24 | nzdairy “It will depend on what opportunities come up and that’s the great thing about farming. There are so many directions you can go.” DAIRY PEOPLE » Cottesbrook Dairy Ann-Kristin still in love with farming Richard Loader A passion for dairy farming led to a change in life when German-born Ann-Kristin Loferski visited New Zealand, ostensibly to fill in a gap-year and have some new adventures, and fell in love with our farming and in particular, rearing stock. Finding her feet in the industry has been a tale of taking up opportunities as these have presented and approaching every situation as a learning opportunity. Kristin manages Cottesbrook Dairy at Tapanui, West Otago, near the Southland boundary. Her dedication and willingness to get the most out of her farming resulted, three years ago in being named Otago/Southland Dairy Farm Trainee of the Year. This led her to getting involved in running subsequent awards. She believes opportunities for those new to the sector to measure themselves against others is such a good thing with many benefits flowing. “I really think the awards are a wonderful experience with so much for people to gain. I encourage anyone wishing to progress their farming business to give them a go. I’ve definitely benefitted from the experience.” It’s been a year since NZ Dairy last spoke with Kristin and she shared her role at Cottesbrook Dairy, owned by Matt Haugh, is continuing to bring great challenges and enjoyment in equal measure. “You never stop learning as each season comes and goes. I’m always trying to improve in all aspects of the farm’s performance and mine.” One change of late that has been introduced to the 1200-strong, predominantly friesian herd is the mating system, as Kristin explains. “We’re changing from mating twice a year to three times a year for a shorter period of time. This is so we end up with a longer average lactation. As we noticed we were drying off our high producing cows while they were still producing really well in order to give them a break before calving in again. As we are winter milking we have had good success with longer lactations in the past on cows that had been given a second chance at a later mating. So wanting to replicate this with the majority of our herd” Calving and mating will be 30-odd days in duration each round. Cottesbrook Dairy operates over two farms about 10 minutes apart and a wintering barn plays an important role in maintaining herd condition during the colder wetter times. “Cow condition is very good. They’re fed on a TMR mix of grass silage, maize silage and other feeds. In combination with our in shed feeding and pastures.” “We’ve put Halter collars on in January so it’s early days. But in areas like pasture utilisation and virtual fencing we are learning plenty and it’s also good for the staff to have new learning opportunities with this technology over time.” Cottesbrook Dairy operates over two farms about 10 minutes apart. CONTACT: MURRAY YOUNG (0274) 324 298 BLAIR YOUNG (0274) 334 822 OR A.H. (03) 204 2192 • Excavators • Grader • Roller • Rock Supplies • Root Raking • Post driver with auger • Gravel Supplies • Dairy Conversions & General Contracting • Tip trucks 0508 786 772 NEW NAME, SAME GREAT SERVICE Gore | Balclutha | Mosgiel Contact your local branch www.cedp.co.nz Advanced Dairy Barns Ltd is the leader in wintering barn design and building in New Zealand. Full turnkey building package with hot dip galvanised structural steel, effluent scrapers, stall dividers, latex bedding, rubber matting, cow brushes and feed pushers. Kitset structural steel and silage bunkers also available. Call to discuss your requirements. 03 (2366077) | 53 Great North Rd, Winton www.wintonengineering.co.nz Asked about her future journey building her farming business Kristin says she’ll be looking at contract milking or sharemilking in time, but would very much prefer to stay in the area if possible. “It will depend on what opportunities come up and that’s the great thing about farming. There are so many directions you can go in if you remain open to possibilities. This life is definitely one I enjoy.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=