GEA unveils DairyRobot milking system at Fieldays
New Zealand farmers get their first opportunity to experience the future of pasture-based dairy automation in action this week at the National Fieldays.
New Zealand’s newest state-of-the-art dairy processing plant will be built by GEA NZ Ltd.
Olam Food International (ofi) says it has appointed GEA as the lead contractor with First Principles Contractors as a building partner for the new plant in Tokoroa.
The new plant will include innovative technology designed to reduce pollution, minimise water and energy use and ensure waste is handled in the most sustainable way possible.
Paul Rennie, operations director for ofi in New Zealand, says the company is delighted to work with a partner of GEA’s calibre.
“GEA has a proven track record of developing sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes, which aligns directly with our goal of building a plant that operates as sustainably as possible,” Rennie said.
“The new facility will place Tokoroa at the forefront of advanced dairy product processing and technologies, open up new options for farmers in South Waikato and create career opportunities for local people.
“The project is also expected to involve up to 300 construction workers during peak phases of the build.
Rennie says the new plant will be a boost for the local economy and a catalyst for wider investment in the community.”
The new plant, expected to be commissioned in third quarter of 2023, will be developed in stages, starting with a spray dryer with a capacity of one million litres of milk per day, capable of producing more than 45,000 tonnes of milk powder annually.
A second phase of construction will see more facilities added to extend the range of high value dairy ingredients that can be manufactured at the site.
Rennie said ofi greatly appreciated the support of local stakeholders, including Powerco, which has been assessing power options to support the infrastructure of the plant, and the South Waikato District Council.
Greg Martin, GEA senior director, liquid & powder division, said the company is excited to partner with ofi in New Zealand, extending its long-standing relationship with the wider business working on similar projects overseas.
“We are looking forward to bringing our experience in working with ofi to construct similar world-class facilities in locations all over the world,” Martin said.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.