Glenwood, Panmure Victoria
Farm size:
Dairy Shelter constructed in 2015
Shelter size:
Why build a dairy shelter?
Simon Rea of Glenwood says they always struggled with a wet farm and not being able to stock the farm appropriately. The shelter has given them the ability to milk extra cows over winter and capatilise on a solid stocking rate throughout the rest of the year to increase their production. Since building the shelter they have experienced some particularly wet winters and Simon says that is when the shelter has come into its own. The main use period would be from June through to September for anything from dry cows to calving cows. The shelter has proved itself to be an effective way to keep cows off the paddocks.
Being built only 30 metres from the dairy it has reduced the cow’s walking and they have had less foot issues. Simon says the woodchip bedding is a really comfortable place for a cow to stand and loaf. Other benefits they have seen are decreased paddock damage over winter, growing more grass in spring and the feel good factor of knowing you are really looking after your cows well.