Andrew Vogels, Scotts Creek
Farm size – 365 hectares, 630 friesian-cross
Dairy shelter constructed in 2018
Shelter size 3,200sqm
Why did Scotts Creek Dairies build a dairy shelter?
The heavy Scotts Creek soils caused problems in wet conditions with pugging and limiting access to paddocks to feed cows.
They needed a facility where they could put cows and know they would be fed and comfortable.
They found the perfect solution in a dairy shelter and built one in 2018 beside their dairy. Since building the shelter Andrew estimates they have saved a third of their feed by feeding cows in the shelter and not having feed trampled into the ground in soggy paddocks.
Andrew lists the main benefits of a dairy shelter as:
1. Feed saving;
2. Cow comfort and health;
3. Increased production; and
4. Reduced stress for farmer and farm staff.
Andrew says “it has just made life so much easier”.