The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation

2016 Dairy Finalists

The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation

The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation’s Tahu a Tao farm has a long and proud history dating back to 1886. The present 216ha property near Ashburton is located 8 km from the Rakaia river mouth and runs around 820 Kiwi cross cows that produced 371,294 kgs/MS last season. In the early days this area proved to be quite a challenge for travellers going through the region, particularly crossing rivers. Tahu a Tao is the Māori name for the Kyle district where the farm is located. It is also known for being a resting place for travellers where there was mahika kai – where food was gathered.
Tahu a Tao was converted to dairying in 1996 with highly reputable dairy consultant, John Donkers playing a major role in the development of the property which has always operated in conjunction with 50/50 sharemilkers. The current sharemilkers Mark and Julie Cressey are into their ninth season.

When the farm was initially converted old pastures were sprayed out and new ones planted and since then the Incorporation has made concerted efforts to renew pasture with the latest cultivars as a key means to boost production.

With the conversion came new fences, stock water, a 50 bale rotary dairy shed and irrigation . Two bores supply the four irrigators that run on the property. Irrigation is at the foundation of the overall dairy farm system. It is closely managed using soil and water measuring technologies. Water metering and moisture monitoring technologies help identify the optimal time to irrigate.

Two hundred replacement calves are reared on the farm each year until weaning where they off-farm to a local grazier. There is a strong farm culture with particular emphasis on animal welfare and health and safety. All bobby calves are fed good quality colostrum milk for four days before being sold. Health and safety is also given high priority status on Tahu a Tao.

Since the conversion there have been ongoing capital works the most notable being additional staff accommodation designed by Julie Cressey.

Being close to the Rakaia River, the soils on the farm are free draining and ideal for dairying. Soil tests are taken annually and close attention is paid to recording data on the property.

Weekly farm walks are undertaken and feed budgeting is a key part of the management of the property.

Not surprisingly matters relating to the environment, kaitiakitanga and iwi values are a focus on the farm. An example of this is the implementation of a recycling system. This includes all farm and household waste which is stored in special containers. Silage wrap, bale string and plastics are also recycled and are stored in such a way that they cannot be blown away by the wind. The farm is provisioned with a quality dairy shed effluent handling system, which includes an effluent storage pond with about 15 day’s capacity. The storage provides flexibility in the application of effluent to the land which contributes to a reduced risk of nitrogen leaching. The Committee of Management are very conscious of their role to give value to their 300 shareholders.

Communication is key as is their whole approach to business, and forming respected relationships with key suppliers. Shareholders are given an opportunity each year to visit the Rakaia farms so that they can view their investment, meet fellow owners and understand the life of a working dairying farm.