Wednesday, 05 February 2025 12:55

Powering farm operations

Written by  Staff Reporters
Silvester Electrical services go well beyond basic electrical work. Silvester Electrical services go well beyond basic electrical work.

Waikato-based Silvester Electrical has been supporting New Zealand’s dairy industry for nearly 50 years.

The family-owned business says it understands that electricity is vital to farm operations.

Owner Damian Silvester says they are committed to providing practical solutions to keep businesses running smoothly.

“Our services go well beyond basic electrical work – we are here to solve the problems that can bring a farm to a halt,” he told Dairy News.

The company’s expertise includes setting up and maintaining advanced milking systems, ensuring that every component from the vacuum pump to the rotary platform operates at peak efficiency. This includes upgrading old systems to reduce electricity costs, resulting in reduced downtime, alongside improved milk quality and yield.

“We understand that every dairy farm is different, so we can tailor solutions to the specific needs of each operation.

“Whether it’s maintaining your existing set up or simplifying plant start-up processes for relief staff so you can get off the farm, or even adapting equipment for your farm’s layout, we bring a deep understanding of dairy farming to every situation. We also can integrate smart technology for remote monitoring and work with HALO Monitoring Systems to provide customised water and effluent management solutions.”

Silvester says downtime on a dairy farm can be costly, so they offer 24/7 service to address issues quickly, which in turn helps ensure milk production continues without interruption.

In the event of a power outage, the company uses its trailer-mounted CAT generator, “Jenny” to get things back on track.

The company also help farms reduce their energy costs through practical advice and solutions, from upgrading to LED lighting to exploring solar power options for more sustainability.

More like this

Maintaining raceways the easy way

Farm races or laneways are central to moving animals, people and machinery around the farm. In the case of dairy farms, their maintenance is paramount as cows may walk considerable distances two or even three times a day.

The ultimate in stock handling

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. Machinery and Products editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Combi Clamp Limited, catching up with Managing Director Wayne Coffey.

Telehandler’s value on the rise

The practicalities of dairy farming centre around looking after animals well, and a whole bunch of logistics – largely lifting and loading.

Silage cover reduces wastage

Waikato farmer Dave Muggeridge was fed up with water seeping in through his maize silage cover and spoiling feed.

Balanced diets key to keeping cows in milk

Waikato dairy farmers are well-placed heading into the peak of summer, thanks to favourable growing conditions late last year that resulted in abundant onfarm feed reserves.

Featured

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

O Canada

OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.

Plant-based fad

OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter