Most actions which improve the efficiency of converting farm inputs into milk, are positive for the farm business economically and environmentally. Aim for a win:win outcome– adopting good practice improves the efficiency of your farming business and has improved environmental results.
The following planning goals are primarily focused on the environmental aspects of a dairy conversion. Here are four points to consider:
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Allow plenty of time for due diligence
Allow time to talk to all of the organisations listed in the Information Gathering stage, other farmers who have already completed a dairy conversion, as well as professional consultants.
Be prepared to invest in information gathering e.g. soil mapping by professionals – information which will enable you to fully assess the land’s potential suitability for dairy farming and effluent irrigation.
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Put it in writing
The old adage, “fail to plan - plan to fail” may ring true. Putting plans in writing (or drawing/schematic) allows you an opportunity to reflect on your ideas, possibly identify any conflicts or shortfalls, and make it a lot easier to communicate your ideas to staff and others you are working with.
Having a detailed timeline is an important part of achieving the goals of the conversion. Failure to do this, could result in overruns in capital and time, and missing deadlines, i.e. the start of the season.
Engaging contractors and tradesmen with a written contract with agreed outcomes, costs and timeframes, based on your plan is worthwhile. Federated Farmers are able to provide a range of template contracts.
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Have a dedicated project manager
A dedicated project manager is essential for implementing a conversion plan, wether this is the farm owner or manager, or a hired professional project manager.
Their role is essential to keep the project within time and budget constraints, to ground-truth what is happening on the farm, and keep contractors on schedule during the conversion.
Communication is paramount, the project manager needs to keep in regular contact with everyone who has been delegated responsibilities, as well as keeping other stakeholders such as, staff, investors or interested parties informed.
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Utilise the help, advice and tools of experts
There is a wealth of knowledge and technology already available for farmers wishing to convert to dairy. Examples include professional farm mapping and farm designers.
Specialist consultants who have worked with other farm conversions, may be able to do a lot of your planning and proposals for you. However, getting the right professional and service is important, “the quality is remembered, long after the price is forgotten”.
The time that a qualified and reputable professional can save you, and the value they can add, in comparison to the cost of their services can make them a very good investment.
Layout of buildings and facilities
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Invest time early in the project....
Invest time planning the site design for the dairy and major facilities early in the project. There are a number of important factors to consider for a proposed dairy site...
- Topography and landscape. For some sites, it may be preferable to seek geotechnical advice to assess the site suitability for the buildings and pond placement
- A relatively flat or gently sloping site is best, although being able to utilise gravity to convey effluent is ideal,
- The watertable must be well below the minimum depth for any excavation requirements (e.g. the effluent pond)
- Some soil types and landscape features have a lot of building constraints, for example Peat soils, floodplains, and proximity to waterways.
- Proximity to three phase power, water and other amenities
- Room for all facilities with room to grow in the future. Consider that the silage stack leachate, stored feed leachate, feedpad, wintering barn, and any other areas where there is effluent accumulating will need to be able to drain into the effluent storage pond (utilising natural fall and gravity will save pumping costs). Consider that you may wish to expand the dairy, yards, pad areas or ponds in the future and you will need plenty of room for vehicle access, tractor and trailer turn around point, etc. around this area.
- Position of tanker tracks and loop, and other tracks and races. The tanker loop should not drain into tanker apron drain.
- Regional and district council minimum distance requirements to boundaries, houses, public spaces, waterways or other features. Apply for any required consents early.
- All dairy company rules and requirements as per their terms and conditions of supply
- Optimise the race and dairy layout for cow flow and functionality. Poor cow flow can lead to a number of issues including bottlenecks and excess effluent generation, as well as on-going frustration for staff. The MilkSmart resources are excellent for farmers planning a conversion as it covers cow flow, cow and milker comfort, good dairy and yard designs, use of robotic systems and milking efficiency. Click here to find out more
Farm policies and procedures
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Guiding principles can be beneficial down the track...
Setting down in writing some guiding principles for how you wish the farm to be run, and managed can be beneficial down the track. It can help to attract like-minded investors, find the right consultants, and recruit and train staff etc. Here are some ideas to consider...
