Dairy Farming in Taranaki
Taranaki with it’s temperate climate and generally good rainfall along with this free draining black loam soils has all the ingredients for excellent grass growth and pastoral farming in general. The main flat ring plain that surrounds the iconic Mt Taranaki / Egmont provides arguably some of the most ideal dairy farming land and conditions compared to anywhere in the world. Hence a straight grass based farming system which is the lowest cost milk production method possible, is a real option and is practiced by a portion of local farmers all be it, with some inputs if necessary in any growth deficient
periods. The dairy industry is long established in the province with currently the choice of two processing plants for suppliers. The major one being Fonterra, which is the largest processor of milk in New Zealand and is based in South Taranaki at Hawera and then more recently available is Open Country which has it’s processing plant only an hours drive away at Whanganui. Historically Taranaki was made up of many small dairy farms which over the past several decades has seen neighbors buying out neighboring farms which has led to in recent years an average herd size of around 300 cows.
On the better quality dairy land in Taranaki typical production levels range from 1,100 to 1,500 kg of milk solids produced per hectare depending on what system a farm is operated on in terms of percentage of pasture based feed versus percentage of supplementary feed and concentrates utilized. Being a region where dairy farming is the dominate pastoral based industry, a very established network of the necessary advisory services, stock and station companies together with product suppliers and outlets required for all facets of the industry are readily available.
Taranaki Photo by Rob Tucker
Taranaki is a region in the west of New Zealand’s North Island. The landscape is dominated by the picture perfect conical Mount Taranaki / Egmont which is surrounded by ring plains of lush green grass based on rich volcanic soils. Taranaki’s major city is New Plymouth which is situated on the coast and is home to around 57,000 people. It boasts one of the highest sunshine counts in New Zealand with over 2180 hours of sunlight a year.
The city itself is a service centre of the regions principal economic activities including pastoral activities being mainly dairy farming also sheep and beef as well as oil, natural gas and petrochemical exploration and production. The area in general is know for it’s mountain and coastal walkways, gardens and sporting facilities with plenty of events including sports, cultural and musical being held through the calendar year. New Plymouth with the spectacular natural amphitheatre the Bowl of Brooklands providing a destination for some of the
worlds top performers in summer months. Some recent performers including Bryan Adams, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker and George Thorogood. Commuting times are very short in Taranaki which frees up more time to spend with family or at the regions renown beaches, parks and walkways. A province where within easy reach residents and visitors can snowboard, ski, water ski and surf all in the same day. For more information visit www.taranaki.info
For information on all aspects of Dairy farming in Taranaki or for purchasing Dairy Farms and other Rural properties in this premium region of New Zealand please contact Owen Mills your real estate specialist, with a wealth of knowledge on Dairy Farming in the region.
Owen Mills Branch Manager/ Rural Sales Consultant, Company Director (REAA 2008)
201 Broadway, Stratford, Taranaki, 4332 New Zealand
Office Telephone: +64-6-765-8550 | Cell: +64-274-777-302 Email: owen@mgfn.co.nz
www.mgfn.co.nz
Photo by Rob Tucker