Plans for the hub, a partnership between DairyNZ, AgResearch, the Southern Dairy Demonstration Trust (SDDT) and local farmers and businesses, are progressing with land already being sought in Central Southland for the 800-cow farm, research rooms, offices, education and learning facilities, meeting rooms and common areas where the community can meet.
Southern farmers are being asked to contribute towards the project through a one-off $2000 donation with the aim of raising $2 million. So far 165 farmers have pledged their support.
Hub spokesman Matthew Richards said the survey showed there was widespread support for a facility that offered inspiration and provided options for farmers to apply on their own farms.
“Farmers want the hub to have long-lasting appeal and relevance to southern dairy farmers and they want it to be more than a demonstration farm,” Richards said.
The survey involved face-to-face interviews with farmers representing farms varying in size, ownership and management structure.
Richards said the survey found southern dairy farmers were keen to see comparative research being done and addressing southern issues on southern soils in southern conditions.
“Our region and farming conditions are unique. Much of the onfarm research available typically hasn’t originated from the region and therefore is less relevant.”
He said farmers wanted the hub to be progressive, be an initiator of ideas, be open, collaborative and lead the way in solving southern dairy farming issues.
“The hub will practically demonstrate how solutions to southern dairying issues can be applied.
“One farmer told us the hub needs to find ways to farm with constraints, like farming fewer cows under tougher environmental requirements and yet still increase production and profitability. That’s certainly an aspiration.”
Richards said representatives would be attending upcoming DairyNZ workshops in Southland to discuss the proposal with farmers. Work was also underway to re-engage with farmers on the hub’s progress in the New Year.
