Real pros and cons of wintering infrastructure

So say western Southland farmers Pete and Tanya Copeland, who will speak on 'Farm infrastructure – the real story behind standoff/wintering facilities.' The workshop will run on Monday June 20.

The Copelands will be 'up-front' and honest about the positives and negatives of how wintering infrastructure is influencing their farm system.

They built a wintering shed on their Tuatapere farm to address limitations in their farming system, including dry and over-cropped paddocks at their runoff block.

It was a big decision and they expected productivity improvements. Then came surprise at where the benefits were showing up, and at the difference the shed made in a range of areas in their farm system. This includes reducing silage wastage by 30%, much less pasture damage, and better hoof management and mating results.

Notably they suffer less stress, as do their unit manager and staff during bad weather.

"The shed has removed the worry that comes from looking at the forecast then having to work out the best option for shifting cows before the bad weather hits. Knowing the cows are warm, dry and fed has taken a lot of stress out of the job."

Environmental benefits also accrue. The Copelands recently installed a new effluent system guided by Overseer nutrient management software. It was designed under proposed new environment management rules for their district, and they are expecting strong interest from other farmers in how they have approached it, what benefits it is delivering and tips for making the most of modelling the structure in Overseer.

Copeland says they have simply done what was best for their system and their management style.

"The point is that we haven't just analysed financial facts and figures in isolation; our experience is based on how the shed affects every part of the management system and how beneficial it is overall.

"We're looking forward to answering questions at the workshop on what people really want to know about the experience."

South Island farmer Hennie Amtink will speak about the benefits and pitfalls of his gravel standoff pad and what it has done to his farm system.