NZ Dairy Summer 2024

Marlon Gabriel manages 600 cows as a contract milker at Westfield Limited and has worked his way up since arriving in 2004 - Page 71 Embracing the challenge SUMMER 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | nzdairy Contents These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise NZ Dairy immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of NZ Dairy. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cut off time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in NZ Dairy are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. NZ Dairy welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. NZ Dairy accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #nzdairy #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Alan da Veiga �� 03 Kaiwaiwai Dairies �� 04 Dalgety Farming �� 06 Cameron Dairy Farms �� 07 Clearwater Farms �� 08 Cottesbrook Dairy �� 10 Cresslands Farms Ltd �� 12 Fabish & Jackson ( 2010 ) Ltd �� 14 Dayne and Sophia Addison �� 16 Grassmere Dairy �� 17 Fonterra’s Longburn Farms Ltd �� 18 Jackson Farming Ltd �� 20 Janet Schultz �� 21 NZ Grazing Company �� 22 Kaweka Dairies �� 23 Jeremy Duckmanton and Blake Gordon �� 24 Josh Sneddon �� 24 Kylie Evans �� 25 Dr Ian Scott ( Oraka Deer Farm ) �� 26 Oraka Farms �� 28 Nick Gilbert �� 31 Peter and Robyn Askey �� 32 Rex Butterworth �� 33 Stuart and Delwyn Honeyfield �� 33 Rob and Alison Thwaites �� 34 Wilcock and Thompson �� 35 Rogan and Michelle Borrie �� 36 Rua Awa Farming Ltd �� 38 Southern Meadows �� 39 Ruru Dairy Unit �� 40 Tharanga Senavirathna - Dromore �� 42 Victor Rutherford �� 44 Wilith Farm �� 45 Clarence Stolte and Rene Ten Bolscher �� 46 Chad Winke �� 46 Leithlea Jerseys �� 47 Harvey and Heenie Verwaayen �� 47 Daniel and Rachel Simons �� 48 Maitha Holdings �� 49 Wijesooriya and Stuart �� 50 Seales Winslow Head Office �� 51 Absolute Dairy & Water - David Wright �� 54 Advance Dairy & Pump �� 56 Gibson Construction �� 58 Argon Distributors �� 60 Lely New Zealand Limited �� 61 Stocker Solutions �� 62 Waikato Dairy Effluent Services. �� 64 Plains Irrigators Ltd H/O �� 65 Keith Hay Homes - Head Office �� 66 Beta Milking �� 67 Irrigation New Zealand �� 68 Ferdon Genetics �� 70 Westfield Farms Gabriel and Dicks �� 71 Holdt Harvesting �� 72 Jane O’Neill �� 73 Dairy Production Systems �� 74 Pat Schnuriger �� 75 Dairy Stock Solutions �� 76 31 | First sale for Canterbury Jersey stud 64 | A particularly attractive opportunity 10 | Role with total responsibility for calving OUR PARTNERS: RESEARCH & MARKETING Sam Dart, Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Lisa Moffat, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Michelle Phelan. OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Alexia Johnston, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Tracey Edwardes, Russell Fredric, Aimee Wilson, Bernadette Cooney, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Randall Johnston, Virginia Wright. 18 | Longburn Farms brings Mastitis under 5%

