Dairy Focus

An Ashburton Guardian Supplement

A multi-million dollar robotic milking shed under construction.

Page 2-3

Dairy Industry Awards winners.Pages 4-5 & 20

DairyFocusMay 2012

Dairy Focus May 20122

An advertising supplement ofthe Ashburton Guardian

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian

Publication date: May 17, 2012Next issue: June 26, 2012

We welcome any correspondence to either:

Amanda Wright, phone 307-7927 email: [email protected]

or

Linda Clarke, phone 307-7971 email: [email protected]

DairyFocus

Robotic milkers, the future of milking cows

Mid Canterbury dairy farmer Bryan Beeston is building a multi-million dollar robotic milking shed to cater for a herd of “super cows”.

The Beestons milk around 2300 cows, including 1500 pedigree Holstein Friesians that are the result of a 20-year breeding plan.

“We are going to 2800 cows next season but will take the top 15-20 per cent of cows doing over 12,000 litres and put them on the robotic farm,” he said.

A new dairy shed on Anama Station Road is under construction and it will house eight Lely robotic milking machines, each worth $250,000.

Beeston says the super cows will milk themselves three times a day, on a grass-based diet. “We already milk three times a day on one of our farms, but the shed runs 12 hours and it is not much of a life for the people working in them, or the cows.”

It is the � rst large scale grass-based commercial robotic operation in the country. The � rst robotic milkers were bought and installed by the Carr Agricultural Group four years ago on its showcase farm Stradbrook. The farm produces 170,000 milksolids from 75 hectares.

Beeston says the robots are an investment in research and development for his big dairy business and are a “quantum leap” into the future of milking cows.

The Anama operation is expected to be “standing on its own feet” within a couple of years.

Lely Ashburton managing director Paul Tocker said 16 other robotic milkers had been installed on two Oamaru dairy farms and another four at North Canterbury.

“That’s quite a lot of expansion. We are employing people and expect to install 20 or 30 a year at the least.”

The machines are made in Holland and shipped to order. Specially trained technicians install them.

“These are smart people. They are good at computing work and milk and mechanical.”

A strict schedule of servicing is important so the machines don’t break down; they are expected to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week in climates hot and cold.

Story continues over page

Linda Clarke,rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian

Photos Tetsuro Mitomo


Tocker said some 12,500 Lely robotic milkers were in use around the world and demand was growing. Around seven per cent of the Dutch dairy herd is milked by robot, and he says between 5-7 per cent of the Kiwi herd will be milked by robot within 10 years.

Clients generally fall into two groups: High performance dairy farmers wanting to realise the milk production of their best cows or arable, sheep and beef farmers with some free land wanting to join the dairy industry.

“A barn operation often suits them (the latter). It gives them a revenue stream without having to be a dairy farmer and convert.”

Tocker said robotic milkers also attracted a di� erent type of dairy farmer. These farmers could avoid the unsociable hours of traditional milking systems and sit happily analyzing the screeds of information generated by the machines.

Electronic ear-tags on the dairy cows connect to the computer and together they collect data about herd activity, body temperature, feed consumption and milk production.

“There is so much information available from the robots

about feeding, how the cows are going and weight gain, so you can focus on nutrition.”

Tocker said the Stradbrook farm now had four years of information to call on when farmers were interested in turning robotic. “When people come and look they are amazed. They see these cows standing there being milked making money for them.

“People worry about the cost and it is a lot of money, but it provides opportunities and it is a di� erent system. We never get anyone saying it is a crock.”

He said robotic systems also allowed dairy farmers to stay in the business longer, as they were not burned out by early starts and unsociable hours.

“Some of the smaller herds are being run by husband and wife teams, and they have got to the point where it is too hard.”

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Ashburton has teamed up with Lely to install the Beestons’ robotic milkers. Owner Brent Christie said two sta� had been specially trained for the job and others would join the installation and servicing crew as the number of robotic milkers grew.

Robotic milking sheds are designed to incorporate a feed

pad, electronically-operated gates and the large milkers in an enclosed space. Extras include back-scratchers for cows and mood lighting for cows who prefer to milk in the middle of the night.

Electrical ducting for the machines is laid under the concrete when the shed is built to ensure no interference with the data network and robotic operating system occurs.

Christie said a back-up generator kicked into action if electricity was lost and many issues could be dealt with remotely as the system included self-diagnostic software.

The Beeston set-up also includes cameras which see into the shed and around the farm.

Christie said the robotic milking revolution was yet another step for the district’s innovative and progressive farming community and his company was pleased to be a part of it. Christie’s father Les was also involved in wiring up the district’s � rst rotary milking shed for dairying pioneer John Roadley in the early 1980s.

Back then the rotary design was a novelty and the shed attracted plenty of attention. Thirty years on, the spotlight is on robotics.


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If there had been a trophy at the national Dairy Industry Awards for the best dairy farm employers, then the Johnson family of Mid Canterbury would surely have won it.

Richard, Jan, Ben and Shannon Johnson own the farming properties that sharemilkers of the year Enda and Sarah Hawe and dairy trainee of the year Nathan Christian have worked on for the past season and more.

The Johnsons were as delighted as their employees when the national titles were announced at a big black-tie gala dinner in Auckland earlier this month. To complete the sweep for Mid Canterbury, Rakaia farm manager Mick O’Connor was farm manager of the year. “It is incredible really and great for the farm,” said Shannon Johnson. “It just shows how strong the region is. It has been a real growth industry and we have attracted some top people.”

Both the Hawes and Christian are moving on for the next season, leaving big boots to � ll. Ben and Shannon are in charge of 880ha at Wester� eld, converted to dairying in 2005. They milked 850 cows in that � rst season, but through development and land buying, they aim to be milking 2500 cows next season.

Their operation has already been recognised for water e� cient practices in the Canterbury Balance Farm Environment Awards. Judges in the dairy awards noted great relationships with employers and other top dairy farmers were features in the winners’ lives. National convenor Chris Keeping said organisers were blown away to have the three big winners from the same region. “It also underlines the strength and powerhouse the Canterbury region has become in terms of dairy farming, and the opportunities that creates for young people to progress their dairy farming careers,” she said.

