When deciding on dairy type it is important to start by defining what you require from your farm dairy, and then select the dairy which best suits your needs. In 2013 72% of dairies in New Zealand were herringbone and 27% rotary. The size of the dairy should be considered at the same time as selecting a dairy type.
Summary
- Try to be open-minded about dairy type - start with your requirements then choose the dairy to meet these.
- When deciding on a new dairy give yourself time to gather information and advice. Good planning will ensure that you get a dairy which fits all your requirements.
- Seek expert advice. With the range of skills needed in developing a new dairy, advice is needed from several different sources. These include: dairy builders, the local authority, milking machine companies etc. In particular, consider the benefit of specialists in milk harvesting who may have a better understanding of the details of design and their impact on cow flow. Allow plenty of time to analyse, double check and test any advice.