NZ Dairy Winter 2021

| 97 nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Te Mara Farms: Aaron & Nikki Frazer Tutorials place emphasis on cows Dairy platform part of extensive operation Russell Fredric A aron Frazer, manager of Te Mara Farms Ltd, admits that when he moved on to Te Mara Farm in 2018 there wasn’t a clear plan in place; instead he chose to give himself the first season to fully experience how the extensive farm – comprising dairy, beef and deer – operated. The farm is owned by Campbell and Helen Clark. The total land footprint comprises 600ha, 230ha of which is devoted to the dairying platform, is located at Maihiihi, near Otorohanga. “The farm is split into two main blocks. The dairy herd and stags on one block and then the beef on the other, then there is a run off we use for the heifers just half a kilometre down the road,” Aaron explains. His main focus is the dairy and the young stock. Asked how he sees the dairy platform three years after taking up the role Aaron says it’s a property in good conditions. “There’s always ongoing maintenance with a farm of this nature. The farm was converted 20 years ago so at the 20 year mark areas start need- ing attention but it’s a good farm to be on.” There’s a strong re-grassing programme con- stantly underway to ensure the stock receive the best possible pasture to grow and produce milk from. The dairy herd comprises 600 cross-bred cows, swinging more to the jersey type. Because of the steep terrain, 40 per cent of the herd are milked once a day. With an aim to produce A2A2, without buying in new stock, Aaron says that goal will take several years to achieve. Working with Aaron are two full-time workers from the Philippines and Campbell also assists, along with one other farm worker who works be- tween the two units. The season has gone well and Aaron puts that down to knowing the farm better. “Milking in the morning once a day has also helped along with changing the way we feed the supplements. The 40-aside herringbone shed performs very well, with automatic cup removers and Wetit walk-over teat sprayer.” Another benefit the farm offers is the ability to hold up to 580 cows in the yard, which Aaron says has a really good flow to it. Maize silage and palm kernel supplement pasture and when heading into mating molasses is added to the mix. “When we get dry we supply turnips to help over the summer.” Aaron says that traditionally it has been a good farm for the weather and despite that last two sea- sons being quite dry it is generally summer-safe. Aaron and wife Nikki have four children and old- est son Harley has been on the same farm for the past 18 months, working on the deer unit. Running a milking herd of 600 cows works well for the property Aaron says, with the herd sched- uled to dry off at the end of May. Heifers will begin to calve down on 20th July with the main herd following a couple of weeks later. In all, calving is expected to take 10 weeks and the six-week in-calf rate stands at 76%. As for challenges, Aaron says clinical mastitis continues to be an issue to manage. “We just recently put in a mastitis testing machine. A milk sample is taken and put into the machine and it takes 21 hours before we get an email detailing the type of bug and the best drug to use. Getting a drug recommendation is helpful. The same information also goes to the vet.” As a result Aaron says, they are using ‘easier’ drugs on the herd. Herd testing takes place four times a year and there is a programme of reason- ably heavy culling in place. “Given the new technology, we’re making better decisions regarding culling.” “We just recently put in a mastitis testing machine. A milk sample is taken and put into the machine and it takes 21 hours before we get an email detailing the type of bug and the best drug to use. Getting a drug recommendation is helpful. The same information also goes to the vet.” Skill + Tech + Heart = Care VetEnt is proud to work with Campbell & Helen of Te Mara Farms Vet Clinics in Waikato, King Country, Hawke’s Bay, East Cape, Canterbury & Otago vetent.co.nz At VetEnt we always strive for the best care for our clients and patients. Our experienced team is supported by our investment in technology & research, and driven by their passion to help, heal or prevent. Join us on a journey towards better health & wellbeing for your animals today. for more information contact: Phone: 07 858 2224 Mobile: 027 492 8212 dps@dairypro.co.nz www.dairypro.co.nz/education/dpsl-workshops/ Designed for owners , managers and advisers , a unique, popular and in-depth course that combines classroom and on-farm practical teaching. DPSL Farm Tutorial Workshop Successful farmers understand … 2021-2022 Workshop includes 10 x 1-day tutorial sessions (currently based in the Waikato) P 0800 873 7937 E admin@otlgroup.co.nz F facebook.com/OTLGROUPLTD/ PROUD TO SUPPORT TE MARA FARMS LTD Do you know how to effectively manage and feed a high-producing dairy cow, optimise her health, comfort, survivability and in turn her production? “Dairy Production System Limited’s Farm Tutorial Workshops have been carefully designed to place a strong emphasis on the dairy cow. The intensive course follows a full lactation schedule of the dairy cow, including young stock-rearing and is timed so issues coming up are dealt with before they happen. The workshops have been running for 15 years and, while not NZQA-qualified, have proven popular with all levels of people in the dairy and cattle industries - sharemilkers, managers, farm owners, farm consultants, veterinarians, feed reps and service groups from farming-related industries. Photos: The total land footprint at Te Mara Farms is 600ha, with the dairy platform occupying 230ha. The herd comprises of 600 cross-bred cows.