Mobile Cattle Shelter Development

Lower Waiau Catchment Group

Catchment Group:

Lower Waiau Catchment Group

Project:

Funding:

$19,500 excl. GST

Period:

Apr 22 to Oct 22

Project Description

Winter grazing is a challenge in the South and this project looks to develop and trial during Winter 2022 a prototype large mobile shelter. The shelter will be based on irrigator spans catering for winter crop grazing of 60 to 120 cows which improves feed efficiency, animal welfare and environmental outcomes. 

The capital expenditure for this project is covered by the farmer but the project is looking to fund the irrigation installation expert, engineering consultancy support, field technician and field days.

Objectives

Run an observational and active learning wintering trial with skilled technical support on a Lower Waiau dairy farm that allows for impartial assessment and documentation as to the merits of the mobile cattle shelter.

Reduce the risks of causing wintering mud by sheltering while grazing and diverting rainwater away from the grazed area.

Outcomes

Two field days on the farm to assess the effectiveness, practicality and benefits of the structure. One smaller field day towards the start of the season and one larger one towards the end.

A written report on the learning from the use of the structure, with pictures to provide visualisation of the structure and of the impacts on soil and cattle made available to the Catchment group and wider.

If there is merit in this concept, then a short operating guide for the structure and the accompanying stock management will be produced to go with the report that motivates a broader group of Southern farmers to investigate such a system.

Click here for the Catchment Group Page

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