- A farm vision and mission statement which captures your values and goals.
- Some farm policies which may cover things like stewardship of the land, aspiring for good practice across all areas of the farm business, caring for animal and staff welfare etc.
- Farm calendar. Covers off annual farm activities, in a place where all staff can see and take ownership and initiative for attending to upcoming tasks. Includes things like the planned start of calving, mating dates, herd testing, changing rubberware, maintenance on the plant or effluent pond and irrigation equipment, taking effluent samples or calibrating the depth and rate of application from irrigators.
- A Whole Farm Plan. This covers goals, targets, key performance indicators (KPIs) and most importantly planned actions for success across all areas of the farm business. This should include a Farm Environmental plan as a component. Ensure your targets are clear and responsibility for review and reporting is assigned to someone in the business to keep you accountable.
- A Farm Procedure Manual. This explains how to do every day things such as how to set up the dairy for milking, how to put the wash through, daily checks around the farm. It could outline the responsibilities of each role on the farm, who to contact for breakdowns and services and other phone numbers, what to do in certain situations (i.e. plant or machinery problems, damages, parts required etc.). This is especially useful for the training of new staff or for relief milking staff that may not be familiar with the systems in place on your farm. Examples of topics covered in a Procedure Manual:
a) Plant operation, cleaning and maintenance (daily, weekly, monthly and annual tasks)
b) Animal health and husbandry (administration of antibiotics and other animal treatments, how animals are marked and recorded when treated, lameness and mastitis detection and treatment, euthanasia, calf feeding and calf care etc.)
c) Effluent system management and maintenance
d) Health and Safety requirements, for example around farm visitors, use of protective clothing etc.
e) Irrigation system management, including application depths and soil moisture monitoring.
Helpful resources for creating farm policies and procedures:
www.dairynz.co.nz/people/manage/policies-and-procedures/
www.dairynz.co.nz/publications/people/hr-toolkit/
www.dairynz.co.nz/people/legal/
www.dairynz.co.nz/publications/people/compliance-toolkit/
Use of technology
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Investigate your options to see what might work for you...
The planning phase provides an opportunity to include the latest technology and systems into the farm business. The use of technology on-farm is rapidly evolving. You should investigate a range of options and see what might work best for your farming objectives...
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture can offer significant farm efficiencies, and opportunity for management, reporting and ultimately improvement. Virtually every farm key performance indicator (KPI) that can be measured, can now be monitored through an electronic (cloud based) system, which can be accessed from any web-enabled device. This is particularly beneficial for large farms, and off-farm management.Soil profile mapping
Soil profile mapping is a prerequisite for precision agriculture. Electromagnetic sensors with GPS data loggers are able to provide rapid soil variability maps. Mapping soil variability allows the farm to be broken up into management zones for soil fertility, grazing management, water holding capacity and importantly freshwater and effluent irrigation management.When used in conjunction with telemetered soil moisture and temperature monitoring equipment; soil profile maps can be used to predict soil water holding capacity, and allow for fine tuning of water and effluent irrigation and fertiliser application. Soils can be categorised as ‘High’ and ‘Low’ risk for effluent application. This is a benefit for conserving freshwater use, minimising any run-off and losses below the root zone, preventing nutrient loss, and avoiding compliance issues. Additionally, farm managers can gain confidence with grazing management in wet conditions, preventing pugging and soil damage.
Integrated farm management software
Some farm management software can incorporate GPS maps, which can be used for farm design, to help plan and place farm infrastructure and amenities (buildings, tracks, power, fences and waterlines etc.). Utilising this technology can make achieving compliance with councils, dairy and irrigation scheme requirements easier. Examples include GPS mapping farm waterways, wet spots and other sensitive areas, and creating buffer and exclusion zones, as well as high and low risk soils for effluent application.GPS mapping sensitive features and classifying risk zones while planning the overall farm design, will assist in selecting suitable effluent and water application areas.