While Canterbury was dominant, the � nals judges noted other trends among this year’s group of 36 � nalists representing 12 regions throughout New Zealand. Judges say it is clear the changing nature of farm ownership structures is having an impact on � nalists in how they are planning their future goals, there was greater consideration of environmental concerns and public perceptions of dairy farming, and � nalists had developed strong support networks to help them progress their career. “There is an acceptance that farm ownership isn’t the only way to enjoy

participation in a vibrant industry. The � nalists are thinking about security for their family and about enjoying a more balanced lifestyle.” Judges say the change in ownership structures through equity partnerships and corporate farming had opened di� erent career pathways and opportunities.

“The � nalists believe that farm ownership is no longer the only way to achieve security in the industry. The � nalists are also concerned about the way the industry is perceived publicly and they are prepared to do something about it. It’s not just about milk production and making money, the � nalists are aware of environmental

issues and looking after New Zealand’s global reputation.”

Judges also say the people advancing the best in the industry have great relationships with farm owners and a good support network with mentors around them. The attention to detail that 2012 Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Enda and Sarah Hawe gave to every facet of their business was impressive, head judge Andy Ewen said. “They are both really enthusiastic about the industry. Enda is Irish and has come over here and made every post a winner.”

The Hawes, aged 33 and 29, have been lower order sharemilking (17.5%) 1400

cows and have secured a 50% 650-cow sharemilking position for the new season. Mr Ewen says the couple had made huge progress since � rst entering the industry six years ago, amassing impressive equity growth over that time. The only single man in the contest, John Butterworth, 24, representing the Central Plateau region, placed second. “The farm is one of 22 in the Rotorua Lakes catchment so he is extremely environmentally aware.” Mr Butterworth is 50% sharemilking 500 cows at Mamaku.

Third went to Otago representatives, James and Helen Hartshorne, aged 34 and 33. “They love what they are doing and

work tremendously well as a team.” The

Hartshornes, who are 50% sharemilking 540 cows at

Tapanui, both studied agriculture in the United Kingdom and came to

New Zealand in 2000 with nothing and have made great progress in the industry.

There were also two Australians among the sharemilker/equity farmer � nalists – Northland’s Lucy He� ernan and Taranaki’s James Van Den Brand. The 2012 Farm Manager of the Year, Mick O’Connor, 31, was a standout on-farm performer in the competition, head judge Leo van den Beuken says. Mr O’Connor is contract milking an 840-cow Dairy Holdings

property at Dunsandel. “Mick is making the best use of the tools available to him to get the required results for all aspects of his farm, including his pasture management, record keeping of livestock, and health and safety. He had plans in place for the next few years, including going onto a 400-cow 50% sharemilking position.”

Second place went to Waikato contract milker Thomas White, 23, who has a Diploma in Agriculture from Massey University. “Thomas is on a family farm close to the Putaruru township. The town looks down on the farm and there are lots of eyes watching him, so he has a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that he is farming responsibly. He was also doing very good production per cow and per hectare,” Mr van den Beuken says.

Third place went to Auckland Hauraki representatives and career changes, Paul and Amy Koppens, both aged 32. “Not only have they had to contend with split calving, but the farm has two run-o� s associated with it that they have to manage.” Paul Koppens was a drainlayer for 11 years and Amy Koppens worked as a property manager and also had her own wedding planning business. They are now contract milking 240 cows. The Dairy Trainee of the Year, Nathan Christian, 22, was an outstanding young man who is focused and determined to achieve dairy farm ownership, says head judge Don Seath. Mr Christian has a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture from Lincoln University and has competed in the Coast to Coast multisport event. He has a goal of farm ownership by 2020.

“I would have a high level of con� dence in the fact that he will achieve the goals he has set himself in the future. He is a very mature balanced person who works hard and manages to achieve activities o� the farm as well,” Mr Seath said. “The trainee competition is gaining traction and I believe the trainees coming into the competition are better prepared than in the past – certainly they are receiving some good schooling from their supporters and advisors.” Southland farm assistant Robert Ankerson, 23, was second in the trainee contest, demonstrating strength in industry issues. Third place went to West Coast /Top of the South representative Michael Shearer, 19. “What separated Michael from the others was his con� dence and ability to express himself.”

Enda and Sarah Hawe won the title

of sharemilkers of the year at the

national Dairy Industry

Awards 2012.

Photo Tetsuro Mitomo

Mid Canterbury dairy farms under the spotlight

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NZ Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the year

1st – Enda and Sarah Hawe, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $39,970 in prizes2nd – John Butterworth, Central Plateau, $22,000 in prizes3rd – James and Helen Hartshorne, Otago, $13,380 in prizes

Merit awardsDairyNZ Human Resources Award – Scott and Alicia Paterson, Auckland/HaurakiEcolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Enda and Sarah HaweFederated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Richard and Amy Fowler, Bay of Plenty Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – John Butterworth LIC Recording and Productivity Award – James and Rebecca Van Den Brand, Taranaki Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – James and Helen Hartshorne Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Barry and Nicky McTamney, Waikato Westpac Business Performance Award – Enda and Sarah Hawe DairyNZ Interview Award – John Butterworth

NZ Farm Managerof the year

1st – Mick O’Connor, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $26,920 in prizes2nd – Thomas White, Waikato, $11,000 in prizes3rd – Paul and Amy Koppens, Auckland/Hauraki, $3000 in prizesMerit AwardsDairyNZ Human Resource Management Award – Hannes and Lyzanne du Plessis, SouthlandRD1 Farm Management Award – Mick O’Connor Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Mick O’ConnorFonterra Interview Award – Thomas White

NZ Dairy Traineeof the year:

1st – Nathan Christian, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $7500 in prizes2nd – Robert Ankerson, Southland, $3000 in prizes3rd – Michael Shearer, West Coast/Top of the South, $2000 in prizes.

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The rapid growth of the dairy industry in Canterbury has created a critical shortage of local skilled dairy workers, and increasingly this shortage is being � lled by skilled migrants from overseas. To meet the demand Immigration Placement Services Ltd (IPS), a New Zealand company specialising in matching skilled migrants with NZ employers, has been bringing into New Zealand experienced dairy farm workers for the last seven years.

Four years ago, to meet the demand for dairy farm workers, the directors of IPS established an o� ce in place of company based in Manila, Philippines to screen and interview dairy farm workers for New Zealand farmers. The Manila o� ce interviews applicants and forwards resumes of those who qualify for work visas to farmers. Those selected by employers are then interviewed on video with Skype. Over the years IPS has arranged for hundreds of farm workers to be placed with NZ farmers.

