Saved $677 Per Month with Rubber Mats!
50% Reduction in Lameness at ANP Farms
ANP Farms in Puketaha, Waikato, saw a 50% reduction in lameness after installing NumatAGRI Kura mats. The farm, which manages 300 cows, faced slippery conditions in its herringbone platform and entry/exit points. The new mats significantly improved cow stability and reduced injuries and equipment damage.
“The number of cows suffering from lameness fell from an average of 12-15 per year to half that rate."
Kriss Kung, Farm Owner
Encouraged by these results, ANP Farms plans to extend the matting throughout the entire yard for enhanced grip and efficiency.
The Economic Analysis: Breakdown of Potential Savings
This analysis shows the money saved by installing rubber mats at ANP Farms’ dairy shed, with a focus on reducing lameness in a herd of 300 cows.
Assumptions
• Herd size at ANP Farms
300 cows
• Incidence of lameness per year without mats
15 cows per year
• Incidence of lameness per year with new mats
7 cows per year
• Cost per lameness case
NZ$1,000 (Source: Dairy News article, The true cost of lameness, 19 Sept. 2019)
Savings
for a Single Year
• Cases of lameness without mats
15 cows
• Cases of lameness with mats
7 cows
• Reduction in lameness cases
8 cows
• Savings per lameness case avoided
NZ$1,000
• Annual savings
NZ$8,000
Decade-Long Savings
• Initial Cost of Installing Platform and Entry/Exit Mats
NZ$17,000
• Annual Savings
NZ$8,000
• Savings Over 10 years
NZ$80,000
• Net Savings Over 10 Years After Initial Installation
NZ$63,000
• ROI Over 10 Years
NZ$63,000 / NZ$17,000 x 100 = 371%
These breakdowns highlight how installing rubber mats significantly reduces lameness, leading to substantial financial savings over ten years at ANP Farms.
10-year Net Savings from Installing Rubber Mats at ANP Farms
Note: Results may vary and are not guaranteed. These examples are indicative of potential savings and ROI.
• Improved Animal Welfare: Cushioned mats reduce the discomfort and stress associated with standing
• Labour Efficiency: With fewer lameness cases, less time is spent on treatment and handling, reducing labour costs further.
• Environmental Impact: NumatAGRI's durable mats need less frequent replacement compared to other mats on the market, leading to less waste.
Preventing Slips and Saving Costs at Parawera Farm
Unsafe conditions in their herringbone shed led Parawera Farm to serious setbacks, with the smooth concrete surface causing two costly slip incidents. The financial loss was significant, as each incident involved losing cows valued at a total of $1,700, plus potential milk sales lost totalling $3,200.
The Gowers installed NumatAGRI VGrip matting, chosen for its superior design that prevents slips. This change greatly improved safety and operational efficiency, reducing the risk of further expensive incidents.
"After we installed the VGrip mats, we haven't seen another slip. It’s changed our day-to-day operations and given us peace of mind, knowing our cows are safer. The mats not only prevent injuries but also protect us from the significant financial losses of losing our cows like that again."
Andy Gower, Parawera Farm
Case Study: Economic Analysis, 10-Year Projection
Farm: Parawera Farm
Farm Owner: Andy Gower
Problem:
Slipping caused by unsafe conditions on their ramp leading up to the herringbone shed
Solution:
Installation of NumatAGRI VGrip matting
Financial Impact of Incidents (Annually Before Installation)
• Total value of losing a cow
NZ$1,700
• Potential milk sales lost per incident
NZ$3,200
• Total Direct Losses Per Year
NZ$9,800 (2 incidents per year)
10-Year Cost Savings Analysis
• Total potential savings over 10 years
NZ$98,000 (assuming 2 incidents per year)
• Initial Cost of Installation
NZ$17,000
• Net Savings Over 10 Years
NZ$98,000 - NZ$17,000 = NZ$81,000
• ROI Over 10 Years
NZ$81,000 / NZ$17,000 x 100 = 476%
10-year Net Savings from Installing Rubber Mats at ANP Farms
Net Savings After Installation Cost
Note: Results may vary and are not guaranteed. These examples are indicative of potential savings and ROI.
Additional Long-Term Benefits
• Improved Safety and Welfare: Continuous reduction in the risk of cow injuries and worker accidents.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: Improved cow flow and less downtime.
Saving $20K on Tracks Every 3-5 Years at Taupiri Holdings
Frequent maintenance of farm tracks due to wear from machinery and animals is costly. Taupiri Holdings made considerable savings by using DairyGrip rubber matting on their farm tracks. These durable rolls withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, reducing the need for frequent repairs. This costeffective solution highlights the value of quality matting in busy areas.
“Before rubber matting, it was costing $20k every 3-5 years to scrape the race off and put more stock rock down. By the end of the 3 years, it was a bit of a mess [the tracks]. Some big holes. Especially right at the exit of the yard.”
Case Study: Economic Analysis – 20 -Year Projection
Farm:
Taupiri Holdings
Problem:
High maintenance costs for farm tracks due to wear
Solution:
Installation of DairyGrip rubber matting which has a 20 year warranty.
