98 | nzdairy some of the strictest freshwater quality thresholds in the country. “As a consequence, we have very high thresholds that we have to meet for groundwater,” says Corrigan. “Effectively the water has to be as pristine as we can get it, so a as a community of dairy farmers in the valley we have been the beneficiaries of significant funding from government and the sector to ensure water quality targets are met and ecology improved amongst the catchment.” Uruwhenua Farms has managed to reduce groundwater nitrate leaching by around 40 percent over the past decade. “This hasn’t necessarily always been positive for the profitability of our business. It has come at some costs around both investment and infrastructure, but also reduction in milk production. We’ve chosen to wear that, because we think it’s the right thing to do for the future.” In addition, the farm is trialling various nitrogen application methods and improving soil biology while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. The Arthur Marble Catchment Group shares a clear objective to demonstrate high quality, sustainable farming that protects a nationally significant resource. “Our soils vary, our rainfall varies, and farm practices vary, but we are very much united by purpose,” says Corrigan. DAIRY PEOPLE » Corrigan Sowman / Fabish and Jackson Top 10 percent in NZ Bernadette Cooney Golden Bay dairy farmer and current board chair of LIC, Corrigan Sowman has long advocated for environmental integrity on farm and genetic excellence in herds, and now he’s seeing the benefits of both, having a breeding worth herd in the top 10 percent in the country and helping establish a catchment group committed to protecting one of New Zealand’s most sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Corrigan is a 2019 Nuffield Scholar, and 2016 Kellogg Scholar leading a third-generation dairy operation in the Takaka Valley - Uruwhenua Farms, alongside his brother Sam and Sam’s partner Steph. The farm, which milks 700 crossbred Friesian cows across a 400-hectare farm, has a long- standing commitment to animal breeding excellence. It began herd testing in the 1920s and introduced artificial insemination in the 1950s. “We’ve been refining this herd for generations, and today, it’s in the top ten percent of BW herds in the country. I’m focused on driving the quality of that herd, where it means the animals are more efficient and better for both the bottom line and the environmental footprint of the farm.” With his extensive academic background and executive leadership experience over the past 17 years, Corrigan is aware of the challenges dairy farmers face with land use and climate variability. A former Fonterra Sustainability Advisory Panel member, he brings sector-wide insight to governance and walks the sustainability walk in his own on-farm practices, with a keen emphasis on water and soil health. This awareness led Corrigan to help establish a collective of local farmers committed to transformational change in groundwater quality and practices. The Arthur Marble Catchment Group consists of 12 Takaka Valley farmers that feed into the aquifer-fed Te Waikoropupu Springs. The springs were granted a landmark Water Conservation Order in 2023, setting Corrigan Sowman. Secure the best price Kelly Deeks As commodity prices show signs of improvement, Taranaki construction firm Fabish & Jackson is encouraging farmers to consider investing in their operations to secure the best price possible before material costs also rise. “Everything goes up in price every week so if they are thinking of building dairy sheds, feed pads or races we are here to help them get the best price possible so they can lock in the cost before further rises. Basically the longer they wait the more expensive it will be,” says Steve Fabish, owner of Fabish & Jackson. Having established a trusted reputation over 45 years in business, Fabish & Jackson has become particularly valued within the rural community for its hassle-free, up-front approach. The Inglewoodbased company has weathered challenging economic conditions itself so well understands farmers’ possible hesitation to opening their wallets. “We’ve dropped staff to a team of five as times have been tough for us as well. Five years ago we had 30 staff. Times are tough for everyone but we’re still here and we’re still ready to help. But we need farmers’ support too so we are here with our skilled staff members for the future as well,” says Steve. The company’s dedication to quality is exemplified by its unique rotary shed design called Oct ‘a’ Lock. “People know we deliver a high quality product,” explains Steve. “It’s an extremely functional, high quality, cost effective dairy parlour that fits economically around rotary milking plant.” This innovative design has been constructed throughout New Zealand and has even been exported overseas. A significant advantage of the Oct ‘a’ Lock system is that it can significantly reduce labour requirements in the milking shed, freeing up valuable time for farmers. “A rotary platform dairy shed can cut down on labour in the milking shed and significantly free up farmers’ time for other things,” says Steve. “A key benefit with the Oct ‘a’ Lock design is that it can be modified to fit any site with additional rooms added onto the structure as required depending on Fabish & Jackson offers a comprehensive service. For all your Transport and Logistics requirements 03 525 9843 | www.sollys.co.nz Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Fertiliser Ph: 0800 033 400 I 404 Broadway, Stratford 4332 I vepo_plumbing@hotmail.com The team at VEPO are committed to providing Taranaki with exceptional service in our areas of expertise which includes Plumbing, Drain laying and Gas fitting. We have an amazing team of people, who take pride in their workmanship from start to finish. No matter how big or small your equest may be our team are happy to assist in all your Plumbing, Drain laying or Gas fitting needs. We are, as our name suggests, a VERY EXPERIENCED PLUMBING ORGANISATION 027 430 8209 | surfatex.co.nz Surfatex specialises in ‘Acraflex’ Dairy Wall Coatings, Pit, Milk room, Crack and Yard repairs. Industrial coatings including anti-slip solutions and protective flooring. Our skilled team is based in the Manawatu and mobile across the lower North Island. the farmer’s needs.” The design incorporates practical features that address common farmer concerns including easy cleaning with no hard corners, a smaller building footprint than conventional buildings for a given turntable size and the use of glulam timber in the roof structure which eliminates perches for birds. “It’s an example of how Fabish & Jackson has thought of everything that farmers want and need in a shed,” says Steve. Fabish & Jackson offers a comprehensive service from its purpose-built facility in Inglewood. It manufactures glulam beams, precast concrete panels and steelwork in-house, with all engineering also completed on-site. Steve says this ensures better quality control and faster project timelines as well as reducing weather-related delays. While specialising in agricultural construction including cowsheds, chicken sheds, maize and silage bunkers and feed pads, the company also undertakes residential builds and fencing, renovations and commercial construction projects. As members of the Taranaki Registered Master Builders Association since 1982, it offers the Master Build guarantee. The company’s concrete division handles projects of all sizes from wall panels and fences to pipe supports, driveways and floor slabs. Being the original founder Steve credits his team of staff as being the backbone of the business. Rural work constitutes the largest part of the company’s operations and its extensive experience working with farmers has established it as the go-to construction firm in the Taranaki region.
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