Immigration NZ maintains strict guidelines on only approving work visa for applicants as dairy farm workers, who must show that have at least two years previous experienced on a commercial dairy farm, supported by veri� able documents. As most applicants from the Philippines are unable to provide the supporting documentation, applicants are sourced from large commercial dairy farms in the Middle East and those with experience working on Japanese dairy

farms. The majority of applicants have

agriculture degrees from the Philippines.

There is some confusion amongst farmers on what the de� nition of an Assistant Herd Manager is.

Immigration NZ will only approve an AHM for farms with over 600 milking cows, and can show that they have a broad range of farm skills. While AHMs are listed on Immigration NZ skilled shortage list, which allows farmers to employ them with approval from Work & Income NZ (WINZ), very few Filipinos will qualify. Therefore they need to come into NZ as Dairy Farm Workers (DFW) and their employers will need to have approval from WINZ before visas can be approved.

However the Ashburton WINZ o� ce realises that there are not suitable applicants in South Canterbury and gives WINZ approval for farmers to recruit from overseas. More recently IPS has been bringing in experienced dairy farm workers from Sri Lanka. Many of the applicants from there have a broader range of skills and quali� cations than Filipino DFWs and qualify as AHMs. As the demand for experienced DFWs workers is growing world-wide, New Zealand employers need to be prepared to accept suitable applicants from other countries as demand continues to grow.

Currently IPS has quali� ed applicants from Sri Lanka, Philippines, Nepal and Kenya.

Canty dairy farmers dependent on migrants

Bruce Porteous from Immigration Placement Services (centre) with Ernesto Bautista and Efren Mazano at Domore Methven Road, Ashburton.

Ryan Lantano, Ealing Montalto Road, Ashburton.

Bruce Porteous from Immigration Placement Serviceswith Joe and Cindy De Kort.

Bruce Porteous from Immigration Placement Services with Fe Dumaguing, Ashburton.

By Bruce Porteous, Immigration Placement Services

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The contribution South Island dairy farmers have made to the genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd was celebrated last month.

About 120 breeders and their families, from as far as Winton in the south and Hikurangi in the north, gathered at Livestock Improvement’s (LIC’S) base in Hamilton to celebrate the contribution bulls they bred, have made to the industry and the local and national economy as members of LIC’s elite Premier Sires team of arti� cial breeding bulls. LIC has two Premier Sires teams – those proven on the basis of their DNA and, older bulls, proven traditionally on daughter performance. Seventeen South Island bred bulls made it into the LIC Premier Sires Daughter Proven and DNA Proven Teams and were recognised at the 2012 LIC Breeders Day.

One South Island bull made the LIC Daughter Proven Kiwi Cross Premier Sires Team and three, the DNA Proven KiwiCross Team. Reefton Bred Jersey bull, Kerstens TGM Regal ET S2J and Temuka bred bull, Lynbrook OM Titan ET S3J were both members of � rst the DNA Proven and then the Daughter Proven Premier Sires Teams and two other South Island bred bulls were selected for the DNA Proven Premier Sires Team.

The South Island was also well represented in the Holstein Friesian Breeds with three bulls in the Holstein Friesian Daughter Proven Premier Sires Team and seven in the DNA Proven team. LIC Premier Sires Product Manager Mike Wilson said Breeders Day was a very special day on Livestock Improvement’s (LIC) calendar because it celebrated a unique group of farmers whose expertise, as breeders, deserves commendation. “Breeders Day 2012 recognises those breeders who have bred bulls used throughout the country in both Daughter Proven and DNA Proven Premier Sires teams. “Premier Sires accounts for more than 70 per cent of all the New Zealand dairy industry arti� cial inseminations carried out, and thus produces the next generation of high genetic merit, high performing dairy animals.

“With the dairy industry accounting for somewhere in the region of 40 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP our Premier Sires Breeders make a real di� erence not only to dairy farmers throughout the country but the country as a whole. “The contribution of the Premier Sires team to the New Zealand economy is conservatively estimated to be in the region of 17 billion dollars and its net present value around 300 million dollars each year – and growing.”

2012 South Island breeders with bullsin the Premier Sires teams

Brendan and Jacqui Durcan (Timaru). Bull, Durcans Labyrinth ET. John and Donna Dowdle (Invercargill). Bull, Ambrose Super Stan. Fraser and Christine Macbeth (Nelson). Bull, Cawdor Pharoah. Steve and Nina Ireland (Temuka). Bulls, Lynbrook Aftershock, Lynbrook OM Titan ET S3J and Lynbrook HTA Trifecta ET. Michael and Rachel Kersten (Reefton). Bulls, Kerstens TGM Regal ET S2J and Kerstens KRC Ronaldo. Allan Maxwell (Wyndham). Bull, Maxwells Dan Jazzman S2F. Nelson Cook (Hokitika). Bull Westland CL Jasper-ET S1F John and Jenne Kennedy (Winton). Bull, Whinlea Dan Supersonic-ET Nathan and Amanda Bayne (Outram). Bulls, Busy Brook Rapture-ET S3F and Busy Brook Robust-ET S3F. Hans and Margaret Schouten (Edendale). Bulls, Hazael SH Matrix-ET S3F and Hazael VA Razzler-ET S2F. Mark and Louise Jellyman (Oamaru). Bull, Hoo� ng-It FM Houdini S3F. Russell and Kathy Hurst (Oamaru). Bull, Invernia TGF Ignition S3F. Robert and Ann Marie Bruin (Otautau). Bull, Meander MW Emphatic S2F.

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Michael and Rachel Kersten and their two children travelledfrom Reefton to meet Regal.

The Macbeth family, Fraser, Jason and Christine from Nelson,meet Pharoah.


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The Macbeth family, Fraser, Jason and Christine from Nelson,meet Pharoah.

I was hoping for a mild start to May to ensure this month’s production was in the bag. However I was greeted with the � rst, real frost of the autumn. Real, quanti� ed by white ground and ice. Not the air frosts we have had to date.

This was after our � rst real lashing of NW wind for the year. It coincided with the same time last year. I remember it well as does my insurance company with another claim to go through on a pivot overhang � rmly attached to the ground.