Using precision agriculture and cloud-based management software to record and manage soil fertility, effluent placement and soil moisture for grazing management, offers potential productivity, financial and environmental benefits. It is also useful for off-farm monitoring and management.
Sustainable actions for a responsible conversion plan
The following list of actions should be considered when planning a responsible dairy conversion. Sustainable Dairying Water Accord commitments are also listed.
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Dairy conversion good practice and compliance
Action:
Contact any regulatory authorities (as listed below) early on in the conversion evaluation process to determine what their requirements are:- Regional Councils,
- District Councils,
- Dairy Company- terms and conditions of supply, and
- Irrigation schemes.
Develop and follow a Responsible Dairy Conversion Plan aiming to meet good practice objectives, and ensuring compliance requirements are met throughout the farm development period, and the transition to an operational dairy farm.
Resources:
Environment support and liaison staff at the listed organisationsAccord targets:
New dairy farms establish and operate using good practice at the outset to minimise potential negative consequences on water values and interests.New dairy conversions must comply with all relevant regional plan rules and/or hold all necessary resource consents.
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Effluent
Action:
Understand the rules and parameters for effluent management (regional and district councils and your prospective dairy company) before you engage with an effluent and irrigation system designer and installer.
Map out the exclusion areas for application of effluent, accounting for regional and district council, dairy company, irrigation scheme and any other requirements.
Observe minimum distances for building ponds, sheds, animal housing, and the application of effluent or irrigation water in relation to boundaries, housing, bores, surface water etc.All effluent systems are designed to Farm Dairy Effluent Code of Practice standard, and the Effluent storage is designed to the IPENZ Practice note 21 'Farm Dairy Effluent Pond Design and Construction.
The effluent infrastructure is designed and installed by Accredited effluent system designers and installers.
Request producer statements for any large infrastructure related to effluent management and sealing requirements (i.e. the storage pond, irrigation system, any concrete pads).
Ensure the effluent system is complete, contained and tested prior to the start of the milking period.
An effluent management plan is prepared for the property prior to the start of the milking period.
Ensure all staff responsible for the management of the effluent system receive adequate training in the use of the system, prior to the start of the milking season.
All staff using the effluent system have attended at least one external effluent course, e.g. PrimaryITO.
Safety signage, fences, guard rails, barriers and equipment are in place. All staff are fully trained in safe operation and use of the system. All practicable steps have been taken to keep people safe.
Resources:
DairyNZ regional Compliance Checklists
Accredited Designers and Installers
DairyNZ resources for effluent management
The Farm Team Section in A Farmers Guide to Managing Farm Dairy EffluentAccord targets:
Dairy farms will comply with regional council effluent management rules and/or resource consent conditions.
Effluent systems installed on dairy farms will be fit for purpose and able to achieve 365-day compliance with applicable rules.
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Earthworks, tracks and races
Action:
Check compliance requirements with the District and Regional Council before undertaking any significant earthworks or altering or disrupting a waterway or drain.
Chose highly skilled and experienced contractors to minimise erosion risks; and who will build ponds and raceways to best design practice (camber/gradient/drains/batter/compaction etc.).
Complete earthworks in drier months to reduce soil runoff and erosion before tracks and races can be compacted and sealed.
Consider creating sediment traps to prevent sediment reaching waterways where there is significant soil disturbance and potential water runoff; for example major earthworks, cultivation or deforestation.
Follow good practice track and race design, directing race runoff into paddocks, grassy swale and sediment traps and away from water channels to protect freshwater.
Seed areas of bare ground which will become an erosion risk in heavy rain.
During farm planning, avoid placing tracks and raceways near waterways as much as possible.
Resources:
Farmfact 5-9: Sustainable Dairying Land and Water Management
Farmfact 8-1: Tracks and Races
Farmfact 5-8: Constructing and maintaining drainsIPENZ: Farm Dairy Effluent Pond Design and Construction
Infratrain New Zealand website
MilkSmart resourcesObjectives:
Minimise soil disruption, conserve topsoil, prevent erosion, prevent damage to waterway networks and ecosystems, and prevent sediment and nutrient losses to waterways.