| 3 nzdairy AWARDS » Alan da Veiga $10,000 in prizes plus six merit awards Russell Fredric The winner of this year’s Canterbury / North Otago Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year has been appointed team leader of next year’s regional awards. In March this year, Leeston contract milker Alan da Veiga scooped $10,000 in prizes plus six merit awards, subsequently winning the Ecolab Total Farm Hygiene award at the national event held in Queenstown in May. Entrants can compete for Share Farmer or Dairy Manager of the Year or Dairy Trainee of the Year, with a deadline of December 8 to enter the 2025 regional awards. Alan is one of a committee of 10 people organising the event. As team leader, his role includes contacting the entrants and making sure they are set up on the Dairy Industry awards website portal and on track with their intensive preparation. The portal outlines important information about each award category including full judging criteria and some tips on how to prepare for judging. Share Farmer of the Year entrants need to submit a copy of their annual accounts by January 28, or a budget and cash flow if they are in their first year of business, with each region having a judging round. Entrants for Dairy Manager and Share Farmer of the Year are visited on-farm by the judges at an agreed time and date, while Dairy Trainee Award entrants are judged at a group skills day in the area; the lead up to the awards is an intense time for the entrants. Alan’s contract milking position is on a Dairy Holdings 260 hectare, 1000 cow farm at Leeston. He employs fours staff including his brothers Alex and David who absolutely love what they do and are highly motivated to learn, grow and aim to eventually purchase their own dairy farms. Alan has accumulated a herd of 160 cows and 105 rising two year-olds. The Dairy Holdings business model means he can raise extra replacements then lease them back to help to start his own herd. The awards entry process and the preparation he went through for his own entry required made him think outside of the box, plus networking with a variety people who had different ideas had also been beneficial, he says. “It made me understand my business more and the potential to grow.” “I had to do a lot of budgets for it which were quite complex for a share farmer, and so I learnt quite a lot. It helped me a lot with the banks; all my banks were involved with my budget and helping me out [with the award entry].” Unsurprisingly, the national Eco Labs award’s comprehensive criteria is reflected in the hygiene standards, the presentation of the milking shed and its surroundings and data recording, plus the health of the herd. The herd is also showing positive reproductive performance, with a six week in-calf rate of 73%, which is well above the national average and an empty rate of 8%. Alan is encouraging those that qualify to enter to give the awards a go as a lot is gained by going Leeston contract milker Alan da Veiga scooped $10,000 in prizes plus six merit awards. Proudly supporting Alan da Veiga FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz Alan da Veiga through the process, and for him, along with the recognition gained, it has been a great confidence booster. He has since established an online profile as Maromba Farm on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok which has become a fast-growing Tik Tok account where he has gained 3000 followers and shares his experience and aspects of farm life on live streams.

4 | nzdairy AWARDS » Kaiwaiwai Dairies High praise for outstanding stewardship Kaiwaiwai Dairies herd with solar panels and irrigator. Kim Newth Kaiwaiwai Dairies is an inspiring dairy environment leader in Featherston, whose efforts have been recognised by a host of awards including Supreme Award at the 2020 Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Adding to the accolades, Aidan Bichan, Vern Brasell and Neville Fisher of Kaiwaiwai Dairies were recently named Supreme Winner Runner-Up at this year’s 2024 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. “I gather the judges ended up selecting four finalists this year, instead of the usual three,” says Aidan, who chairs Kaiwaiwai Dairies’ management team. “In such a tight field, the final results often comes down to very small differences. The judges looked at sustainable irrigation management and what we were doing to optimise our system and things like energy efficiency, irrigation scheduling, maintenance and monitoring, our practices around compliance and water efficiency, staff training and the impact of irrigation on the farm business, as well as environmental protection and stewardship.” Judges commended Kaiwaiwai Dairies for their exceptional community involvement and environmental stewardship, particularly their outstanding wetland restoration project. Head Judge Keri Johnston praised their passion, noting their evident love for their community and focus on people. “They understand the value of water and what it brings to their farm and business and they’re not afraid of technology and how it can support on-farm decision-making,” she observed. Kaiwaiwai Dairies has a farm area of 335ha (effective) with more than a third of that area under a three-pivot irrigation system. The pivots are supplied from a deep bore of good water quality. With VRI installed on two of the pivots, water can be precisely applied and used only when and where needed. When operating with effluent injection, VRI also ensures correct placement. The farm’s irrigation system, which is remotely monitored and operated, is designed to reduce risks of over watering. Energy efficiency is another hallmark of the system, as its electrical power supply is integrated with a 54KwH solar array. As well, the use of variable speed pump drive, combined with VRI, reduces power usage. “Our solar array is right beside the dairy shed and irrigation pump shed, as that’s the most efficient location. We have calculated that we’re achieving a nearly 20% return on investment and are currently using 93% of our solar energy generation [with just a small amount exported back to the grid in the quieter winter months].” “Our solar array is right beside the dairy shed and irrigation pump shed, as that’s the most efficient location. We have calculated that we’re achieving a nearly 20% return.” Dip.Ag., B.B.S., C.A. Contact Shane P: 06 379 5504 • M: 027 453 3505 E: grayscontractingltd@yahoo.co.nz - Large reduction in artificial fertiliser requirements - Eliminate effluent separating equipment - Minimise laneway & paddock damage - High flow rate for fast & efficient effluent discharge - Highly cost effective for emptying large ponds - Significantly less nitrogen loss to the atmosphere SOLVE EFFLUENT COMPLIANCE ISSUES ALL AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AVAILABLE 35 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough P: 06 3069 491 | E: office@cans.co.nz • Electricians • Water pumps • Water treatment • Milking equipment • 24/7 call out service COTTER & STEVENS PROUD TO SUPPORT KAIWAIWAI DAIRIES Kaiwaiwai Dairies has ambitious goals for additional solar generation, including plans to install panels flat across water races near the dairy shed. “Laying them flat, rather than sloping, will help to shade water races, in turn lowering water temperatures and suppressing weed growth.” Aidan says that Kaiwaiwai sees considerable potential in investing in technology to further optimise and automate how they use their energy as more becomes available. At Kaiwaiwai Dairies, risks of nutrient loss from overland flow and raceway sediments near drains are mitigated through the farm’s constructed wetland, as well as strategically placed sediment and nutrient traps and ensuring that high use laneways slope away from drains. Stock exclusion, waterway fencing and planting also help to prevent nutrients entering waterways. “We will be doing further laneway work this year to help ensure run-off goes into the paddock and not the drain.” Kaiwaiwai recently hosted a Wairarapa Water Users Group field day looking at water efficiency in the cow shed and energy efficiency.

