Semi-robotic milking technology to boost parlour efficiency
Waikato Milking Systems’ latest innovation, ErgoPOD is now commercially available within New Zealand and Australia.
Adding modern technology to a dairy farm is an effective way of increasing efficiency, boosting productivity and better managing your cows.
Waikato Milking Systems has been at the forefront in this arena – delivering fully integrated management tools to provide an increase performance and automation in the dairy.
The company’s NaviGate dairy management system was launched in late 2018, drawing interest from farmers globally.
“The system can be easily retrofitted into most dairies to provide farmers with the tools to identify and respond to the most issues,” says WMS sales manager for Taranaki / Manawatu Brian Luff.
“It allows getting to know cows individually, note their production at each milking and shed light on any health issues early on.”
Luff also points to the new milk cooling regulations that require farmers to meet new standards.
“Selecting the right cooling solution could mean significant savings as milk cooling accounts for up to 30% of the total energy costs of a dairy farm.”
He says Waikato Milking Systems’ range of cooling options ensure farmers economically meet industry standards and save ongoing operational costs.
Farmers interested in upgrading their current dairies will have the opportunity to discuss their options including electronic cup removers, pulsation and cluster options at the Central Districts Field Days.
Luff says when combined these products offer improved efficiency and a further opportunity to reduce costs.
Winning four of the big categories at the 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards feels special, says Meyer Cheese general manager Miel Meyer.
Local cheesemakers are being urged to embrace competition from imports but also ensure their products are never invisible in the country.
Ireland's Minister of state for Agriculture says it’s hard to explain to Irish farmers the size and scale of NZ farms.
Dairy farming in New Zealand offers career progression and this has motivated 2026 Central Plateau Share Farmers of the Year Navdeep Singh and Jobanpreet Kaur.
A partnership between Canterbury milk processor Synlait and the world's largest food producer, Nestlé, has been celebrated with a visit to a North Canterbury farm by a group including senior staff from Synlait, the Ravensdown subsidiary EcoPond, and Nestlé's Switzerland head office.
Canterbury milk processor Synlait is blaming what it calls "a perfect storm" of setbacks for a big loss in its half year result for the six months ended January 31, 2026.

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