We own a 500-cow dairy farm in the Matakitaki Valley, 5km outside of Murchison. The farm system we use is a lower input approach (a System 2 farm). We winter off ½ the herd and offer only 200kg a cow of palm / meal via the cow shed to produce a little over 400kgMS cow.
The herd is a Friesian herd and is milked through a 7 year old 44 bail rotary cowshed which is equipped with most of the modern elements allowing one person to milk. There is protrack, cup removers, teat sprayer and meal feeder. The plant wash is also automated.
The farm is 190 ha and is run by a herd manager / 2ic and an assistant who both work alongside ourselves on a daily basis. The roster has varied to suit but most commonly has been an 11 on and 3 off system. There is also 80ha of Kline irrigation we use for about 50 days of the season, we also use Once a Day milking from around Christmas onwards to reduce the workload on us and take the pressure off the cows.
The property has a mix of clay and silt soils, is well developed with a good regrassing and fertilser history. The fencing and water systems are all excellent.
We have a great history of employing people, and treating staff and our suppliers fairly. We are on the search for new staff this year as the current herd manager is moving on after 5 years with us. We have been recognized with awards in competitions for our excellent employment practices and our leadership and community involvement.
We have demonstrated pride in our farm appearance, and our stock well being and often get asked to host fieldays. We have been happy to fund and support training off farm through either ITO Level 4 or 5 or though more targeted practical training such as feet trimming or artificial insemination courses