| 5 nzdairy AWARDS » Kaiwaiwai Dairies Aidan in front of electric side by side. TAKE A CLOSER LOOK... Contact your local Zimmatic dealer nd out more. Discover the Zimmatic difference. Zimmatic pivot and lateral-move systems combine high-quality components with exclusive structural designs and innovative features for a long-lasting solution you can count on. www.zimmaticanz.com 0800 438 627

6 | nzdairy Dalgety Farming merger was opportune Richard Loader The July 2024 merger between PinnacleAg and Braddock Farming has seen Dalgety Farming arise as the new name in dairy heifer management. Dalgety Farming General Manager Andy Carlson says the merger was opportune. “Braddock Farming had 1000 hectares in Taupo that they wanted us to put cattle on to graze. “Through that general discussion it was decided the best option was to merge the businesses and that I would take over as General Manager here in Taupo.” Born and bred into New Zealand agriculture, Andy grew up on a dairy farm in Hawera. His career spans the breadth of the farming industry from dairy farming, freezing works, and sharemilking to leasing a farm and working with Elders New Zealand. As Elders’ regional Business Manager and, latterly, as its North Island Farm Supplies Manager, Andy moved into farm consulting. Working with farmers to achieve the best possible results with a focus on animal grazing, he initiated nutrition into the farm supplies business. When Elders was sold, Andy went on to establish PinnacleAg, a managed live export and heifer grazing business. Andy’s fellow directors are Stuart Chapman and Des van der Wal, who were also directors of PinnacleAg. Both have an equally strong farming and management pedigree. Involved in the agricultural sector for more than 45 years, Stu also owned and managed Elders NZ for over 21 years, working with livestock agents nationwide and successfully launching Elders Live Export internationally. Des began his career with Wrightson NMA and Wrightson Farmers Finance. In 1990, he moved into the livestock export industry as Commercial Manager under Challenge Livestock. Des oversaw the live export of sheep to the Middle East, then moved into dairy cattle exports to Mexico, South America, Vietnam, Philippines and then China. As Wrightson’s Export Operations Manager, Des was instrumental in establishing a pre-export isolation facility on Taupo’s internationally renowned Lochinver Station. The trio’s experience and expertise are complemented by those of Rick Braddock. A farmer and professional director, Rick’s past and current directorships cover over 300,000 hectares of agricultural, horticultural and forestry lands. DAIRY PEOPLE » Dalgety Farming Involved in the agricultural sector for more than 45 years, Stu also owned and managed Elders NZ for over 21 years. The new dairy heifer and beef grazing entity offers considerable benefits. Among them are operational scale and a more targeted approach to grazing management that delivers consistently excellent results. Aside from the 1000 hectares in Taupo, Dalgety Farming leases 350 hectares at Te Miro, north of Cambridge, and a further 165 hectares at Whitehall. Currently, the company grazes some 4000 head. “We undertake dairy heifer grazing from 100 kg weaners in December through to in-calf R2s 18 months later. We also graze a lot of wagyu for SFJ Holdings Limited,” Andy explains. Having three properties also provides greater control over where stock is grazed, resulting in the premium weight gains clients expect. For example, a “longer than anticipated” Taupo winter saw stock moved to Cambridge, where grass growth was “humming”. “They are grown how we want,” says Andy. “We run our team as a management unit and are able to make decisions within hours between the four of us.” • Chopper Silage • Loader Wagon Silage • Bales – 13 bale equivalent rounds, Hay, Silage, Film on Film or Net, 3D • Direct Drilling • Cultivation • Earthworks – scooping, digger, trailers • Vermicast/Lime – supply & spread • Mobile Chipping – whole tree + removal • Animal Bedding – supply & deliver • Truck & Trailer cartage • 20 + Years Experience + all local friendly drivers MORE THAN JUST BALES!

