10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Clydesdale Dairy Sense of renewed confidence being felt Alexia Anderson Otago dairy farmers Francois and Shelley Tillard are optimistic about the future of the dairy industry. After several challenging years, Francois says the current season at Clydesdale Dairy, near Oamaru, has been “a lot easier”, reflecting a sense of renewed confidence being felt across New Zealand’s dairy sector. “I think it’s for everybody, the dairy industry in general”, he says. “I think everybody is reasonably happy with where things are.” That positivity extends beyond the farm gate, with a flow on effect benefiting contractors, suppliers and the wider community, he says. “The township is extremely reliant on the primary industries doing well. When we have dairy, sheep and beef all doing well, it makes a big difference to a township like that.” He says strengthening balance sheets across the sector can only benefit rural communities like Oamaru. Clydesdale Dairy is a 200ha year-round milking operation in the Waitaki District, run as a 50/50 equity partnership with Craigmore Sustainable. The property carries a peak herd of between 700 and 800 cows, with an additional 150ha leased across two runoff blocks. With calving taking place three times a year and a barn-based wintering system, the Tillards operate a system focused on both environmental and business resilience. Production this season is up close to 7%, despite a colder than usual spring and ongoing weather related challenges. The property is vulnerable to flash flooding, with about a quarter of the farm made up of heavier soils that have flooded in the past. As a result, the Tillards invested in its barn system which now houses about half of the herd during winter. Francois says while every farming business faces variables outside its control, particularly fluctuating milk prices and weather patterns, the current outlook remains encouraging. “I’m always optimistic. Clydesdale Dairy is a 200ha year-round milking operation in the Waitaki District. We supply & provide agronomy for Clydesdale Dairy. Speak to our team today! DEPOSIT IN 12 MONTHS IN 24 MONTHS P.A. INTEREST RATE T&Cs APPLY 259ThamesStreet, Oamaru 0800 436 723 | waterforce.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING CLYDESDALEDAIRY. PUMPING SERVICES WATER MEASUREMENT ATER MEASUREMENT SE S IRRIGATION WATER FILTRATION Large Solar farms • Solar for Full Dairy Shed systems Solar for Houses • All other Electrical needs. CALECT SOLAR 0800 360063 calum@calect.co.nz
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