Southern Dairy Hub

The Southern Dairy Hub represents a significant collaboration in New Zealand's dairy industry, bringing together key partners such as DairyNZ and AgResearch, along with local farmers. This initiative is strategically located in the lower South Island of New Zealand, a region with unique climatic and environmental challenges.

Research and Development

The hub is dedicated to the integration of commercial dairy farming with cutting-edge applied agricultural research. It focuses on conducting trials crucial for enhancing environmental performance, animal welfare, and business profitability. These trials are specifically tailored to address the distinct challenges faced in this region, ensuring that the research is both practical and directly applicable to the local dairy industry.

Farm Operations

The Southern Dairy Hub operates a 349-hectare demonstration farm, where it manages 750 cows across two herds. This farm serves as a research and development facility under the Southern Dairy Development Trust. The hub's disciplined feed planning enabled it to manage six weeks of persistent rain in Southland, showcasing its resilience and commitment to sustainable farming practices. During this period, targeted supplements and shed feeding were provided to animals considered at risk.

Collaboration and Commitment

The partnership between industry leaders and local farmers underscores a strong commitment to sustainable and profitable dairy farming practices. By catering directly to the needs of the dairy industry in the area, the Southern Dairy Hub plays a pivotal role in advancing the sector through innovation and collaboration.