| 7 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cameron Dairy Farms Dairy industry is so full of opportunity Rosa Watson For Bay of Plenty dairy farmer Lindsay WIlliams, the sky is the limit within the industry. He was named runner-up in the dairy manager category at this year’s Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards, and received two merit awards in people and leadership and in management. It follows a third placing in the same category in 2023. Entering the awards was a great way to get ahead in the industry and get your name out there, he told NZ Dairy. “I definitely want to up myself in the industry and get as far as I can. “I want to be the best manager out there so if can do anything to help myself, the dairy industry awards are a way to get your name out there.” It encouraged him to challenge himself and increased his general industry knowledge, gaining a better understanding of the farm and different farming systems. It was also great recognition to receive. “It makes you feel appreciated for all your hard work.” Lindsay manages a Cameron Dairy Farms property – a 118ha property on the coast near Te Puke that is owned by Cameron Group where he milks 340 Friesian cows. It is his fourth season on the property, with one fulltime staff member supporting him who has been with him for three seasons. “He was looking for a farming job and we just so happened to be looking for a farm worker.” There is also a full-time calf rearer, which he said was a game-changer. Lindsay said he enjoyed the wide variety of work the property offered, with dry stock, orchards and a quarry. Each day offered something different, whether it was milking, fencing, feeding out, tractor driving or drenching. “It’s a huge operation. There’s lots to do here.” It was also a spectacular location to live. “It’s a paradise here.” The operation was well set-up, with technology assisting with everyday decisions. CowManager monitoring tags, that monitor fertility, health and nutrition, have helped develop strategies to keep cows at their best condition and assisted in making feed decisions. “We have implemented a system change last season and went OAD full season. Andre and Natalie Meier, Jess (calf rearer), MacKenzie in the middle (Andre and Natalie’s eldest daughter). Lindsay (assistant manager), Jamie (herd manager) and Sarah (farm assistant). 027 312 5082 or 07 307 0704 ⌂ 11 Te Tahi St, Whakatane o ce@milkingandwater.co.nz The benefits to the herd and my lifestyle have been amazing “The cow manager tags have been a crucial part of the system change, monitoring their health, heats and nutrition, making sure that the cows are ruminating well when they are dry. It has helped with the in-calf rates also, and can provide a temperature reading the know when they are on heat. “There’s certain features that come up on the app (such as) it tells you when will be the best time to inseminate a cow. “You just flick into the app and you know what’s going on.” As a result, the in-calf rate has increased from a 55 percent six-week in-calf rate to a 67 per cent in-calf rate. MT rates had reduced from 28 percent to 13 per cent with no intervention, he said. Lindsay started out in the industry in 2012 after losing his job in the timber industry and picked up work on a farm straight away. Two years later he was a senior herd manager and had completed his level 2 studies and was starting on Level 3. He was eventually appointed assistant farm manager before taking his current role with Cameron Dairy Farms. Visit our website WWW.JCLCONTRACTING.CO.NZ Your agricultural contractor in the greater Bay of Plenty Services Grass silage • Cultivation Maize silage • Earthworks • Feed supplement Get in touch P: 07 533 1828 | M: 021 244 9481 office@jclcontracting.co.nz Proudly supporting Cameron Dairy Farms

