| 89 nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Eco2Energy / Micheal Vining Contracting CO2 powered options Understanding your needs Karen Phelps Karen Phelps Taupo-based refrigeration company Eco2Energy is reshaping how New Zealand dairy farms cool milk and heat water, using carbon dioxide to cut power costs while improving milk quality and on-farm efficiency. It has developed two distinct CO2 powered systems designed specifically for the demands of dairy sheds: a CO2 glycol milk chiller with integrated hot water production and a standalone CO2 hot water heater. Together they address three critical pressure points for farmers - milk quality, reliable hot water and rising electricity consumption. Founded by refrigeration engineer Nick Papa and food engineer Ronnie Isgleas, the company combines international technology with deep local dairy knowledge. “We saw a real opportunity to help dairy farmers manage rising power costs while protecting milk quality and meeting sustainability goals,” says Nick. “Hot water and cooling are non-negotiable on farm so the challenge was how to do both more efficiently.” The flagship product is the CO2 hot water heater, designed for farms that need a dedicated hot water solution. Using natural CO2 refrigerant, it can deliver water up to 85 degrees in a single pass and convert 1kW of electricity into up to 3.9kW of heat. In practical terms, that can reduce energy costs by as much as 85 percent compared with conventional electric systems. A more recent release is the CO2 glycol chiller, which Nick says is currently the only machine of its kind operating in New Zealand. It rapidly chills milk to three degrees, while simultaneously producing around 700 litres of hot water at 85 degrees. That hot water is effectively free, recovered as part of the cooling process rather than generated by additional electricity use. A lifetime spent around farming has helped shape the approach behind Micheal Vining Contracting, a rural business that has steadily grown by understanding the needs of farmers from the ground up. Based in rural Huntly it provides agricultural contracting services across a wide area, stretching as far south as Te Awamutu, out to Raglan and north to Karaka. The business, run by Micheal and Courtney Vining, has built its reputation on reliability, competitive pricing and a practical understanding of farming. “Growing up on a dairy farm meant tractors and machinery were part of everyday life,” says Micheal “Straight out of school I went to work driving tractors for another contractor. Eventually I bought my own tractor at the age of 17, a Case MX120, and worked alongside another contractor before slowly building up more equipment.” That gradual expansion led to the establishment of Micheal Vining Contracting in 2008. Over the years the business has steadily added machinery to broaden the services it can offer farmers. Today it provides cultivation, spreading and spraying services, as well as round and square baling, and grass and maize harvesting for bulk silage. The company now operates a fleet of 10 tractors, predominantly Fendt machines along with a JCB, with the newest models equipped with built-in GPS technology. Courtney that investing in modern machinery is essential for both efficiency and attracting skilled staff. “We’re always looking to keep the fleet up to date. It makes the work easier and more accurate, and it also helps when we’re recruiting drivers.” Seasonal staff play an important role in the business. This year four overseas operators will arrive in September and stay until May, working through the busy contracting season. Courtney says that the arrangement is good for everyone involved. Accommodation is provided and many of the operators return year after year. “It’s very common in the industry now and also works well for them because the contracting season in their home countries is often the “For farmers, that means one system doing two critical jobs at once,” says Nick. “You’re chilling milk quickly to protect quality and at the same time you have abundant hot water for plant and vat washing without hammering the power bill.” Company business development manager Mike Donovan, who spent 26 years dairy farming and a further 18 years working with hygiene systems, says reliable hot water is often underestimated. “If wash temperatures drop, milk quality is at risk. These systems remove that uncertainty and take pressure off farmers during busy periods like calving. The Eco2Energy products are a highly efficient energy converter pulling low-grade heat from the air, even on cold mornings, and concentrating it into high-temperature water using very little electricity.” The environmental credentials are equally compelling. CO2 has zero ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential of just one, compared with synthetic refrigerants that can be thousands of times higher. For farmers facing increasing scrutiny around emissions and sustainability, that matters, says Mike. Real-world results are already being seen on farm. Dairy farmer Conor Donovan who installed a CO2 heat water system in Mokai says the impact was immediate. “Eco2Energy solves our hot water shortage problem because it’s always refilling at 80-plus degrees. We always have hot water there. Through calving we’re washing the vat and the plant daily plus cleaning feeders and heating calf milk. Now we have hot water on tap - no stress about running out.” With installations growing across the South Waikato and Central Plateau, Nick says Eco2Energy is positioning itself as a practical, future-focused partner for dairy farms. “This is proven technology, adapted for New Zealand conditions,” he says. “It’s about giving farmers confidence in their milk quality, their costs and their energy future.” opposite of ours.” Alongside the seasonal team, the business also employs two local operators and a long-term subcontractor who has been part of the operation for 13 years. One to two full-time staff are employed year-round, carrying out winter work such as spraying, fertiliser spreading and emptying effluent ponds. While Micheal still jumps into a tractor when required, much of his time is now spent organising jobs and being available for farmers who need work done quickly. Courtney, who also grew up on a dairy farm, manages the administration side of the business. Strong relationships with other rural businesses have also been an important part of the company’s success. The Vinings have worked with Cooper Aitken Accountants since starting the business. “Our accountants, for example, need to understand the agricultural industry,” says Courtney. “Having like-minded people makes it a whole lot easier as we don’t have to explain ourselves or what we do.” She says building long-term, trusted relationships with businesses that support the company is vital. Machinery is largely sourced through Waikato Tractors, which also carries out much of the company’s maintenance and repairs. Despite operating in a competitive area, Micheal says the business has carved out a niche by offering reliable service at competitive rates. “We can take care of every service farmers require which is one of our biggest advantages,” says Micheal. “We try to give farmers really competitive rates and we have a good group of guys working for us with a solid fleet of equipment. That approach has helped build a loyal customer base and we have a good, solid clientele that use us every season.” Away from work, the Vinings are raising two young children, Jake, 12, and Georgia, 9. Jake already has a strong interest in the family business. “He absolutely loves tractors,” says Courtney. “He’ll jump in as a passenger and be gone all day if he can. One day he’ll probably be driving for us.” WAIKATO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS www.cooperaitken.co.nz Helping you find your time, mind and financial freedoms. Michael Vining Contracting is proudly supported by Waikato Tractors. Hamilton 07 843 7237 • Otorohanga 07 873 6221 waikatotractors.co.nz @waikatotractors Peace of Mind in Refrigeration REFRIGERATION &AIR CONDITIONINGLTD 022 6849 443 Dairy Farm Refrigeration Installations, Services and Products PREMIUM WALK-IN CHILLERS & FREEZERS IN NZ Walk-in Chillers, Walk-in Freezers, Refrigeration Units, Custom Chiller & Freezer Design, Installation & Maintenance Phone: 027 307 9444 Email: info@chill2go.co.nz www.chill2go.co.nz
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