We run a 50/50 sharemilking business 15min's outside of Invercargill. Our farm is well subdivided with very good infrastructure and a centrally located 54 bail rotary cowshed.
Our farm owners have a support block 10min's away where silage is sourced from and youngstock are grazed including wintering.
We have 2 herd home barns to winter 450-490 cows in. This off paddock facility will allow us a lot of flexibility with extending lactation, increasing feed utilisation and preventing pasture damage.
On farm we are big believers of technology to help us be the best we can be and to drive efficiency. We have halter collars which allow us virtual fencing amongst other features. The shed has protrack, automatic cup removers and in shed feeding. We believe we have all the tools in place to really push what is possible for the farm and are very excited about what the future has in store.
We have been on the property for 9 seasons, I'd like to think I know it well but still constantly learning and evolving. I would describe myself as a very progressive farmer, i am open to new ideas and am always looking for a better way to do things.
Staffing has fluctuated between 3 and 4 full time equivalents over the years, I think 3.5 is about right, with the 0.5 being a milk harvesting role/relief. We have one 2 bedroom house on farm for staff, it is very warm with a heat pump and uniquely has 2 ensuite bathrooms. We also have a 3 bedroom plus office large house suitable for larger families.
Our herd is a well-established herd of crossbred cows, we are trying to breed a very efficient cow who has good longevity and can produced her weight in milk solids. Per cow production sits around 510ms with a 520ms target for next season.
Our vision is to cultivate efficiency to drive sustainability-in our environment and in our people. We work smart so our team can thrive, our farm can flourish, and our future stay bright.