8 | nzdairy 3rd season milking in Ashburton Forks Richard Loader DAIRY PEOPLE » Clearwater Farms When Sam Clearwater’s parents sold the organic dairy farm he and his partner Tyler Koia-Lowe had been working on it gave them the opportunity to buy the 43 hectare run-off block in Clandeboye his parents no longer needed. They’re now in their third season contract milking on Tyler’s mother Jenny’s and stepfather Graham Lowe’s 1200 cow dairy farm in Ashburton Forks to pay for it. Knowing that diversity is the key to any business when Sam saw an ad on facebook for a company looking for land to convert into a solar farm he thought it was worth a go to add another income stream to what they already had. The run-off block has the dual advantage of being next to a grid connection and just down the road from a major power consumer in the form of Fonterra. Sam thinks that’s they were successful and now have a 35 year lease with Lodestone Energy, the company responsible for developing this and several other solar energy farms across New Zealand including three in Canterbury. “It’s 43 hectares in total and will be generating about 35 MegaWatts of power. They pay us a fixed income which is linked to inflation and have the right of renewal to take it on for another 35 years if they wish,” explains Sam. The liquid fertiliser business Sam started a few years ago, converting granular urea into an environmentally friendly liquid fertiliser with water and applying it to pasture, has expanded to include general cultivation work. Run by their friend and right-hand man Ben Cockburn it’s moved beyond doing their own farm’s winter crops and regrassing to offer the same services to clients across Mid-Canterbury. When local tree-topper Brent Cleveland became ill and was looking to sell his business they worked out a deal so that Ben continues to service Brent’s clients which Sam hopes is a win for everyone. “Brent does a really good job and he has some very good clients in the neighborhood which are all really good to deal with so we want to carry that service on.” Having that diversity in income streams will help Sam and Tyler achieve the next step on their Sam and Tyler are now in their third season contract milking on Tyler’s mother Jenny’s, and stepfather Graham Lowe’s 1200 cow dairy farm. Tree Topping Cultivation Liquid Fertiliser contracting@clearwaters.co.nz Ben 027 936 7200 Sam 027 383 2699 TIVE RETRACTING VER SYSTEMS ps feed or fertiliser dry h system for easy access as or steel cladding options time and cuttewas 62 788 roofs.co.nz groofs.co.nz COST EFFECTIVE RETRACTING ROOF SYSTEM C2007kdRetractable CANVAS COVER STEEL CLADDING 0800 262 788 info@slidingroofs.co.nz • www.slidingroofs.co.nz 100% NZ MADE Can be retro tted to existing concrete wood or block bins Unique space saving sectional design Canvas or steel cladding options Winch system for easy access Keeps feed or fertiliser dry Kitset options available y y y y y y COAST SLIDING ROOFS dairy farming journey which is to own their own herd. It was a significant change going from a 200 cow organic dairy farm to a 1200 strong herd and managing the team it takes to run it all successfully. The farm has now sold to Dairy Holdings but with that comes a further opportunity for Sam and Tyler as Graham and Jenny downsize slightly but buy another farm. “We’ve had a very steep learning curve but it’s all been very advantageous so we’re hopefully in a position to buy a herd and lease that farm off him,” says Sam. They’re hoping to milk between 900 to 1000 cows on a 250 hectare farm and while it won’t be organic they expect to find a good middle ground between that and conventional farming as Sam puts what he’s learnt from Graham about working with large scale herds into practice for himself. “We’ll aim for that middle point in the next few years, starting to put some more biological fertilisers on and using things like fish-fertiliser to reduce our nitrogen.” Whatever they do it has to work economically as well as environmentally. They’ve run some small trials on their current farm to ensure that will be the case and so far things look promising. Sam and Tyler are looking forward to having the opportunity to keep growing and improving their team at the same time as they lean into large scale farming that works for the environment as well as the financial bottom line. Services: COMPLETE ONSITE ENGINEERING AND HYDRAULIC REPAIRS GENERAL ENGINEERING • AGRICULTURAL REPAIRS AND MANUFACTURING TRANSPORT AND EARTH MOVING REPAIRS ALLOY AND STAINLESS STEEL WELDING • FULLY CUSTOM BUILDS HYDRAULIC RAM REPAIRS • HYDRAULIC HOSE AND FITTINGS Authorised distributor M: 027 330 8138 E: gb_engineering@xtra.co.nz

