Case Study

Totman Dairies Tirau, Waikato

Scope

"The herd is a lot more content with the new parlour and the cows flow on and off with ease"

Delivering milking reliability and efficiency today, with the ability to upgrade technology.

Recurring problems with cup removers and pulsators on their 200 hectare dairy, meant it was time for Totman Dairies to modernise their rotary dairy parlour. By bringing it into the 21st century, they would prevent continuing problems and improve milking efficiency
while future-proofing their operation.
 
Because their dairy had good yards and feed pad, they explored their options to refit their existing facilities, rather than a complete rebuild.
 
With both the farm owner and farm manager having had previous experience with Waikato Milking Systems - they were familiar with the high quality equipment and technology, robust and reliable products, and the ability to provide ongoing support.

Working alongside Waikato Milking Systems, and their dealer Qubik, a plan was made to significantly upgrade their tired 40 bail steel-platform rotary.

The goal was to add modern equipment and technology to breathe new life into their old dairy shed - to deliver reliability and efficiency for their farm’s current milking conditions, while also providing the ability to upgrade to higher levels of technology in the future.
 
It was determined that the deck and running gear under the platform were in good condition - so they were retained as-is to reduce the overall cost of the refit.

New automation-ready Waikato Milking Systems Standard stall work and deck ports were fitted, and a new Waikato Milking Systems milking plant was custom-fitted to the existing platform sub-structure, underneath the deck.
 
Rubber mats were also fitted on the existing stainless steel platform to improve cow comfort, and with the reduced noise they settled more quickly.
 
Work on refitting the parlour began in June 2019, and was completed the following month.
 
The SmartSPRAY in-bail teat spray system ensures correct timing and placement every milking. Somatic cell count and teat condition has never been better.
 
Prior to the upgrade it was taking 20 minutes to wash the milk vat manually, but now it’s as simple as pushing a button.
 
The new parlour is truly a pleasure to work in.