DairyNZ Research Farms
Topics
3 min read
DairyNZ's research farms are an important industry resource that provide 'real farm' platforms with associated science resources, enabling pasture and animal trials to be carried out. DairyNZ farm sites are neighbouring farms located in the Waikato, an area steeped in rural history. The Waikato featured the first top-dressing, the first waxed carton milk and one of the earliest butter factories.
Over the years the two DairyNZ farms have delivered countless trials for key areas of research. They are solely owned and operated by DairyNZ.
In the past, one of the properties was farmed by an avid tree planter and some notable trees still survive there today. One tree, a Manna gum (Eucalyptus regnans), planted in 1878, was once recorded as the tallest tree in New Zealand.
DairyNZ research farm information
| Farm name | Research Focus | Farm area | Cows (Variable) |
|
Lye Farm |
Udder health and intensive indoor nutrition work |
100ha effective |
300 |
|
Scott Farm |
Farm systems trials |
115ha effective |
330 |
Click below to discover more about DairyNZ research farms
Other DairyNZ farming interests
DairyNZ is a funding partner and strong supporter of Owl Farm. Owl Farm is prepared to test relevant, current and future systems in a commercial farm environment for the benefit of all farmers. The findings are then shared so that other farmers can make an informed decision on what is right for them. The focus is on optimising profit but also aiming to achieve a sustainable environmental footprint.
The Pillar I: Cow Fertility animal model herd will be located at the AgResearch Tokanui farm for at least the first two lactations. The herd is managed by AgResearch farm staff, with research support provided by DairyNZ.
DairyNZ is a partner of the Southern Dairy Hub, along with AgResearch and the Southern Dairy Development Trust. The Southern Dairy Hub was established in response to Southland and Otago farmers wanting dairy challenges in the region to be addressed through local research and demonstration.
The South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC) is a partnership between Lincoln University, DairyNZ, South Island Dairy Farmers (represented by the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) network), Ravensdown Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, and Crop & Food Research. SIDDC's focus is to accelerate the development of South Island dairying for all parties, especially South Island Dairy farmers through a demonstration farm.
Until recently, DairyNZ managed the 120 ha Westpac Trust Whareroa Research Centre in Taranaki. Dairy Trust Taranaki, which includes DairyNZ representation, now manages this property, along with the Stratford Demonstration Farm and the Waimate West Demonstration Farm. DairyNZ supports research on these farms.
DairyNZ also supports research on the Northland Agricultural Research Farm, with property management and research objectives overseen by the Northland Dairy Development Trust.