DAIRY The farm will be self-contained for wintering and young stock, allowing for research across the whole system to be implemented. It is designed for running up to four 200-cow herds, with one used as the control to demonstrate top commercial performance: • Total Area: 349ha • Milking platform and wintering: 310ha (effective 300 ha) set up in 104 paddocks of approximately 2.9 ha • Year one: 640 milking cows with potential to increase to 800 from year two. www.foodtechnology.co.nz 21 NEW DAIRY RESEARCH HUB FOR DEEP SOUTH Southern farmers are underway. The first research trial is comparing the feed regimes of cows on fodder beet with those on kale, and research to validate DairyNZ’s Forage Value Index (FVI) - a ranking system for ryegrass cultivars - has also started. Dairy contributes $750 million to the Southland economy and makes up 20% of jobs in the region, according to the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says Southland and Otago are very important regions for dairying. “DairyNZ is investing in the Hub to help dairy farmers and communities identify the best options for profitable, competitive and sustainable dairying,” he says. “The future is all about fixing real challenges with real solutions, and that’s where the science at the Southern Dairy Hub is crucial.” AgResearch chief executive Tom Richardson says the Hub will be part of a network of high-quality new science facilities across New Zealand that support the land-based industries. AgResearch is also investing in new joint facilities with partners in Lincoln and Palmerston North, while maintaining its important presence at its Invermay campus near Mosgiel. “We looked at the map and saw a gap in our capability in the deep south, and the huge benefits that permanent, purpose-built research facilities in southern conditions could provide,” Richardson says. “Working alongside local farmers also makes good sense so that the scientists are doing research that is relevant to the local needs. With the challenge of growing the value of New Zealand’s agricultural exports, while preserving and enhancing the environments we farm in, there has never been a greater need to invest in quality science. That’s what we will see here at the Southern Dairy Hub, and other new facilities.” The next phase of development at the Hub is an agri-business centre to provide facilities for training, education and farmer events, as well as office spaces. www.southerndairyhub.co.nz Working in the F&B industry? We do too, that‘s why we‘ve got all the right approvals! German quality Sensors & Cables, ex. stock NZ. We look forward to working with you! www.ifm.com/nz Free phone: 0800 289 436 celebrating after the opening of a world-class dairy hub that marks a new era for dairy research in the deep south. The Southern Dairy Hub is located on a cutting-edge research and demonstration farm near Invercargill, and chair Maurice Hardie says the opening is an important milestone for the region as well as the country. “Carrying out research in the southern region’s climate and soil types will be invaluable,” he says. “We’re excited that research is now underway to drive better farming practices, environmental initiatives and increased efficiency on farm.” Southland and South Otago farmers and businesses have invested $1.25 million in the hub through the Southern Dairy Development Trust, and principal shareholders DairyNZ and AgResearch have invested $5 million each. Conversion of the 349ha property began in November last year, and Hardie says the hub is now in operation with research ifm Advert 67x230mm_Ecolab.indd 1 7/04/17 1:41 PM FT285
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