Assumptions
• Initial Cost of DairyGrip Matting
$53,000
• Durability of Matting 20 years, with no additional replacement or major maintenance required
• Frequency of Track Maintenance without Matting Every 3 years
• Average Repair Cost without Matting
$20,000 per maintenance session
Dylan, Taupiri Holdings
Detailed Cost Analysis for 20 Years
Cost without Matting over 20 years
• Number of maintenance sessions over 20 years = 20 / 3 ≈ 6.67
• Total Cost = 6.67 * $20,000 = $133,400
Cost with Matting over 20 years
• Initial Installation Cost: $53,000
• No additional maintenance costs are assumed due to the mat's durability
Savings from Reduced Maintenance Costs
Total Maintenance Savings Over 20 years
$133,400 - $53,000 = $80,400
ROI Calculation
Net Benefits Over 20 Years
NZ$80,400
Investment Cost
NZ$53,000 ROI
NZ$80,400 / NZ$53,000 x 100 = 152%
20-year Net Savings from Installing DairyGrip Matting at Taupiri Holdings
Additional Benefits
• Improved Track Conditions: Fewer disruptions and safer conditions for machinery and animals, ensuring smoother farm operations and reducing the risk of accidents.
• Reduced Labour and Material Costs: The durability of DairyGrip matting means less frequent need for labour-intensive track repairs, contributing to overall lower operational costs.
• Reduced Lameness: Enhanced track conditions contribute significantly to reducing lameness in cattle, promoting better health and potentially improving productivity through increased comfort and mobility.
Note: Results may vary and are not guaranteed. These examples are indicative of potential savings and ROI.
Conclusion
This analysis demonstrates that the installation of DairyGrip matting at Taupiri Holdings is a financially sound decision, yielding a strong ROI of 151.7% over 20 years. The direct cost savings in maintenance are substantial, and when combined with additional benefits like improved track conditions and reduced lameness, the overall value to the farm is significantly enhanced.
Further examples
Lameness in dairy cows can significantly impact financials due to lower milk production and higher veterinary costs.
Lameness Cut by 67% at GD Prout Farm
GD Prout Farm's use of DairyGrip track mats lowered lameness by offering a safer, softer surface that lessens joint and hoof stress. The track is now easier to clean and scrape down, allowing Travis to minimise debris that can damage hooves. This improved animal comfort, cut down medical costs, and boosted milk production, showing a clear return on investment.
Since installing rubber matting, Travis has seen the number of lame cows coming into the shed has gone down significantly.
“Lameness has been cut into a third of what it previously was the year prior. It’s done everything we wanted to get out of it.”
Travis Sylvester
95% Reduction in Slipping & Hoof Problems at McLaggan Farm
McLaggan Farm reduced cow slipping by 95% after installing NumatAGRI Kura mats in busy shed areas. These mats improve traction and grip and are easier to clean, preventing injuries and minimising downtime and losses from injured animals. This highlights how the mats contribute to a safer and more efficient farm environment.
“Cows just seem happier coming into the shed. You’re not worried about them slipping up, other cows trying to jump over the top of them. They’re just really sure-footed. Once they get in, to milk, they stand there very comfortably.”
Scott McLaggan
Comfortable and Happy Cows at Normandy Land: Increasing Feed Utilisation on Feedpads
PJ Williams, the farm manager at Normandy Land, recognised the need for new matting on their feed pad. Seeking a durable, high-quality solution that would also benefit the cows, they installed rubber mats. This not only made the feeding area more comfortable but also reduced waste. The improved environment led to cost savings and boosted livestock health and productivity, ensuring the cows at Normandy Land are both comfortable and happy.
“We can have our cows in here for long periods of time through the winter, no wear and tear on joints, no sore feet, no slipping. The cows absolutely love it."
PJ Williams, Normandy Land
How Rubber Matting Helps Save Money and Improve Your Farm
Better for Your Cows
These mats prevent cows from slipping, which means fewer injuries. A comfortable cow is a happy cow, and happy cows are healthier and more productive
Saves Time and Money
Rubber mats are durable and easy to clean, which means they don’t need to be replaced often. Spending less time on cleaning and repairs means you can focus more on other important farm tasks.
Extra Benefits:
• Safer Conditions: With fewer obstacles for machinery and animals, your farm can operate more smoothly and safely.
• Less Work on Repairs: Durable mats mean fewer repairs on farm tracks and concrete areas of heavy use, saving you money and effort in the long run.
• Healthier Cows: Comfortable mats reduce the stress on cows' joints and hooves, leading to less lameness. Fewer health issues means less spent on vet bills and more productive cows.
• Environmentally Friendly: Rubber mats are made from recycled materials, helping to reduce waste. Plus, they cut down on the need for harsh cleaning chemicals, making your farming practices more eco-friendly.
These benefits show that investing in rubber matting is not just about immediate savingsit’s also about making your farm a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable place.
Designed and Custom Cut in New Zealand.
While our raw rubber mats come from Germany, our finished mats are designed and custom cut here in New Zealand. We do this in our Oamaru factory using precision water jet cutting technology. This ensures that every mat is 100% fit-for-purpose.
Customised, built tough and quality guaranteed. Contact us for a free consultation today. 0800 686 119
numatagri.co.nz