded by new housing developments between Pukekohe and Papakura, there is no ability for farm expansion, however they will look at buying another (bigger) farm to ensure their children have the opportunity to continue the Guy family farming legacy. CHALLENGE LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT LIMITED • Stock Transport • Bale Cartage • Silage Trucks • Tipping work • Metal Supply/Deliver Contact Wayne 0274 747 899 EARTHWORKS & CIVIL CONTRACTING Grant Fitzgerald - 021 678 720 | grant@fitzgeraldearthworks.co.nz
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