20 | nzdairy Honing system change in Southbridge Jack and Brian Symes. Kim Newth Having won the 2023 Dairy Manager of the Year, Jack Symes has since progressed into an equity partnership with his parents on the family’s 160ha farm at Southbridge where the focus is on cementing the gains of a big system change. Last year, the Canterbury farm’s 620 cow herd produced 350,000kg milksolids, up from 270,000kgMS the year before with the lift in production reflecting a shift from System 2 to System 4. The current season’s target is to achieve the same or even higher production from a slightly smaller 600-cow herd. Jacks says dropping back 20 cows will help ensure that remaining cows are optimally fed and can achieve their full potential. “We’re trying to get the most out of the operation while also being sustainable and achieving good animal health,” says Jack, who is now in his fourth season managing the family farm. “We had our best mating results last season. That transition period from springer to milker has seen a big shift; we’re getting the rumen firing and body condition where it needs to be.” By feeding the springers well on meal, Jack says they bounce back quickly post-calving. “It seems to be working a treat so far this season with our production above where it was compared to the same time last year.” Replacing the farm’s old herringbone shed with a rotary in 2022 has certainly helped the operation become more efficient and productive, with an in-shed feeding system used to feed out a cereal blend. “We change the blend throughout the season to match what the cows need at any particular time of year, including the different minerals they need.” As well, cow health is well managed going into the milking season to minimise mastitis risks, with teat spraying of udders every day. The 26-year-old grew up immersed in the dairy farm lifestyle, first entering the milking shed to lend a hand at just seven years old. He won the Dairy Manager of the Year title just two years into managing the family farm and is grateful to his parents, Brian and Judy Symes, for their ongoing support and encouragement. “When I showed that I wanted to get into the dairy industry, they were more than willing for me to have a go at home and let me run the farm, and now shape it how I want to going forward. That’s given me the confidence to make decisions. Mum still does the calves at the moment and dad looks after the support block and helps out when needed in the busy times.” Also assisting the farm operation is an experienced 2IC, now into their third season with DAIRY PEOPLE » Jack and Brian Symes the Symes family, plus a herd manager who started this year. Jack and his family have their sights set on paying off as much debt as possible over the next five years. The longer term goal is to grow their assets and buy another farm. Jack says the off-farm skills he gained through taking part in last year’s Dairy Industry Awards, along with the industry connections he made, continue to enrich and support his ongoing dairy journey. “We’re trying to get the most out of the operation while also being sustainable and achieving good animal health.” 393 Frasers Rd, Dunsandel 7682 03 325 4170 www.edswain.co.nz Transport Enquiries Contact Eddie 0274 328 429 • Brad 027 250 1166 i Contracting Enquiries Contact Eddie 0274 328 429 • Stephen 027 325 8344 i CONTRACTORS CARTAGE | BALING sales@happershonda.co.nz The preferred milking systems partner for Dairy Farmers Ph 0800 577 583 | www.morrisonagri.co.nz Proud to support Jack & Brian Symes Milking Machines Rotary Platforms Engineering Pumping & Plumbing Chemical
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=