| 9 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Clearwater Farms Having diversity in income streams will help Sam and Tyler achieve the next step. Phibro Animal Health When American owned Phibro Animal Health irst launched its New Zealand Division in 2018, well respected animal health consultancy Dairy Production Systems (DPS) was quick to become involved in the company’s original trial work. “We have worked with DPS’s Managing Director Bryan McKay, since 2018 and he has been instrumental in the success of our Animate product, and a very positive advocate,” says Megan Hardy, Phibro Animal Health’s South Island Commercial Manager. “ As an animal health solutions provider, Phibro supplies medicated feed additives and nutrition specialty products into New Zealand’s pig, poultry and dairy sectors. Since its launch, the business has grown immensely, particularly in the dairy sector and one of its key and unique products is Animate. “There has been a very niche market for Animate in New Zealand, and considerable e ort has been placed into championing this product throughout the country. Animate is an anionic supplement designed to aid in the reduction of milk fever in dairy cows, and it is unique because it is palatable. In New Zealand it can be fed ad-lib with the dairy cows, pre-calf and the cows will self-medicate on it.” Phibro’s mission is to provide safe and e ective solutions for its customers’ unique challenges whilst optimising animal health and nutrition to increase productivity and pro itability for our farmers. “Our products are MFAs (Medicated Feed Additives) are special medicated supplements that go into feed to aid in the reduction of parasites or where there are speci ic health issues. We also sell nutrition specialty products along the lines of probiotics, and phytogenics. We support the resellers including rural merchants and rural consultancy practices such as DPS, giving them information on our products and technical support. In turn, they sell our products to their clients, the end users. In the poultry sector we are dynamic working with both larger end users whilst also catering for smaller growers by supplying products to feed mills. While Megan is based in Upper Moutere and looks after Phibro’s South Island customers, Spencer Hickford is the company’s North Island Manager based in Cambridge. “Spencer and I have a great passion for the New Zealand rural sector, animal health and supporting the resellers and consultants. We both have twenty- ive years’ experience in the agricultural industry and enjoy helping our resellers, and responding to any questions they might have. We are very hands on and happy to visit farms to support the reseller if required.”

10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cottesbrook Dairy Role with total responsibility for calving Ann-Kristin Loferski (middle) winning the Dairy Industry Trainee award. Sue Russell As it turns out, making the decision to have a gap year in New Zealand, changed the course of German-born Ann-Kristin Loferski’s life, when she discovered a passion for dairy farming and love of rearing stock. We spoke with Ann-Kristen 2 years ago, her third season working at Cottesbrook Dairy, Tapanui, then as Herd Manager. Now, she is still on the farm, carrying 1300 cows and has advanced to co- Manager, with total responsibility for calving, an activity she is often engaged in, given the farm operates a split milking system. Cottesbrook Dairy is owned by Matt Haugh. The dairy business operates over two farms some 10 minutes apart from each other. Ann-Kristin is based on the main farm where five staff work with her. The smaller property has two farm workers and along with this, a run-off block and two leased blocks complete the land footprint. A wintering barn plays a pivotal role in the farm’s management system and Ann-Kristin says, given this and the area the farms are located in, having a substantial covered area for the herd to spend time in during the really wet patches and stay fully feed is a huge positive. “The herd is happy to be out of the weather when it gets very wet and it saves our valuable pasture from damage. They are very well looked after and very well fed while spending time under shelter.” Two years ago Ann-Kristin won the Otago / Southland Dairy Farm Trainee of the Year award and since that time, she’s given back to the event by being involved in running subsequent awards. She believes the awards offer anyone keen to progress their farming journey with ample opportunity to gain valuable experiences. “I would encourage anyone who wants to grow their farming career to get involved. It’s a very supportive, engaging experience and, if you’re open to seeing and learning from other perspectives, as a farmer you really grow.” Since this time she has also attended a Contract Milking course, where valuable learnings took place, particularly with on how to create operating budgets. The course brought in Bank Managers and other rural professionals. “That’s the great thing about dairy farming. You have lots of levels you can work toward attaining and there’s so much information you can harness to help drive decisions as to what direction you go in.” The herd at Cottesbrook Dairy is predominantly Friesian with a smattering of Jersey. The introduction of CRV Genetics has helped broaden the genetic diversity in the herd Ann-Kristin says. “We’ve been buying larger framed cows, understanding as we do that they have to have the capacity and stamina to suit our farming operation.” Ann-Kristin is also involved in the local Young Farmers Group, adding that the group acts as another support pillar toward her realising her own farming aspirations over time. 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 Beet Harvesting Strip Till Precision Drilling Full Cultivation Direct Drilling Full Silage Service Bailage and Hay Much Spreading Fertilizer Spreading Aerating / Ripping Contact Erik | 027 204 8019 “I think it’s very important to mix with like- minded people and to listen to why they are making the decisions they are, not only in their farming practices but also progressing their farming businesses and making decisions along the way.” Ann-Kristin has been engaged in farming long enough now to know that this is what she wants to put her time and energy into. “The thing about farming is that it isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. I know that times can get tough but my advice to anyone in the sector is to hang in there because things will get better. This is where surrounding yourself with good people really helps.” PICK-UP & DELIVERY SERVICE - OPEN SATURDAYS UNTIL 12 NOON LOAN BIKES AVAILABLE PLUS WE SERVICE OTHER BRANDS FOR AFTER HOURS ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT DWAIN DEVEREUX SALES - BOOKINGS - OFFICE - 03 204 8455 DWAIN - 027 220 6844

