To demonstrate the gains in production and profitability that can be made with relatively low capital investment by taking a grass only system and enhancing it with high quality complementary feed inputs fed through the milking parlour.
The concept of fully fed cows to be followed.
This to be achieved on a moderate sized production unit from the starting point of a below average herd of cows.
The Situation
Tomsett Dairy Ltd has purchased a property on the Riverton-Otautau Road. It is a north-east facing pasture only, 10 year old dairy farm conversion with a 20-a-side Herringbone milking shed that initially produced around 94,000 milk solids off 108 hectares milking a mature Fresian herd. Some grass silage was imported. A portion of the farm has been split off as a lifestyle block and it will now comprise 82 hectares effective with a further 3 hectares to be lost to winter crop production. The property is well appointed with assets in good condition and reasonable infrastructure such as good quality laneways. The farm will be managed by Nick Tomsett upon assuming ownership in the 2015/2016 season.
The Investment
Tomsett Dairy Ltd has purchased a herd of below average non-specific kiwi-cross bred cows, averaging 50BW and expected to be around 450Kg live weight. Mr. Bryan McKay of Dairy Production Systems Ltd has been appointed as an independent farm advisor. He will provide nutrition advice. OSP Stockfoods will provide the following capital inputs:
- In-Shed feed system comprising 2 silos, mixing silo and liquid feeding capability.
- “Pro-track” cow monitoring, including in-shed weighing and drafting facilities.
The Target
Season One
1 JULY 2015
TO 31 MAY 2016
TARGET
MILKING ABOUT 250 cows, 510MS/COW = 125,000 MS OR 1,582 MS/HA
(Note a lot of feed will end up growing the cows in this first year and some of the cows will prove unable to cope with higher intakes, there will be some culling)
RESULTS
Milked 276 cows at peak.
Average of 550 MS/COW
152,086 kg M/S or 1949MS/HA
A great result for Nick, surpassing the Year 2 targets in his first season
Summary of Key Facts 2015/16 Season
Season Two
1 JULY 2016
TO 31 MAY 2017
TARGET
MILKING ABOUT 250 COWS, 140,000 ms OR 1,772 MS/HA
(Cows will have grown over the previous 12 months)
RESULTS
Milked 273 cows at peak
Average of 600 MS/COW
166,800 kg MS or 2,138 MS/HA
Another good year for Nick, surpassing the Season 3 targets.
The financial benefits of the system will become more pronounced in upcoming seasons if the milk solids price remains around $6.00 per kilogram
Summary of Key Facts 2016/2017 Season
Season Three
1 JULY 2017
TO 31 MAY 2018
TARGET
MILKING ABOUT 250 COWS / 160,000 MS/COW AND 2,025 MS/HA.
Very ambitious targets.
RESULTS
Milked 260 cows at peak
Average of 650 MS/COW
171,024 kg MS or 2221 MS/HA
Summary of Key Facts 2017/2018 Season