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Waterways and wetlands
Action:
Check compliance requirements with the District and Regional Council before altering or disrupting a waterway or drain or close to a waterway or drain.
Waterways
- All waterways fenced off to exclude stock. The setback distance of the fence determines how much nutrients, bacteria and sediment are removed from overland flow. It will vary over the farm; a wider setback is needed on steeper paddocks, longer paddocks or heavy soils. On flatter land, smaller setbacks of 3-5m are still capable of filtering overland flow.
- Culverts and bridges put in place at all stock crossings with appropriate sides or nibs to direct effluent away from waterways
- Riparian plans in place for all waterways, and wetlands before the season commences. Highlight on the plan where riparian planting will occur, plant type, distribution and density as well as planned timings of planting and maintenance
- Avoid planting winter crops in paddocks with waterways; leave a minimum 3m grassy buffer between waterway and cropped area, leave a greater buffer zone in hilly terrain. Some regional councils have specific rules around buffers for winter crops. If unsure, check compliance regulations with them.
Wetlands
- Any wetlands on farm retired, fenced off and planted in suitable native wetland species.
- Wetlands include areas on farm where the soils are wettest such as springs, seeps and swales or gullies.
Other
- Regional and district council minimum distances and criteria for offal pits and placement of silage and feed storage areas are met.
- A recycling system is put in place for recycling of agrichemical containers, plastics and other recyclable materials.
Resources:
DairyNZ “Getting Riparian planting right” guides for your region
Land and Water Management Farmfacts
DairyNZ Farmfact 8-8: Bridges and culverts
DairyNZ Farmfact 5-8: Constructing and maintaining drains
NZ Landcare Trust publication “Benefits of Biodiversity for Farmers”
Farming with Native Trees (2007) – New Zealand Indigenous Tree Bulletin No.5
Accord targets:
Dairy farms will exclude dairy cattle from significant waterways and significant wetlands.
Riparian planting will occur where it would provide a water quality benefit.
The crossing of waterways by dairy cows will not result in degradation of those waterways.
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Underpasses
Actions:
Check compliance requirements with the District and Regional Council when planning an underpass.
Effluent and sediment from the underpass should never be allowed to enter fresh water.
Ensure the underpass design excludes freshwater from entering it.
An effluent management system should be included in the design to capture all effluent generated in the underpass.
Resources:
DairyNZ Farmfact 8-7: Road Underpasses
PN27 Dairy Farm Infrastructure
Objectives:
To prevent sediment and nutrients from underpasses entering freshwater via roadside drains or other waterways
To prevent unnecessary freshwater entering the underpass which will have to be pumped out.
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Feedpads, standoff pads, silage pads and animal houses
Action:
Check compliance requirements with the District and Regional Council when planning any stock housing, feeding or stock feed storage facilities.
Minimum distances from waterways are observed, when planning the site.
Feed storage facilities are designed to have an impermeable sealed surface, exclude rain and surface water, and minimise wastage, leachate.
All effluent and leachate must be captured and managed within an effluent system.
Include these facilities at the time the effluent system is being designed to accommodate the types and volume of effluent generated from these areas.
Resources:
DairyNZ Farmfacts - Section 8 Farm Infrastructure
DairyNZ Farmfact 1-48: Designing silage and feed storage areas
PN27 Dairy Farm Infrastructure
Objectives:
Capture and manage all effluent and leachate which is generated from an animal feeding or housing pad, or an area used for animal feed storage.
To ensure the effluent system is designed to manage the volume and type of effluent from these facilities.
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Soil health
Actions:
Check compliance requirements with the Regional Council about soil management, compaction and erosion damage.
Wetter areas which are vulnerable to pugging and compaction on the farm are identified and grazed/irrigated/used accordingly.
Soil types mapped for grazing/fertility/irrigation and effluent management.
Small boggy patches (seeps and springs) which appear in paddocks are fenced off to exclude stock.
Suitable stand-off areas identified or constructed for wet periods.
Slips and slumps fenced off and planted to improve stability.
Steeper areas retired or grazed with lighter stock.