Despite the media trying to create debate, I refuse to be drawn into commenting directly on winter feed and feed supply. Only to say that I am sure the cows will not go hungry this winter. An abundance of dry land feed and silage from the best growing season in memory, will hopefully outweigh the lack of later green feed planted post harvest and lack of straw. There are a lot of cows coming to Canterbury whether they are conversion cows or en route to Southland cows. This I am sure has all been planned for.

Milk production nationally is 10 per cent ahead. Globally 4-5 per cent. This is a huge number, when we usually talk lower, single digit numbers. This is immediately going to hit all Dairy Producers in the pocket. Payout has already been revised for the current season, and predictions are $5 something. Budgets should re� ect this. Costs of production will also have to re� ect this. This is worth in excess of $1 billion dollars less to � ow into our economy next year.

Mr English’s zero budget for the 2012 year will probably need to be regurgitated in 2013 especially since the government is siting lower tax takes as one of the reasons for not being able to balance the books. Don’t hold your breath on the dairy sector providing any more

than we do now, let alone the whole agricultural industry. We have been told to expect volatility, and we do expect it. We do also need to remember that this is just a glitch in the matrix. The world is still short of food. I will be able to report in

the next couple of months on my trip to China to be part of the FAME course.

The Food and Agribusiness Market Experience aims to teach through total emersion in the culture. We (the participants) are visiting everything from the Fonterra dairy operations to the peasant rice � elds, from supermarkets to fabric traders and � sh markets to north Chinese sheep producers. We will get a feel for our soon to be biggest trading partner and the super power of our generation. This is a country and area (when including India) of endless opportunities. So I think I can handle a $5 something payout when there are over 2 billion people wanting food security.

Finally, the board of Fonterra listened.

A second vote on June 25 on the TAF (Trading Amongst Farmers) proposal is all about the senior management and board of Fonterra “front footing” the issue due to discontent from within its share-holder base. I applaud their decision to take the � nal decision back to its shareholders and hope that they ask for a 75 per cent majority. If I was a governor of this business, I would want a 75 per cent majority to rubber stamp the proposal.

Our regional AGM was held last month with no change in the Dairy Section. If you would like to become involved in our organisation it is relatively easy, ring me, pay your membership and come along to our meetings, which are generally talking about our industry, the challenges, opportunities and threats it faces.

Hamish DavidsonMid Canterbury Federated Farmers’ dairy section head

Herd scene with Hamish


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As the season is coming to an end, and with the new season is approaching, there are some important things that we need to be taking into consideration in order to maximise our cows’ hoof health through this transitional time.

A number of farmers will have cows on winter crops. It is important to introduce cows onto, and wean o� , these crops gradually with an ideal transition period of at least two weeks. The time when the cows are coming o� the crop is particularly important because they are close to calving and calving induces laminitis, as does a quick change of diet, so there is a bigger risk factor at that time of year. Lameness is a multi-factorial disease.

The more factors that are below the mark, the more likely you are to have lameness problems. I appreciate that in some cases it is very di� cult to wean cows onto a di� erent diet especially when the cows are away grazing.

However, it is important to keep these things in mind - it may be bene� cial to use silage as the main part of the diet to help you with this transition. It would be a good idea to consult your nutritionist about the

best ways to manage these issues. The end of the season is also a good time to do some maintenance hoof trimming. Hoof trimming does not stop laminitis but it does help to minimise the e� ects of laminitis.

Trimming the cows at this time of the year means that they will have well-shaped feet by the time they calf, and therefore su� er less from calving-induced laminitis.

Remember that if the weight is distributed evenly over the claw then it is less likely for the outer claw to pack up due to the combination of overload and being sick. It is a bit like having a trailer with two really old tyres. When you load this trailer, but put the entire load on one side of the trailer then the tyre on the loaded side is much more likely to burst than the tyre on the other side.

If you spread the load evenly over both tyres then you are less likely to end up with a � at tyre. It may still happen but it is less likely.

In the same way, if you spread the weight of the cow over the two claws rather than

letting the outer claw do most of the work you are less likely to end up with a lame cow.

The reason why the outer claw

usually does most of the work is because it tends to grow bigger than the inner claw. This is why cows usually go lame on the outer claw.

So if you trim the outer claw back to the same height as the inner claw then you are spreading the weight evenly over the two claws.

It sounds like a very simple and easy process, but it actually takes a skilled hoof trimmer to get the balance right.

Veehof is in the ideal position to help you with learning how to get the “right balance”– contact us now on 0800 833463 to � nd out more!

Maintenance minimises lamenessFred HoekstraVeehof Dairy Services


As New Zealand dairy farmers are aware, the main metabolic issue experienced during calving is milk fever, with the others being grass tetany (magnesium staggers) and Ketosis.

Milk fever (Hypocalcaemia) is a result of low blood calcium levels not meeting the cow’s requirements once she has calved. This can bring about unwanted issues such as down cows, nervous trembling and suppressed appetite, all of which a� ect milk production. The high-risk period for such disorders is the transition phase between late pregnancy and lactation.

Rensinus Schipper, Ruminant Nutrition Consultant for Dairy Business Centre (NZ) Limited, calculates that “a 500kg cow producing 30 Litres of milk per day will typically require 46g of calcium per day. However, that same cow is likely to only have 12.5 grams calcium available in her bloodstream or ‘available calcium pool’, therefore each cow’s requirements are four times higher than the amount of calcium in the readily available calcium pool. Furthermore, the colostrum milk contains double the amount of calcium of normal milk (2.4 grams/litre), placing even more demand on the cow’s calcium requirements during this critical time.” Remedies of the past have been to basically “starve” cows to keep them skinny, limiting potassium, keeping them on a low calcium diet and dusting the pasture with magnesium oxide.

Current thinking centres around Dietary Cation Anion Di� erence (DCAD) which causes a mild Metabolic Acidosis, lowering of the blood pH, resulting in the cow having to respond quickly to bu� er and turn on hormonal aspects of calcium absorption.

Lead feeding involves the use of anionic salts which decreases blood pH, leading to an increase in the parathyroid hormone which in turn leads to an increase in calcium mobilisation from bones and an increase in calcium absorption from the intestine. Mr Schipper recommends introducing a lead feed supplement during the high-risk period (14 days prior to calving) enabling farmers to prepare their herd for the change from dry state to lactation, leading to increased milk production, reduced weight loss and improved productivity.

