| 55 nzdairy “A bit of PKE is fed on the shoulders of the season – last year this equated to 130,000kgs. The weather in the region can be challenging with wet winters and we work hard to protect pastures.” Kiwi lifestyle drawcard for family Karen Phelps DAIRY PEOPLE » Silvestre Ltd Elaine, Aaliyah, Dustin and Rod Silvestre. • to page 57 Otago dairy farmer Rodelio Silvestre is living his dream. Coming from the Philippines he says both his parents worked really hard to send him to university there. He was only one of two at the university that chose to major in dairy farming as he saw the opportunities the industry presented. After working in Saudi Arabia on a dairy farm he came to New Zealand in 2006 to work on a 2000 cow farm in Mossburn. His ambition and drive saw him progress quickly to assistant herd manager within a year followed by herd manager then dairy shed manager over seven years. He then progressed to a farm manager position on a 750 cow farm in Gore and in the last year he and wife Elaine took on a contract milking position. From there the opportunity came via their accountant to become equity partners and contract milkers on a 476ha total/395ha effective farm Slopedown, south of Clinton under the company Base Two Holdings Ltd. They are now in their third season and cow numbers have risen from 710 to 740 this season. Production has also risen. When they arrived the farm was targeting production of 225,000 kgsMS but they achieved 243,000kgsMS. Last year the target increased again to 270 and they did 274,000kgsMS. This season the goal is 280,000kgsMS. They aim to supply quality milk and for the last two years have been grade-free. They have done this through raising herd numbers slightly and minimising the distance their jerseys have to walk through smart grazing practices. They also ensures the quality of the feed is high by observing the cow behaviour and fully feeding them. A bit of PKE is fed on the shoulders of the season – last year this equated to 293,000kgs. An additional 800 baleage was purchased to be used in winter together with fodder beet and kale as the farm winters 80% of cows at home with the young stock grazed out. LUBRICANTS AUTHORISED STOCKIST Martin Darmody P: 027 227 2410 E: martindarmody@xtra.co.nz • GENERAL ENGINEERING • HYDRAULIC HOSE & VALVE REPAIRS • GRAIN & MOLASSES FEED SYSTEMS • FARM MACHINERY SERVICE & REPAIR • ATV SERVICE & REPAIR Hokonui Suzuki, 136 Main Street, Gore | Phone (03) 208-5271 or (027) 221-4178 | hokonui.suzuki@xtra.co.nz · Pick-up & delivery service · Open Saturday til 12 noon · Loan bikes available · PLUS we service other brands · For after hours enquiries, phone Dwain or Glen Dwain 027 220 6844 Glen 027 220 6834 The weather in the region can be challenging with wet winters and they work hard to protect pastures and ensure ef uent goes on at the right time in the right place. The empty rate is a focus. For rst two seasons this has uctuated between 11-14%. This year they had a good submission rate and with cows in better condition going into mating they are hoping the empty rate will improve. The couple employ three full time staff and both actively work on the farm with Elaine taking on calf rearing duty and bookwork as well as working part time as an attendant at a service station. They are parents to Aaliyah, 12 and Dustin, 8,
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