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MARTIN PARKS
PH 07 578 0030
A view across the expansive yard.
The Race Works Wrangler aids hoof care. An underpass to the pit is a feature of the Martin shed.
Three 16 tonne silos, supplied by Buster Cover, supply the in-shed feeding system.
DeLaval farm monitoring cameras have also been installed to view the yard and vat areas from the cups-on milking area. McGregors Farm Services operations manager Brendan Wahrlich says the shed has DeLaval’s latest plant cleaning system with the addition of a custom control to operate the three vats and second wash system. He says these are fully automatic, using a series of valves and sensors to control the wash cycles and switching between vats. McGregors also installed a 6000L Lobe vacuum pump with VSD (Variable Speed Drive) control in the plant room to ensure reliable vacuum at optimum levels to the plant. The pump room houses the latest in water technology with VSD controlled pumps, water monitoring and digital dosing to supply the shed and farms water demands, says Brendan. Peter Martin says the former cowsheds on the property, both 30-aside herringbones, were simply past their use-by date. “Building a single, modern shed in the middle was the obvious choice.” Peter says the new shed’s effluent disposal system features three sand traps and a main sump for pumping out of, plus a lined effluent pond which feeds back into the bottom of the sump and can be pumped back on the paddocks.
The crew behind the concept and construction from left: McGregors Farm Services water services manager Brendan Wahrlich, Don Chapman Waikato managing director Shanan White, equity partners Peter and Karen Martin, grandchildren Carly, Olly and Adelene, equity partners Melanie and Shane Martin, McGregors Farm Services business development manager Shaun Killalea and owner/managing director Daniel Peake.
The sand traps and sump were designed and installed by Paeroa Precast. Peter says two travelling irrigators are used to spread liquid effluent onto the property.
Nutritional needs The Martin herd’s nutritional needs are met in the milking shed through equipment and technology provided by Matamata-based BCL Feed Systems. Foreman Bill King says the project included three 16-tonne silos, which are filled with custom feed grain. This material is conveyed to the milking shed, via an 80mm spring auger system, and delivered into a 250kg hopper fitted above the milking platform. Bill says the grain is then discharged into feed trays in the bails by a second discharge system, which gives accurate and consistent amounts to each cow. “When the cows walk into the bails a sensor is activated that automatically fills the feed trays,” he says. BCL Feed Systems also fitted out the Kereone Rd farm’s former herringbone shed about six years ago. “So when Peter made contact to fit out his new build, we felt
privileged to be asked to once again supply the feed system,” says Bill. The Martins opted for the Race Works Wrangler gate from Whakatane-based The Wrangler. The Wrangler’s Wilco and Waverley say the Race Works’ model is ideal for holding stock for hoof-trimming. While stock are secure in the ‘lame cow handler’, Wilco says the design also has staff safety in mind. He says the Race Works Wrangler features front foot support along with a rear leg winch and rubber matting.
Family farm The origins of the Martin family’s Kereone Rd block go back to pioneer owners Stan Goosman (a former Piako MP and Government Minister) and Butland Industries (makers of Chesdale cheese). Peter’s father acquired part of the property which Peter worked on until the age of 22, moving to nearby Matuku Rd for 19 years before returning to the home farm. Succession planning with Shane and Melanie began six years ago.
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