102 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Highline Dairy Otago Ltd Brad and Jono outside the Balclutha workshop. Dairy shed winter upgrades done right Bernadette Cooney With dairy shed winter maintenance season underway Balclutha-based Highline Dairy Otago are gearing up and have added a new innovative New Zealand technology, Herd-i to their suite of dairy shed support installations. Family owned and operated by Brad and Louise Hosking since 2020, the business combines traditional engineering expertise with cutting-edge technologies to boost dairy shed efficiencies and function. The latest innovation available through Highline Dairy Otago is the New Zealand-developed Herd-i system which uses cameras and EID technology to monitor body condition scores and lameness in cows. Installed at the shed exit, Herd-i tracks individual cow health with a high level of accuracy. “Herd-i is a really good tool,” says Brad, “Detects and keeps track of your herd health and frees the operator up so they don’t have to spend so much time in the shed.” The company have recently already installed Herd-i systems in Southland, and they expect adoption to grow as more farmers recognise the benefits of early detection and reduced stock issues. Brad, and his tight-knit team, including full-time technician Jono Knowler and registered electrician Miles McLaren are known for their consistency, reliability, and practical problem-solving approach. “Jono is a real asset to the team; he brings a lot to the table with his 20 years’ experience in the shed and Miles is a seasoned professional in his game with 40 plus years’ experience, we really can’t go wrong.” Authorised local service agents for Read Milking Systems, Highline Dairy Otago provides rotary milking platform repairs, maintenance and upgrades, new dairy shed conversions and effluent and water management. Brad is a registered New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trade Association milking machine tester and has also obtained his NZMPTA water industry certification, in recognition of his skill and experience with water pumping systems throughout his 15 years within the dairy industry. Born and breed in Kaitangata, Brad entered the engineering sector out of school and over time has evolved to specialise in dairy shed engineering services. At the core of Highline Dairy’s services are Read milking machines, Teatwand teat spray systems, and AFIMILK monitoring systems, all NZ-made or internationally certified for performance. “Read’s vacuum and pulsation tech is the gold standard and AFIMilk systems are accredited worldwide and considered one the most accurate systems providing multiple options including milk metering and cow collars.” Covering the region from the Taieri Plains to West Otago and into Southland, Highline Dairy Otago works closely with both long-term and new clients. They provide a 24/7 emergency callout for clients, and beyond new installations Highline Dairy Otago can upgrade, retrofit, maintain and troubleshoot. “Sheds installed during the dairy boom 20 years ago are starting to show their age,” says Brad. “We’re doing a lot of platform refurbishments and new wear strips, custom pedestal designs, and full overhauls.” One current platform rebuild underway in South Otago showcases Highline Dairy Otago’s unique custom design skills, having designed and fabricated new pedestals from scratch that are more easily adjustable than the originals. “We take pride in doing that little bit extra and doing things correctly so your platform can last another 20 to 30 years.” Based in South Otago we specialise in providing tailored construction solutions for your farm across Otago and Southland. From dairy shed works during the off season to compliance works, repairs and maintenance, new farm sheds, bridges and yard works. Call Clem for a chat 021 418 315 | admin@constructsouth.co.nz | constructsouth.co.nz BACKING HIGHLINE DAIRY OTAGO LTD AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE DAIRY INDUSTRY P.O Box 168 Balclutha t: 03 418 0170 e: office@fraseritm.co.nz FRASER HARDWARE · SEE ITM WHEN YOU’RE BUILDING A HOUSE · PAINT, POWER TOOLS · INSULATION · RENOVATING · POLE SHEDS · FENCING · BUILDING A DECK
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