What do South Island dairy farmers want out of the new Lincoln University dairy farm?

Abstract

Lincoln is relocating its current dairy farm from the existing 108 ha property on Springs Road to a property next to the University’s cropping farm. The new location will be much more representative of South Island dairy farms, with a range of lighter soils than the present farm. The total area is 184 ha and of this 169 ha will be irrigated. The farm consists of two main blocks to the north and south of the Ellesmere Junction Road which are linked by an underpass. Each block has a state-of-the-art centre pivot irrigator installed. The farm will milk 510 cows in the first season, 600 cows in year two, and 650 from year three.