“Lead feed also contains calcium to assist

in replacing / building the cow’s reserves in what she has lost over the calving period, keeping in mind that although the lead feeding will wipe out milk fever issues, there is still a fundamental issue of the cow’s calcium reserves being mined down”.

The concept of lead feeding also involves feeding the cow a “high octane” high energy feed, thereby lifting cow’s energy levels and assisting them in reaching peak production earlier. Furthermore, it will assist in training the rumen bugs to be able to e� ectively breakdown starch based feeds which is important if the cows are going to be on a grain based ration during lactation.

Research shows that cows on lead feed will reach peak production earlier, therefore increasing overall milk solids and providing a favourable margin over the cost invested in the lead feed. Mr Schipper suggests farmers take the time to sit down with their nutritional advisor and discuss the bene� ts of lead feeding in order to plan for the coming calving season.

Lead feeding can help reduce milk feverRensinus SchipperRuminant Nutrition Consultant, at Dairy Business Centre



If you want to know more about how fertigation can benefit your crops or have any questions about the above articles talk to Graeme now.

Ph M: 027 624 6750

www.fertigation.co.nzsystems

Graeme Pile

Fertigation is a relatively new concept, which involves “piggy backing” the application of fertiliser within your irrigation system. It means the timing, amount and concentration of fertiliser applied are all easily controlled.

Fertigation Systems owner, Graeme Pile says the technique is now widely recognised for its ability to increase yield, while also maximising fertiliser e� ciency. “It increases the return on capital associated with your irrigation infrastructure and allows you to apply fertiliser very evenly and very accurately.”

Mr Pile says one of the main advantages of supplying nutrients to crop roots using fertigation is reduced delivery costs. “There is no need to broadcast fertilisers onto the soil. As a result, you have less soil compaction in the inter-row areas, less fuel usage and lower labour requirements.”

Fertigation also provides greater control over where and when nutrients are

delivered, leading to greater fertiliser e� ciency. As a tool, it gives farmers more in� uence over crop behaviour, as speci� c nutrients can be applied accurately – with regard to both amount and timing – during particular stages of a crop’s development. And, by applying small amounts of fertiliser more often, there is potential to reduce fertiliser losses from leaching or immobilisation within the root zone.

Equipment requiredMr Pile says the incorporation of fertilisers

into an irrigation system does require some specialised equipment. “You will need a � lter to stop any solid lumps of fertiliser blocking the irrigator’s sprinklers and a valve to prevent back � ow. In pressurised irrigation systems, the injected fertiliser solution needs to merge with the water � ow at a greater pressure than the water itself, or it won’t physically be able to join the stream of water.”

The most common type of pump used in fertigation in New Zealand involves proportional dosing. “This is when a constant pre-determined ratio of irrigation water and fertiliser solution is maintained, resulting in a constant nutrient concentration in the irrigation water. These pumps are compatible with variable-speed drives and water meters, which automatically alter the pump’s performance, as the water volume or � ow changes.”

In addition to equipment requirements, farmers should also be aware that a speci� c resource consent might be required for fertigation in their region.

Which fertilisers are compatible?

A large range of solid and liquid fertilisers is suitable for fertigation, depending on the chemical properties of the fertiliser solution.

Scientist Uzi Kafka� has identi� ed four

main factors to consider when selecting fertiliser for use within fertigation: plant type and stage of growth; soil conditions; water quality; and fertiliser availability and price.

Mr Pile says a fertiliser needs to be soluble, or it will not work. “And, if you are applying more than one type of fertiliser at a time, it is a good idea to check that there are not any potentially detrimental interactions between those fertilisers.”

He says the considerable overseas research on fertigation provides New Zealand with a good head start. “We are lucky, because we can learn from this research and avoid the same mistakes that our counterparts in Australia and America have made over the years.

“Fertigation enables farmers to be better environmental stewards, while – at the same time – increasing pro� ts. It’s an innovation with no down side.”

Fertigation – innovation with no down sides



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One spray does it all

Fertigation is using your irrigator to fertilise the plants and soils as you water. It does this by injecting fertiliser solution into the main water line. As you irrigate, you also fertilise. It is easy to set up and an e� cient use of time and money. Best of all it gets results on all types of farms.

How long has fertigation beenused in New Zealand?

For over 10 years... and it has proven itself time and again. Experience and research over those years makes it clear that fertigation is an e� cient and e� ective crop management tool. As you look at the potential bene� ts of using fertigation in your operation, you can � nd the information you need from the leader in � uid application technology – Fertigation Systems.

What kinds of products can beapplied using fertigation?

Virtually all common agricultural products can be applied using the fertigation method – fertilisers and soil conditioners.

Do I need a certain kind of irrigation system to fertigate?

We recommend sprinkler type irrigation systems for fertigation. These can include centre pivot, linear, K- line or other sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems accommodate both soil and foliar applied fertiliser and provide good uniformity of application.

How common is fertigation?Fertigation is one of the fastest growing crop

management practices in the world.

Isn't fertigation useful only for a few crops?Our fertigation systems have been used with great

success for many di� erent crops pastures, lucerne, potatoes, maize, brassica’s, wheat & barley. Fertigation systems are also being used for turf grass applications on golf courses, turf farms and in residential settings.

I thought fertigation was onlyused in a few regions?

Fertigation is used all across the country and around the world. We have seen our fertigation systems used from

Northland to Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough to Central Otago. As the use of centre pivot irrigation systems increases around New Zealand, we are seeing considerable interest in fertigation in all farms types.

Is fertigation cost e� ective when compared to traditional application methods?

Absolutely! Fertigation can be a very pro� table alternative to aerial or truck application depending upon the type and amount of use. Studies have indicated that the annual cost of fertigation ranges from 34% to 60% of aerial or ground application - and decreases signi� cantly as the number of applications increases during the year.

Does fertigation save on fertiliser costs? Based on university tests and � eld trials, the amount of

fertilisers can be dramatically reduced when fertigation is used. On some crops, fertiliser use has been reduced by the following amounts without reducing yields:

Nitrogen 40% to 50% Phosphates 20% to 30%

Tests indicate increased e� ectiveness of the fertilisers applied through fertigation over standard application procedures - even when smaller amounts of fertiliser are applied. This makes good economic and ecological sense.

Does fertigation reduce my carbon emissions in any way?

