AgResearch - Dairy farm of the future

AgResearch's new dairy research and development farm provides a vital facility to trial leading-edge technology and novel farming practices to help the dairy industry meet today's challenges, and grow the sector. Based on commercially credible farming practices, Tokanui Dairy Research Farm, just south of Te Awamutu in the Waikato, is now up and running and on track to commence milking in August. AgResearch has spent $6.5 million over the last year converting its 340 ha Tokanui beef finishing operation into a dairy farm. The farm will comprise a milking platform of approximately 200 ha which will initially run 800 cows. It will provide a large herd context for research and development, with the remaining 140 ha used as a support block. Tokanui's primary objective is to operate a research and development dairy farm, based on commercially sound practices, to address research directed by Goal 1 of AgResearch's 2020 Science strategy. This will include research and development in environmental management, productivity gains and differentiated milks. In recognition that the farm will be a focal point for environmental research, much work has gone into establishing baseline environmental data of land, soil and water status prior to the conversion. Developed with guidance from Environment Waikato, The Whole Farm Plan provides a benchmark of resources to assess whether farm management practices have improved "“ or worsened - the environmental impact of modern farming. AgResearch has also been working closely with Environment Waikato on stream and wetland protection and enhancement. New technologies and practices that reduce emission from the farming system will be integrated into the milking platform. One of the objectives will be to eventually reduce nitrogen leaching from the system by 15-20 kg Nitrogen/ha/year. Precise effluent management will be a high priority in meeting this goal, looking at loadings of effluent on different land types, and monitoring areas where effluent has been applied. Tokanui will also provide opportunities to look at the effectiveness of DCD inhibitors in reducing nitrate and nitrous oxide emissions within the dairying systems. At the same time, forage productivity will need to increase by 3-5 tonnes dry matter per ha per year if feed costs are to be kept under control within a dairy system that will carry four cows per ha. Providing more certain feed at less cost during January to April will be a challenge for the plant breeders and agronomists. Research that will ensure more rapid and consistent establishment of pastures will receive attention, and the role of new hybrid rye grasses and white clover will be evaluated within the dairy system. On the animal front, the ongoing operation of a dairy farm will facilitate research aimed at increasing the productivity of cows, as well as enhancing the value of the milk produced. Specific programmes will look at lactational epigenetics (how environmental factors such as maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy affect milk production in the offspring); reproduction; mastitis; and added value milk products (milk-based products with enhanced health or processing properties that could fetch premium prices).