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PROFORM FARMS
Larger shed for increased herd
Page 81
Proform Farms Two metre annual rainfall means clouds are common on Matthew Oke’s farm.
A fleck finish hides dirt and covers any concrete imperfections. Acraflex has a 10-year guarantee but Surfatex spokesman Frits van Echten has seen it last 30 years in some dairy sheds.
Record Orbit
The extensive yards include holding pens for 140 cows.
Matthew Oke chose a Waikato Milking Systems 54-bail Orbit rotary.
The Orbit Rotary milking platform by Waikato Milking Systems was installed in record time. It took three people nine days, a total of 320 hours, according to Moa Milking and Pumping managing director Nathan Hitchcock. “It went really smoothly, says Nathan. “I have a good bunch of guys that do it – a great team.” Matthew was really impressed with their work. “They were really on to it.” Moa Milking and Pumping has 15 staff in two branches and is contracted to install all Waikato Milking Systems rotary platforms in the North Island. The 54-bail rotary is fitted with SmartECR, SmartPULS and SmartDRIVE. Blank bullets assist with cow placement and can be upgraded with automatic teat spray if required. The Orbit platform is Waikato Milking Systems’ most popular design and the wider 2.7m deck features a drench walkway on the inside of the circle. SmartECR is an automatic cup remover that reduces labour costs and improves udder health. SmartPULS is a digital pulsation system that can be customised for each herd. And the system is designed to limit congestion and oedema in teat tissues during milking, reducing discomfort for the cows and minimising new mastitis infections. Elite Farm Solutions installed the milking and feed systems as well as the glycol refrigeration unit. Two 18 tonne silos supplying the in-shed feed system gives Matthew more storage and cheaper delivery.
An in-line mineral dispenser adds lime, magnesium, zinc or salt to the feed and is cheaper than buying mineraladded feed. There is also a separate line for molasses. The feed system runs off the Protrack automation system to provide individual cow feeding. “I use palm kernel blend throughout the year, adjusting it according to the season,” says Matthew. “We don’t push the cows through too quickly so they get plenty of feed.” Matthew believes in-shed feeding is vital and has the proof. In his previous shed, he achieved 360 kilograms of milk solids per cow per year but after installing a feed system this increased to 450-480kg/ms. Sinclair Electrical was in charge of all the wiring needed for the shed, yard and effluent system.
Power pole
Spokesman Thys van de Poel says the team brought power from the existing nearby power pole. They wired the milking plant and platform, all the lights, including a yard floodlight, draft system and underground cabling to the effluent pond. The job was straightforward and everything went smoothly, says Thys. Sinclair Electrical specialises in farm work but also undertakes domestic and commercial electrical work. The company, owned by Brian Sinclair, has three branches – in Opunake, Okato and Kaponga. The yard was designed around the Protrack Vantage Automation system, supplied by LIC Automation and installed by Elite Farm Solutions. It provides automated drafting and simplifies herd testing, animal health and Artificial Breeding.
BIOLOO
COMPOSTING TOILETS • No ground or water pollution • No water or chemicals required • No Bad Smells • No need for outside contractors for servicing • As used by the Department of Conservation • Water tanks and grey systems also available ND NEW ZEALA IGNED MADE & DES
Freephone 0800 BIO LOO
(246 566)
Email vanb@wave.co.nz Web www.bioloo.co.nz TWO SIZES AVAILABLE – FAMILY & LARGE