Direct drilling and minimum tillage used where possible to conserve soil structure.
Bare soil sown in grass as soon as possible.
Resources:
DairyNZ Farmfact 5-40: Limiting pugging and compaction damage
DairyNZ Farmfact 8-4: Stand Off Pads - Design and Construction
Objectives:
To maintain soil structure and productivity by preventing soil pugging and compaction damage, and erosion losses.
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Nutrient management
Actions:
Check compliance requirements with the Regional Council about soil management, compaction and erosion damage.
Wetter areas which are vulnerable to pugging and compaction on the farm are identified and grazed/irrigated/used accordingly.
Soil types mapped for grazing/fertility/irrigation and effluent management.
Small boggy patches (seeps and springs) which appear in paddocks are fenced off to exclude stock.
Suitable stand-off areas identified or constructed for wet periods.
Slips and slumps fenced off and planted to improve stability.
Steeper areas retired or grazed with lighter stock.
Direct drilling and minimum tillage used where possible to conserve soil structure.
Bare soil sown in grass as soon as possible.
Resources:
DairyNZ Farmfact 5-40: Limiting pugging and compaction damage
DairyNZ Farmfact 8-4: Stand Off Pads- Design and Construction
Accord target:
Dairy farmers will manage Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) loss from dairy farming systems, acknowledge the need to manage within nutrient loss limits and pursue continuous improvement in nutrient use efficiency.
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Water irrigation
Actions:
Check compliance requirements with the Regional Council and irrigation scheme (if applicable) regarding freshwater irrigation management.
Water-efficient irrigation technology selected.
New irrigation systems are designed to the Irrigation Code of Practice and Irrigation Design Standards.
Soil moisture monitoring technology for matching soil deficit, agronomic requirements and irrigation use is in place.
All irrigation system managers have attended external irrigation management training course, e.g. IrrigationNZ and Primary ITO.
Consider variable rate irrigation and precision placement technology if effluent is distributed through a pivot, to ensure effluent is not placed near waterways or other high risk areas.
Note: If freshwater irrigation systems such as pivots are going to be used to apply effluent through the mainline (e.g. a shandy), even at very low concentrations, the entire water volume will be deemed as effluent, and effluent application rules apply (i.e. ponding, runoff, applying near waterways etc.). Variable rate application nozzles may be an option to avoid applying effluent in exclusion areas. A separate effluent irrigator may be necessary to irrigate independently. Ensure your irrigation system designer and installer is suitably qualified to provide compliance advice in this area.
Resources:
DairyNZ Guide to Good Irrigation - Part 2
DNZ Farmfact 5-20: Factors affecting irrigation needs
DNZ Farmfact 5-21: Irrigation system design and installation
DNZ Farmfact 5-22: Managing irrigation practices
DNZ Farmfact 5-23: Efficient irrigation
Accord target:
Irrigation systems will be designed and operated to minimise the amount of water needed to meet production objectives.
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Water use
Actions:
Check compliance requirements with the Regional Council and regarding freshwater use and management.
All water for farm use is separately metered and monitored (dairy, stock and irrigation use).
Ensure the water pump for the plate cooler, is linked to the milk pump, so that water is only running while milk is being pumped.
Consider water-reuse technology for yard and feedpad wash-down (this can be a significant labour saver too).
If manual yard washing is used, ensure low water use hoses are selected and staff are trained in the most water and time efficient methods for washdown.
Capture rainwater for non-food surface cleaning use (in high rainfall areas, this clean fresh water may diverted away from the dairy).
Use isolation and automatic shut-off valves, and alert systems to avoid water losses. Mark isolation valves with flags or signs and ensure farm staff know how to use them.
GPS map stock water lines and junctions for repairs and maintenance, and to avoid damage from future earthworks.
Any water leaks on the farm are fixed as soon as possible.
