64 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Dan Cosgrove Ramping up focus on locally made feed silos Kelly Deeks With the tide slowly turning for New Zealand’s dairy sector, long-standing Timaru business Dan Cosgrove is ramping up its focus on feed silos, offering locally made, cost-comparative, and robust storage solutions designed for New Zealand farmers. Dan Cosgrove managing director Gary Fahey says after a couple of flat years, confidence is starting to return to the rural sector, and that’s been reflected in increased demand for feed systems. “Things have been pretty quiet, but since the Fieldays this year we’ve seen things pick up,” he says. “We’ve got more farmers putting in feed systems, and we’re getting more orders for on-farm silos.” Cosgrove silos are designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. Dan Cosgrove has been manufacturing silos since the 1960s and remains New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of steel grain silos. But Gary says the business is far from stuck in the past. “We’re building more transportable models now, with kitset silos that can be bolted together on-site,” he says. “That gives us the ability to ship anywhere in the country, or even overseas, and it makes it a lot easier for farmers in remote areas to get what they need.” Cosgrove silos are built to last and designed to outperform imported products. “Some silos out there are more than 60 years old and still going,” Gary says. “But the general design life is 25 years, and a lot of those old silos are now due for replacement. There have even been a few horror stories overseas with silo collapses. These things don’t last forever.” Unlike many imported products, Cosgrove silos are designed specifically for New Zealand conditions, and built using fully galvanised steel for maximum durability. “We’re competing with imported silos that aren’t always up to spec for New Zealand farms,” Gary says. “Ours are made right here in Timaru, by New Zealand engineers who understand our environment. We’re often surprised to hear farmers say they thought the imports would be cheaper, but our pricing is very competitive, and you’re supporting a local business.” Dan Cosgrove also fabricates structural steel and provides specialist roofing and cladding systems as well as being one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers for Corten steel. Feed storage remains a core focus, especially with more dairy farmers investing in on-farm storage to gain more control over grain buying. PERMBRAND.CO.NZ 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 “We offer our 21-foot elevated cone-based silos that allow farmers to buy grain at the right time and the right price,” Gary says. “When you can store feed properly on farm, you don’t have to rely on last-minute deliveries or market spikes. There are real savings to be had.” All Cosgrove silos are fully engineered in New Zealand, using local chartered engineers and built from scratch at their Timaru base. The company also offers a full range of spare parts and servicing, helping farmers extend the life of their investments and avoid downtime during the busy season. With a team of 35 and decades of experience behind them, Dan Cosgrove is well-positioned to support the needs of Kiwi farmers as the industry regains momentum. “We’ve got the solutions, we’ve got the stock, and we’re here in Timaru,” Gary says. “We’re proud to be manufacturing for New Zealand farmers.”
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