Yes it does. Because you are not driving a truck around the paddocks you are emitting less carbon, PLUS, by using Liquid Nitrogen which is in the form of UAN, it burns up less soil carbon than Urea.

Are there other cost savingswith fertigation? In addition to savings in application and fertilisers costs, there are other signi� cant savings with fertigation. You make fewer trips through the � eld - reducing energy consumption, equipment wear and operator hours. You also reduce soil compaction. Additionally, incorporation is often achieved "free of charge".

Some fertilisers and fungicides can be incorporated as part of the fertigation process by applying the correct rate of water.

What is the economic payback on a fertigation system?

While the payback period on a fertigation system will vary according to your application methods, the fact is that the more applications you make, the quicker your system pays for itself. With other forms of application, you simply keep spending money.

Here's a sample of the economic impact of fertigation compared to conventional application – at a conventional application cost of $8 per ha, a fertigation system (estimated at $4500) pays for itself in less than six applications – while the investment in conventional application continues to climb.

What makes fertigation safer than conventional methods?

The highest risk of fertiliser exposure to the operator or the environment occurs during tank mixing. Fertigation eliminates much of the tank mixing that is necessary for crop management. With fertigation, fertilisers need only be handled once per � eld.

Does fertigation use less chemical product?Yes. Numerous fertigation trials have proven that

fungicides rates can be reduced without reducing the e� ectiveness. Fertigation reduces human and wildlife toxicity as well, because the fertilisers are diluted to a much greater extent. Aerial application concentrates the chemical in 10 to 15 ltrs/ha, where fertigation is applying the same amount of chemical in up to 10,000 ltrs of water per ha. Any drift to non-target areas has less toxic potential, and the fertiliser is more safely introduced into the environment.

Does government or local authoritieshave special requirements for farmerswho fertigate?

Since fertigation is becoming a more accepted management practice, most councils have no major issues with the use of fertigation systems. The major point is all irrigations units that draw directly from ground water supply should have a back� ow preventer installed behind the place where the fertiliser is being injected. Even with this extra investment, a fertigation system will pay for itself in one season.

What is fertigation?An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature


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Cracked concrete in your milking sheds?

Have you suffered damage to your milking shed, floor slabs and holding yards due to earthquakes?

We have recently completed cracked concrete repairs to milking yards to satisfy Fonterras hygiene and effluent management standards.

The specialised epoxy resins that we use, provide a permanent and durable repair.In most cases work can be completed around your milking times withinin a 1–2

week period. Don’t delay! Be ready for next season.

Call now for a free inspection to avoid missing this window of opportunity!

A greater understanding of the National Breeding Objectives, the impact of breeding decisions and herd management was promoted at a recent meeting in Ashburton hosted by ATS.

The presentation and discussion provided Mid Canterbury farmers with the opportunity to learn and understand more about the national review along with issues such as selecting a bull team and herd reproduction.

The evening was hosted by ATS and CEO Neal Shaw said the company was keen for farmers to have the most up to date information to make the best investment in their breeding decisions. Three key speakers provided expert information.

Dr Charles Chase of VetEnt Riverside shared his insights into herd reproduction and said monitoring and analysing a herd’s reproductive performance would increase returns to the farmer.

“By tightening up a calving pattern and having a cow calve two weeks early will add an extra 14 days of milk to her lactation, increasing her individual pro� t up to $140 for the year.”

In addition to added milk, earlier calving cows were more likely to get back in-calf, and be ready for the next lactation, he said.

Key areas where gains could be made were submission rates, heat intervals and

the six week pregnancy rate. He suggested farmers focus on the actual numbers as well as how quickly the results are achieved.

Dr Chase also raised the question “are we breeding too early”? He said synch programmes may present cows to be inseminated before the uterus is ready. Inseminating cows less than 45 days after calving results in lower conception rates

and may create phantom cows later in the breeding season.

Farmers want to provide genetic gain at the best possible value, said Dr David Hayman of Liberty Genetics. “Understanding the genetic gain within the bull team you select from is important as it drives a farmer’s productivity for the next � ve years,” said Dr Hayman. Within its

sire selection programmes, Liberty strives to maintain diversity of genetic strains to increase hybrid vigour and minimise progeny inbreeding, he said.

Dr Jeremy Bryant of the Dairy NZ subsidiary NZAEL, spoke about the National Breeding Objective review conducted by the industry over the past year. “The result of consultation with farmers showed that

77 per cent agreed with the existing

national breeding objective, with 55 per

cent suggesting that it require no or minor

modi� cation and 45 per cent seeking a major or

complete redesign.

The most important traits identi� ed by farmers were fertility, feed conversion e� ciency, mastitis, longevity, milksolid production, udder conformation, lameness and body condition score.”

The recommendations from the review have gone to the board and will be announced within the next few months, with changes likely to

be implemented in February 2013, he said.

Genetics night promotes better understanding

Photo Johnny HoustonExperts in their � eld of dairy genetics (from left) Dr Charles Chase, Dr Jeremy Bryant and Dr David Hayman.


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Encouragingly there is a more serious uptake of measurement and monitoring to make objective irrigation management decisions. With the expansion of irrigated pasture for dairy production and the decreasing availability of water for irrigation, better irrigation decisions needed to be made. But are we getting the best from the plethora of sensors and salespeople?

There are many reasons to irrigate. The primary reason is to maintain and/or optimise production; aka dry matter production. Whenever I pass an irrigator operating when I have con� icting information I can’t help but think – why was the decision made to irrigate, just like the photo above taken on 7th May 2012 at about 3pm. I know that not far away from this property soil moisture and temperature is monitored, and on that day soil moisture was more than su� cient to meet the pasture demand for water and to maintain potential production of dry matter. So was the decision to irrigate based upon:

Soil moisture sensor data showing the pasture was close to the stress level; or

• 10-12 days of sunny weather; or• The availability of water for irrigation; or• Because neighbours had also started

to irrigate;• Some other “gut” feeling.

I will never know and maybe the decision was an objective one based on some measurements to show irrigation would provide an economic return. What we do know is more and more crop irrigation and e� uent irrigation systems are using soil moisture sensors to assist making the decision. There is a plethora of companies making soil moisture sensors, especially those that determine volumetric water content (V%) by measuring the dielectric constant of the soil using capacitance or frequency domain technology.

