100 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Dairy Shed Hub The positive reception to the business validates the decision to focus specifically on dairy automation. Dairy Shed Hub always puts its customers first and has a talented team. Dairy Shed Hub experiencing strong growth Karen Phelps Since Waikato-based dairy technology company Dairy Shed Hub launched just over a year ago it is already experiencing strong business growth, buoyed by renewed optimism in New Zealand’s dairy industry. “I think we entered the market at a good time as the dairy industry has started to turn around for farmers. There has been a significant upswing in confidence, as improved payout forecasts and more stable operating conditions encourage farmers to invest in technology that can improve efficiency and reduce labour costs,” says Cody Lamb, manager of Dairy Shed Hub. After working in the industry for several years, Cody established the business to focus specifically on dairy automation technology, identifying a gap in the market for specialist expertise in the rapidly evolving field. Based in Matamata the company services the wider East Waikato area. The firm provides installation, maintenance, repairs and 24/7 breakdown assistance for a range of dairy technology systems, with a particular emphasis on three key partnerships. The company works closely with MilktechNZ, a 100% New Zealand-owned manufacturer specialising in electronic cup removers that incorporate wireless technology for both herringbone and rotary cow sheds. SenseHub Dairy is another flagship partner, providing comprehensive monitoring solutions through cow collar technology. The system delivers data on heat detection, animal health indicators and rumination patterns to help farmers make datadriven decisions for their herds. The latest partnership is with JFC Agri, suppliers of the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder range. Designed to streamline one of the most labour-intensive aspects of dairy farming, Cody says the Dairy Shed Hub team is excited to see this technology integrated into dairy operations throughout the Waikato. To provide a comprehensive offering Dairy Shed Hub services span the full spectrum of dairy shed operations including milking systems, drafting solutions, milk monitoring and rubberware. It undertakes retrofits, upgrades and full milking system packages. Cody says that automation has become increasingly important as dairy farmers face ongoing challenges with skilled labour recruitment and rising wage costs. “With access to reliable information about a herd and individual animals, taking full control of milk production and quality has never been simpler,” explains Cody. “This means increased profits, reduced labour and treatment costs, healthier animals and happier staff.” He says that Dairy Shed Hub always puts its customers first and has a talented team who can undertake on-going maintenance for farmers: “We keep our staff highly trained to carry out maintenance schedules and service plans tailored to each farm’s specific needs. This ensures our customers keep milking, minimise or eliminate any downtime, and keep their systems running smoothly. We go the extra mile ensuring that farmers have round-the-clock support when they need it most.” For Cody the positive reception to the business validates the decision to focus specifically on dairy automation at a time when technology is transforming traditional farming practices. “We’ve set out to create a place where dairy farmers can come for genuine advice and service, knowing we have their best interests in mind.”
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