| 11 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cottesbrook Dairy The herd at Cottesbrook Dairy is predominantly Friesian with a smattering of Jersey. permbrand Contact PHILL SHAW 027 570 2772 Email: phill@permbrand.co.nz • Rotary, Herringbone & Robotic Sheds • Molasses’ Systems • PKE & Pellet Systems • Silos • Augers • Mills - New Generation - Skiold DISC MILLS • Mineral Dispenser’s • Dust Kits • Air Fluidizer Kits AND MUCH MORE FROM THE COMPANY THAT UNDERSTANDS MEAL FEEDING PERMBRAND.CO.NZ 03 (2366077) 53 Great North Road, Winton www.wintonengineering.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. Proud Suppliers to Cottesbrook Dairy www.rbrural.co.nz

12 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cresslands Farms Ltd Stud founded by Graham’s father mid-century Richard Loader Located in the North Canterbury settlement of Waikuku, Cresslands Farm has been in Graham Stewart’s family for over 100 years, originally established by his grandparents as a cropping farm. “It would’ve been around the time of the Great Depression. They had a few cows and Granny used to milk them by hand to make some money, while granddad did some outside work with thrashing mills.” Initially working alongside his father Gordon, Graham eventually took over the farm in partnership with his wife Nicky. These days the dairy platform is 140 hectares, with run-off blocks nearby in Sefton, Loburn, and Tuahiwi that are used for growing feed for the dairy platform, running young stock, wintering and a few of the bull calves for steers. All up the farm encompasses about 400 hectares. From the herd of 470 registered Holstein Friesians cows the Stewarts peak milk about 450 in the spring and summer, dropping down to 300 in the winter. Cresslands Holstein Friesian Stud was founded by Graham’s father mid last century, and Graham has inherited the passion for both the breed and the stud. “I just love the versatility of the breed. They’re strong, robust cows that can handle a lot of feed and produce a lot of milk. Because they have such a broad genetic base worldwide, we can source genetics from anywhere for outcrosses. Ninety-nine percent of my genetics come from overseas, mainly North America. But the world is an open place now and there are North American bulls everywhere. We’ve sourced genetics out of Italy and other places at different times.” Graham says the large herd numbers where most stock overseas is DNA tested has enabled rapid development of the Holstein breed. “You know all their genes, their strengths and weaknesses, and advancement in breeding can happen so much faster, especially in management traits, calving ease, fertility. The world is looking for a smaller Holstein, and that can happen overnight through genetics and DNA. We like an all-over functional cow that lasts a long time, producing a lot of milk. We certainly look for strength through the rump and width of the rump. Rear teat placement and teat length is something else we need to focus on. The rear teats are getting too close and teats are getting a little short, but there are plenty of bulls out there that can provide good genetics.” Graham attended the Christchurch Show last week, gaining second places for six-year-old Cresslands Peter Maggie and four-year old The large herd numbers where most stock overseas is DNA tested has enabled rapid development of the Holstein breed. Cresslands Hitest Trish. “It was a really great show this year with strong competition and good numbers. It’s like a big family down there; everyone helps everyone else as we compete - that’s all part of it - we all enjoy each other’s company and congratulate each other.” Two years ago, Graham took on the mantle of President for Holstein Friesian New Zealand. “I enjoy my role as President. There’s a good bunch of people in the organisation and I enjoy the camaraderie and challenges we face as dairy farmers. We try to promote the breed to its best position, grow membership and offer members something that they want to be part of.” Manufacturing • Silage feed-out wagons • Multi bale feeders • 2 bale feeders • Vee-Rakes and Line-Rakes Manufacturers of High quality farming equipment “Built Strong, Built to Last” Proudly supporting Cresslands Farms Ltd Unit 8, 75 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch • 03 348 7800 • accounts@taegeman.com

