| 59 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Array Holsteins The irrigation comprises three centre pivots and 60 hectares of K-line irrigation, sourced from the Clutha River, which enabled the herd to be increased by 15 cows in addition to increasing per cow production. increased by 15 cows in addition to increasing per cow production with less supplement. “There’s no summer turnips any more. We feed a little bot of silage over the summer if needed but the irrigation has made a big difference. We are probably growing another 2.5 tonnes of Your Baleage Specialist NM & TW Roy Contracting Ltd Tony: 027 441 6830 or 03 415 9291 • For all your Round Bale •requirements • Full cultivation •services now available. •For Further Enquiries Contact: grass per hectare per year.” “We’ve put in a palm kernel silo, that’s in addition to our grain silo. We now feed about 3.5 kilos of barley per cow per day and probably 2.2 kilos of palm kernel; that’s all through the in-shed system.” With the herringbone shed lacking any technology and nearing the end of its life, the Ray’s are hoping the much improved payout for the past season and the potential of some favourable future years will make a way for it to be replaced. “We will go all-in with the technology, it’s something that we are interested in; a rotary with all the automatic drafting and collars. We really want to be doing it within five years.” Despite his optimism, Richard still has a degree of caution. “The payout is very good, but all the costs have gone up as well.” TRACTOR PARTS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR HIGH QUALITY NEW AND USED PARTS FOR MOST TRACTOR MAKES & MODELS Delivered to your farm within 2-3 days NEW TRACTOR PARTS ENGINE PARTS TRACTOR DISMANTLING All The Common Brands & Complete Engines www.agspares.co.nz 0800 788 788
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