Field Day, Spotlight on the System, Ohaupo, Waikato

Field Day, Spotlight on the System, Ohaupo, Waikato
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Our hosts, sharemilkers Mark and Lisa Turnwald alongside Christopher Vila (DIA Dairy Manager of the Year 2021), milk 350 – 360 cows in a System 3/4, with a composting barn, in-shed feeding, and ACR, on a 103 ha milking platform. At this event we will find out about their operation, the unique farm ownership structure they have set up.

Description

Making the most of your system

Mark’s system is very profitable, with an EBIT of $9148/ha (the Waikato average is $2600/ha). In this session we will look into which systems are the most profitable and why. Sarah Brown, DairyNZ, has analysed the top performing farmers in DairyBase over a number of years and identified the features of those who do well every season, regardless of the payout or the weather. She will share her findings, and alongside Frank Portegys, DairyNZ, discuss whether system choice affects profitability, and the key areas high achievers focus on for maximum advantage.

Tailored approach to managing SCC

SCC and mastitis issues are a real headache for many farmers and the drying off process needs to take antibiotic resistance into account. Steve Cranefield, Agrihealth, will talk about: identifying the key factors that increase the mastitis risk on your farm, the milking machine and its influence on mastitis, practical ways to reduce mastitis, and gaining the best results at drying off.

Why a composting barn?

We will take a look at Mark’s composting barn, find out why he built it, and the practicalities of operating it to make the most of it.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday 19th March

Start time: 10:15 a.m.

End time: 1:00 p.m.

Venue: Mark and Lisa Turnwald, 168 Great South Rd, Ohaupo, S/N 73475

Any queries, please email: contact.smashnz@gmail.com

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Event Details

Date: February 12, 2026

Start time: 10:15 a.m.

End time: 01:00 p.m.

Venue: Thomas and Courtney Werder, 295 Upper Manutahi Rd, Patea, S/N 40238

Email: contact.smashnz@gmail.com