Process

DHL owns and leases 20 dairy support properties that allow for wintering of all cows and grazing of 14,000 R1’s and 14,000 R2’s. The majority of properties are irrigated providing consistency in the growth of youngstock. Being self-contained and a closed herd greatly reduces the biosecurity risk to all animals. Over 3,000 R1’s and 3,000 R2’s owned by our operators are grazed in-house.

Since 2017 DHL has prioritised fertility over other traits in its breeding programme. While the NZ dairy herd is struggling with in-calf rates the DHL six-week in-calf rate has increased over the last 4 years from 67% to 74%. The higher the six-week in calf rate, the quicker animals calve down and more pasture is harvested, resulting in early season milk production and increased profitability. Stock are also more likely to get in-calf again resulting in an improved ability to select stock for other traits in future.

DHL employ efficient milking routines in both herringbone and rotary cowsheds. A focus on cow flow, milking routines and MaxT has reduced miking times across the business. With shorter milking times staff satisfaction is better and animal health improved through less mastitis and reduced lameness.