16 | nzdairy Production was typically around 170,000 kg/MS from milking 450 cows. However, this season’s production is expected to be close to 245,000 kg/MS from 500 cows. Russell Fredric A move into ownership supported by consistent improvements is driving production and efficiency gains at Raemac Dairying’s Seaward Downs farm. Tim McRae and his wife Justine purchased the 155-hectare dairy platform in July 2025, while continuing to lease a 90-hectare runoff from Justine’s parents, whose family has farmed the Southland property for 100 years this year. The dairy platform runs as a self-contained unit, wintering around 500 cows, rearing about 120 replacement calves and finishing about 100 beef calves annually. Ten hectares is also leased for tulip production as part of a wider cropping rotation. The couple spent nine years contract milking, followed by four years leasing, before stepping into ownership. Development has been progressive, with key infrastructure enhancing what the farm is capable of. A Redpath wintering shed, first used during 2018, changed how the cow management through the colder months and into the following season. “It meant we had very good control over our wintering,” Tim says. Previously, cows were sent to Central Otago, but bringing wintering in-house has allowed earlier calving, extended lactation and more flexibility around drying off and feed timing while improving oversight of the herd. Production was typically around 170,000 kg/ MS from milking 450 cows. However, this season’s production is expected to be close to 245,000 kg/ MS from 500 cows – a farm record – under a more intensive System 4 operation. Individually, the increased production represents about 95% of the cows’ bodyweight in milk solids. “It’s probably been a combination of factors between the wintering shed, breeding, feeding more grain through the shed and re-grassing.” Technology has been introduced with a clear focus on reducing pressure during the busiest times of the season. Tru-Test Datamars collars were installed in 2022 alongside Protrack drafting, aimed at simplifying mating within the self-contained system. “We’d had a no-bull mating policy for probably six years prior to that and it was a lot of work. November was just probably more busy than what calving was.” “We were a one-man shed to milk anyway, so we just left it a one-man shed for mating and just simplified it.” While the collar system also provides animal health and rumination data, its main value has come through heat detection, particularly eliminating human error and reliance on staff resourcing. Environmental work includes Tim’s involvement with the Edendale Aquifer Catchment Group which is working alongside industry partners. “We’ve been working with Clint Rissmann at Land and Water Science and Dairy NZ have also supported us quite a lot looking for ways to reduce Production gains at Seaward Downs farm DAIRY PEOPLE » Raemac Dairying our environmental footprint without having too big of an effect on our profitability.” “We’re very aware of our environmental footprint so we’re looking at ways that we can help everyone reduce their footprints hopefully through doing things a wee bit smarter.” “If we can come up with solutions it’s better than being beaten with a stick – if it can be farmer-led, that’s best for everyone.” Initiatives include a plantain trial using Ecotain, a cultivar showing promising results in reducing nitrogen leaching from urine patches. Looking ahead, the next step for Raemac Dairying is a planned 54-bail rotary shed to replace the existing 30-year-old 36-bail shed. Although production has lifted significantly, including per cow, Tim believes more gains can be made. “I still don’t think we’ve got the best out of our cows yet.” Proud to supply veterinary services & Animal Remedies for Raemac Dairying “We’ve been working with Clint Rissmann at Land and Water Science and Dairy NZ have also supported us quite a lot looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint.” Independent market leaders in Agronomy, Precision Agriculture, Seed, Crop Protection & Equipment Proud to Support Raemac Dairying www.advanceag.co.nz 0800 227 226 Covering Otago & Southland
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