There are a number of claims made about the various instruments by manufacturers:

• Easy to install;• Robust;• Easily pushed directly into undisturbed

soil to ensure good contact and therefore accuracy; and

• Plug and read technology.

The � rst myth to dispel regarding soil moisture is the claim regarding “accuracy”. Accuracy is determined by comparison with an absolute, a value or measure we know to be true. When a soil moisture sensor is installed in the soil there is no absolute to compare the measurement. What soil moisture sensor “accuracy” really means is precision. If you took a number of readings over a short time period they would all be within ±1% or ±3% or whatever the claim of accuracy might be.

All of the sensors that measure the soil dielectric constant or dielectric permivitty are sensitive to soil temperature and salinity (conductivity). The best instruments � lter and/or correct the signal to minimise the e� ect of salinity, temperature and texture on the measured soil moisture (e.g. Aqua� ex and some Decagon sensors). Both temperature and conductivity are simple to measure (easier than soil moisture), but the relationship is not simple. The traces below are an example of data that has not been corrected for temperature.

The soil moisture V% is shown in blue (-) and soil temperature in red (-). The interpretation of both traces show a number of interesting relationships (or not):

• A diurnal variation in both soil temperature and soil moisture;

• BUT disconcertingly the soil moisture exhibits a similar diurnal variation as the temperature;

• Quite clearly, there is not a simple relationship between the temperature and moisture;

• The peak in the soil moisture occurs before

the peak in the soil temperature (shown as the vertical red dashed lines(--);

• The diurnal peak of soil moisture is clearly incorrect – soil moisture cannot increase every day without an input of rainfall or irrigation (and there was no irrigation or rainfall every day);

• The peak of soil moisture occurs around 5pm each day – not at all likely given transpiration predominantly occurs during daylight hours;

• The diurnal minimum of the diurnal soil moisture (indicated by the ? ?) may indicate the actual soil moisture and its trend – that is soil moisture content is decreasing each day, but one can’t be sure; and

• There is no simple correction factor (a constant multiplier) or an equation (it is not linear).

What to do if you have soil moisture traces being returned to you that have this diurnal temperature � uctuation? Well:

• You know it is sort of correct because it is doing what it should (� uctuating with temperature); and

• It has not been corrected (internally) for temperature; and

• Has almost certainly been poorly installed; and

• You cannot be sure of the soil moisture measurement; and

• Most important, it is not the right sensor for your soil type.

Ideally the sensor should be calibrated to measure the “true” volumetric (V%) soil moisture.

Given this discussion of sensor behaviour and actual � eld measurements, is having the “true” soil moisture important? Of course.

Would you accept the rain gauge you install measure 10-30% less or more than what actually fell; or

That irrigator you bought applies 10-30% less or more than what it should; or

That fuel gauge in your ute is 10-30% less or more than what it holds.

Is that OK? I think not.

Making good use of soil moisture sensorsBy Dr Tony Davoren, HydroServices Ltd


Dairy farmers should take particular care when planning to transport cows in their third trimester of pregnancy, says DairyNZ’s Dr Nita Harding.

Dr Harding is DairyNZ’s development team leader for animal husbandry and says at this time of year, many farmers are transporting cows with well advanced pregnancies.

“There are several things farmers should be aware of to make sure their pregnant cows arrive at their destination in the best possible condition.”

The key issue is to always make sure any cows to be transported have a body condition score of three or higher before transport.

“In late pregnancy even cows that are in good condition are considerably more susceptible to the stress of transport and need to be treated with patience and care

if they are being transported to another location. Journeys should be as short as possible.”

She says that careful planning is required before pregnant cows are transported.

“Other than the duration of the journey, farmers should also consider their feed transition plan and ensure the cows receive an adequate supplement of magnesium before and after the journey.”

Twelve to 20 grams per day of magnesium supplement should also be provided to pregnant cows for at least three days before and three days following the journey.

All cows switching from one feed type to another require a feed transition plan to give their digestive system time to adjust to the new feed, maintain their condition, and minimise any nutritional problems. Remember to consider a transition plan for

coming home from winter grazing, as well as a plan for going to winter grazing.

New feed should be introduced into the diet over seven to 10 days before the journey, by gradually increasing the amount of the new feed or supplement made available. If this cannot be done before transport, ensure there is pasture at the other end to transition cows from.

Dr Harding says that cows in late pregnancy should be treated with patience and care when being brought in and loaded for transport.

Before transport, cows should be moved o� green feed for four to 12 hours (maximum) and be provided with hay and water to reduce the amount of e� uent produced during the journey and minimise any nutritional stress. This is best done on a grazed out paddock or stand-o� pad rather

than on concrete. “It is recommended that cows should not be stood o� on concrete for any more than four hours at a time,” Dr Harding said. “Any longer is likely to lead to sore feet and legs, and potentially problems with lameness.”

Remember to take as much care with unloading the animals at their destination. Food and water should be provided on arrival and the animals checked, especially for signs of bloat, around two hours after arrival.

Dr Harding said it is always useful to have someone who is skilled in transporting animals to supervise the process on the day of transport. Pregnant cows are a valuable asset and are worth looking after properly.

More information is available at www.dairynz.co.nz/transportingstock.

Transport pregnant cows with careDr Harding recommends transporting pregnant cows with care.

Thousands of dairy cattle will be on the move in Mid Canterbury during Gypsy Day.


Thousands of dairy cattle will be on the move in Mid Canterbury as sharemilkers move to new farms with their stock on June 1. Federated Farmers is asking for drivers to be aware of these stock movements on rural roads.

Sharemilkers will be hoping for good weather, making moving day less of an ordeal.

Some dairy cattle stock will be travelling by truck while others will be walking to their new farms. It’s not called gypsy day for nothing, as it also involves moving the whole household too.

“We’re asking people driving in rural areas to be aware that there may be a larger than usual number of stock on the road or in stock trucks. If you encounter stock on the road then please be patient and please do not honk your horn as that will startle stock,” Federated Farmers says.

“To reduce e� uent spillage, we’ve recommended that stock are kept o� green feed for a minimum of 4-8 hours before they are moved. Meanwhile, trucking companies have their own set of rules. They are required to have e� uent holding tanks which are emptied regularly at designated dumping areas to prevent spillage onto roads.”

Federated Farmers also advises sharemilkers to cover o� the terms of their contract, such as leaving the house available for inspection and ensuring that adequate feed is left on-farm.