Resources:
DairyNZ guide- Smart Water Use
DairyNZ -A guide to Variation 6
Farmfact 5-15: Farm Water Quantity and Quality
Farmfact 5-16: Managing for Smart Water Use
Farmfact 5-17: Monitoring Water Use
Farmfact 5-18: Farm Dairy Water Use
Farmfact 5-19: Farm Water Reticulation
Farmfact 5-20: Factors Affecting Irrigation Needs
Accord target:
Dairy sheds will use no more water for wash down and milk cooling than that necessary to produce hygienic and safe milk.
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Energy use
Actions:
Evaluate energy saving options for milk cooling- such as adequately sized plate coolers, glycol and icebanks, and vat compressors.
Ensure the water pump for the plate cooler, is linked to the milk pump, so that water is only running while milk is being pumped.
Consider variable speed drives for vacuum and milk pumps in the dairy, and large water pumps.
Look for the most energy and cost effective methods and timing for heating water.
Where possible place the milk vat, refrigeration and condenser units on the coolest side of the dairy, and consider vat insulation wraps.
Consider using motion sensor or timer lights around the dairy and yard area, and energy-efficient light bulbs.
Include plenty of natural lighting in the dairy design
Resources:
NZ Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) provides practical advice and details of funding to help make your dairy shed more efficient and save money
Dairy Farm Energy Spend Poster
Objective:
Reduce energy use.
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Animal welfare
Actions:
Accurate feed budgeting is in place to ensure there will be enough feed on hand while pastures are establishing, and for adverse weather events.
Comfortable and suitable stock stand-off area available for wet weather.
Adequate shade and shelter available to stock when required.
Tracks and races, yards and animal holding/feeding areas are designed to minimise the risk of lameness.
Stock holding facilities sized to meet minimum space requirements for the number of animals they will hold (yard, wintering barns, feed pads, stand-off pads etc.)
Animal health management plan in place, in consultation with veterinarian. Staff responsible for animal treatment, are trained in their use.
New staff are trained in stockmanship (including the ability to recognise ill or injured stock and identify common animal health issues) and mindful animal handling.
Roles and responsibilities are established for painful procedures and euthanasia policies for the farm (note that there should be clear identification of staff who are trained to undertake emergency euthanasia for all classes of livestock on farm).
Calf rearing facilities are warm, dry, comfortable and adequately sized. Staff responsible for calf-rearing are trained and ready to start.
Bobby calf facilities and policies in place.
Ensure that the water supply to livestock is adequate (both quality, flow rate and number of troughs per cow).
Be aware of responsibilities when transporting livestock.
Ensure you create a contingency plan to get cows milked at least once a day in the event of an extended power outage.
Resources:
DairyNZ Cow Health and Condition Stocksense course
DairyNZ Stocksense calf management course
DairyNZ farmfact 5-15: Farm water quantity and quality
DairyNZ Fit for Transport guideline
DairyNZ Transporting Stock
Managing Adverse Events
Objective:
To optimise animal health and welfare.
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People
Actions:
The terms and conditions of your employment relationship are in a written employment agreement along with an accurate written job description of the work the employee will do.
Staff are paid a fair wage or remuneration package for the work they do.
Employees' leave entitlements are managed.
There is a clear orientation plan in place for new employees to introduce them to the farm and business and establish the expectations required from the outset.
Health and Safety plans, policies and procedures are in place. Farm and work activities are safe and healthy for all people working on the farm. A health and safety induction is completed for new staff and contractors.
Staff living and working conditions are comfortable, suitable and safe (considering staff family members too).
There are processes in place to manage rosters and work hours to ensure staff do not become inappropriately fatigued or stressed, especially during busy periods on farm.
Timesheets are kept for all employees on farm.
The impact on staff is considered during farm systems discussions.
There is effective and appropriate on farm communication with employees, for example regular team meetings and one-on-one reviews.
Resources:
Federated Farmers’ Individual Employment Agreements
Federated Farmers’ New Employment Pack
DairyNZ QuickStart Recruitment Kit
DairyNZ QuickStart People Productivity Kit
DairyNZ website - People
Objective:
All minimum legal requirements around employment management are met.
Staff are looked after in a compassionate, fair and equitable way.
Health and Safety - policies and requirements are in place to protect all people coming onto the property.
Your next step - Implementation