Question about composting barns? Watch Dr. Sue Macky discuss common concerns on this innovative farming practice. 6FDQ KHUH WR ƬQG RXW PRUH Milk production has risen by 63%. The investment has already paid for itself. COMPOSTING BARNS FROM $1,950 PER COW CONSTRUCTED Designed to your requirements and delivered nationwide, ready to build. FREE ONSITE CONSULTATION 0800 298 324 aztechbuildings.co.nz ǟ 721< $//&2&. BOOK NOW 0800 298 324 Lifestyle Sheds Covered Feed Pad Industrial Buildings Farm Sheds Similar Less Permanent Low More Temporary High Aztech Buildings Temporary tunnel house shelters Upfront-Cost 10-50 year Cost Building Type Risk Similar Aztech Cow Barns Scan here to see Rob Little’s full composting barn story The whole process was stress-free. It's a smart, strong looking building and it ticked all the boxes for me! ROB LITTLE Ǖ *5(< 9$//(< :(67 &2$67 1=

14 | nzdairy New shed a winner for Taranaki company Rosa Watson Knocking up a state-of-the-art, high quality dairy shed has never been so easy thanks to the Fabish and Jackson team. For more than 40 years, Inglewood-based construction company has carved out a name in innovative constructive services, serving farming communities up and down the country. The company were the developers behind the Octa-lock dairy parlour, that remains a high quality, functional and effective option for dairy farmers. “We can do rectangular or round yards,” owner Steve Fabish tells NZ Dairy. In addition, they can lay concrete foundations for feed pads. The popular sheds have been sent as far as the South Island. Steve says the quality of the product can be seen in the finished product. “We’ve done hundreds of them. We know where everything goes, which is the big thing because there’s a lot in a shed. “You’ve got to know where everything goes and what’s required.” The sheds are quick to put up with concrete precast panels making it quicker on the job. “Once you get the joinery up and in place it’s basically finishing the roof structure in place and windows in place. “It’s quite quick once it’s up.” The octa-lock shed had its beginnings 44 years ago when Fabish & Jackson was asked to designed a free-standing shed that could house a rotary parlour. The parlours are based on an octagonal design, with their key structural elements including Glulam DAIRY PEOPLE » Fabish & Jackson ( 2010 ) Ltd The popular sheds have been sent as far as the South Island. (glued, laminated timber) structural beams that the company manufactures at one of its sites. The design suits the installation requirements for a rotary milking platform, and it has a smaller building footprint than conventional buildings for a given turntable size. “It has a bigger platform and less wasted area,” Steve explains. There had been modifications to the design over the years. Timber paneling around the outside has been replaced with concrete precast panels, and timber poles have been replaced with steel. “Basically, timber wasn’t going to last in the ground as long as steel,” Steve said. The shed has gradually become bigger, starting off as a 17-cow rotary growing to a 60-cow rotary. The company has even built a 100-cow rotary. “It’s gone through changes over the years, but it’s basically the same process,” Steve said. One thing that remained the same was the laminated beams that make the roof structure. As well as the sheds, the company also has a team of highly trained skilled staff manufacturing the Glulam beams. These are strong structural beams, which have high earthquake resilience, greater fire resistance than other building materials, and treated timber to resist fungal and insect attack. “We have a team of highly trained, skilled staff manufacturing laminated Glulam beams.” The team also construct feed and silo pads, yards, maize and silage bunkers, and commercial chicken sheds as part of their wide range of services. The Glulam beams are produced out of a 400sqm workshop that also houses the joinery shop and a 150sqm engineering shed. Timber is sourced out of the Waikato region. Free Quotes Stratford - 06 765 4094 Jason - 027 413 1225 bunnearthmoving@xtra.co.nz Bunn Earthmoving With well over 20 machines, we have the right one for the job Logging crews, all Metal aggregates, Diggers, Bulldozers, Trucks and Transporter. All work 100% guaranteed. Specialists in all Earthmoving, Logging, Lined ponds and Quarry work Muralflex Cowshed Coatings Ph: 0800 033 400 I 404 Broadway, Stratford 4332 I vepo_plumbing@hotmail.com The team at VEPO are committed to providing Taranaki with exceptional service in our areas of expertise which includes Plumbing, Drain laying and Gas fitting. We have an amazing team of people, who take pride in their workmanship from start to finish. No matter how big or small your request may be our team are happy to assist in all your Plumbing, Drain laying or Gas fitting needs. We are, as our name suggests, a VERY EXPERIENCED PLUMBING ORGANISATION

waterfordpress.co.nz

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=