This includes ensuring that all stock are � t for travel, like being able to bear weight on all four limbs and in good condition to withstand the rigours of transport.

If cows are to be walked to their new farm, sharemilkers should check with their council to see if a permit is needed. It is also a good time to see if there are any other events being held along your route, like a cycle race. It is better to plan around these sorts of things in advance rather than have your herd confronting a wall of cyclists, getting jammed in the gateway and breaking fences.

Make sure you have the requisite signs and people for along the route. If your neighbours are also moving, it is a good idea to ask them about their plans rather than two herds heading out the gate at the same time and getting confused.

Sharemilkers also need to ensure that if they are going onto a Fonterra shareholder’s farm, they have discussed the milk price/dividend payment structure with the shareholder.

Dairy cattle on the move


Call Welshy and ask for a price today

Cell 021 369 483116 Wakanui Rd, Ashburton

After hours 03 307 2480 Fax 03 307 2490Email [email protected]

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Ashburton Trading Society’s CEO Neal Shaw is one of two new trustees on the board of the Dairy Women’s Network. He is the � rst male board member since the network was established in 1988.

The other new trustee is Leonie Ward from Wellington.

Mr Shaw has been with ATS since 1993, as retail general manager and general manager of operations, before becoming CEO. He is also the chairman of WaterMetrics NZ Ltd and is a director of ATS Fuel.

Ms Ward is currently the Manager of Animal Welfare Sector Support with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI, previously MAF) in Wellington. Ms Ward is an associate chartered accountant and her experience includes role as the programme manager Border Sector at MAF, and Business Development Manager roles at Standards New Zealand and American Express.

The chair of the Dairy Women’s Network, Michelle Wilson, said the two new trustees took the registered Charitable Trust from a board of eight to 10 people, an increase that has been made to provide additional strength to the board and to better serve the needs of its 3000-plus members nationwide.

“The Dairy Women’s Network has become the premier forum for women in the New Zealand dairy industry and it is increasingly seen as an in� uential group within the industry and across New Zealand agribusiness.

“Our membership includes a diverse range of women from varying backgrounds and di� erent farm operations. It’s critical that our board represents all parts of New Zealand and all sizes of farms, and that it brings a range of business, commercial and agribusiness experience to the network’s operation,” she said.

Mr Shaw said through his role at ATS, he recognised the value of women in the dairy industry partnership.

“I believe I can add value to the network by building on the foundations that have already been laid, contributing to the ongoing development of a strong governance model, and progressing the existing strategic plan for this essential part of the industry.

“It is no secret that men and women think di� erently, but I believe this is a strength in business and in life. My personal view is that the ability to be an e� ective director is not about gender and in fact many male-dominated boards could probably learn from this.

Ms Ward said she had had the opportunity to interact with the Dairy Women’s Network through her current role at MPI and she had been impressed by the passion, commitment and vibrancy of this important group of business women.

“I am excited to have been appointed to the Board, as the dairy sector is of such vital importance to NZ Inc.”

New trustee for the Dairy Women’s Network

Rebecca Wilson, Mid Canterbury DWN co-ordinator welcomes new trustee Neal Shaw.

Once again we are heading for winter. Soon the herd will be o� farm grazing alternative crops, and in most cases in Mid Canterbury this will involve brassica feeding. Other crops sometimes used include potatoes, carrots, palm kernel expeller and oats. Occasionally we hear of very radical crops being fed like onions, apples etc.

It is remarkable that cows can become adjusted to a very wide range of crops and can tolerate high levels of things we might consider toxic. It seems as long as we give the rumen the chance to adapt to changes in diets and make the changes slowly over a sensible period of time, cows can become adapted to almost anything.

However each year we deal with cases of sudden death and rumen ill health when cows are grazing crops. In many cases this crop is kale, and kale is the most common winter crop used in this area.

Nitrate poisoning can cause sudden death in cattle grazing kale crops that are very high in nitrates. Nitrates accumulate in brassicas under appropriate conditions such as cloudy skies and warm soils. Nitrate levels can vary widely in di� erent areas of the paddock so when testing take a representative number of samples from di� erent areas. Stressed brassica plants may accumulate more nitrate than rapidly growing plants, for example dry soils and frosts, plant diseases and wilting may cause the accumulation of nitrate to dangerous levels. Nitrates can accumulate in plants from leaching of nitrogen from e� uent ponds or from soils that have been heavily fertilized with nitrogen.

In cows, high nitrate levels can cause death, chronic ill thrift and abortion.

Prevention by regular nitrate testing is the best approach. Testing should be strategic anticipating times of increased nitrate levels in

plants. Cloudy days and warm soils are high risk. Frost stresses plants and increases the risk. Sunny days are low risk as the plants are able to metabolize almost all nitrate in to plant protein.

Kale and certain other brassicas can cause severe changes to normal red blood cell structure through products in the plants which contain high levels of sulphur. These products come under the name SMCO. Once ingested by cows SMCO is metabolized into dimethyl disulphide and it is this product which causes red blood cells to change. Eventually the cows that are a� ected become very anaemic and die.

SMCO is higher in the leaf parts of the kale plants and its concentration increases as the

plants mature. Levels are highest in � ower heads and seed. Thus a high risk situation exists when vulnerable cows (heavily pregnant and recently calved) are forced to graze more mature kale crops that make up the majority of their daily diet.

Treatment of cows with SMCO poisoning is almost always futile. Blood transfusions on a large scale are required, so it is best to prevent this happening in the � rst place by sensibly feeding kale as part of a balanced winter ration that includes grass or grass silage and straw, and avoiding feeding mature kale to very heavily pregnant and recently calved cows.

If your cows are not “� ring” on kale it may be wise to consider higher than expected levels of nitrates and or SMCO as a cause of possible anaemia. In all cases your vet will be more than happy to help reach the correct diagnosis.

A balanced diet makes for healthier cows

Photo Kirsty Graham 140512-KG-004

Fergus Butterick and Simon Bonnifant cut greenfeed crops for analysis.

plants. Cloudy days and warm soils are high

Ian Hodge,BVSc. MACVSc.Riverside Veterinary Services Ltd



Dairy Industry Awards Winners

Sarah and Enda Hawe.

DTOTY Nathan Christian.

Mick O'Connor and Kirsten Wyatt.

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