Research at Lincoln University suggests a trend toward milking cows only once a day is likely to gain momentum as farms consider non-economic benefits such as the benefits for staff recruitment, training and better work-life balance.
Formerly regarded as a mark of failure, once-a-day (OAD) milking is now practiced by around 3 per cent of New Zealand dairy farms.
Dr Rupert Tipples, a social scientist within Lincoln’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Division, says the economic issues around OAD milking are fairly well understood, but it is the social issues which are likely to see major changes ahead for the dairy industry.
“Only a few years ago the idea of OAD was anathema to most dairy farmers, and to admit you did it was to risk a degree of scorn,” says Tipples, a Senior Lecturer in Employment Relations. “But we are now at the point where some in the industry are seriously interested in how the social issues can contribute to a sustainable future for dairying.”
In April, more than 100 farmers attended the first national conference on OAD, organised by LIC and Dexcel.
Rupert Tipples says the economic benefits of OAD are compelling. One study of 22 farmers showed a decline in production of only 6 per cent, alongside a 25 per cent reduction in costs, from switching from milking twice a day to OAD. In one case study a farm with 730 cows milked OAD on 230 hectares, which had been reduced from 1030 cows on 320 hectares, achieved a farm profit per hectare of more than $1100. This compared with $76 on the previous twice-a-day regime.
On a social level, there were anecdotal reports of OAD milkers experiencing reduced staff turnover, absenteeism and time off sick. “Farmers are saying that staff seem to work faster and take more responsibility, and are able to combine tasks in effective ways. There is also more time for training, and it’s possible to identify and tap into a new pool of staff, such as people available for part of the day.”
To identify and measure the non-economic impacts in more detail, Tipples and colleague Nona Verwoerd are currently working with a group of OAD farmers on further research. Funded by Dairy Insight and LIC, the project will investigate how OAD is changing the lives of dairy farmers, their families, and their staff. Field work is being carried out through May and June and results are expected by the end of September.
“If the adoption of OAD continues, we can expect some fairly significant changes in the make-up of rural New Zealand, perhaps to farm ownership, share milking and the composition of rural communities.”
Farmer benefits included being able to continue working longer and to reduce their work input gradually. Staff benefits included a better family life and the possibility of a more balance lifestyle.
About the Agriculture and Life Sciences Division
Agriculture and Life Sciences is Lincoln University’s second-largest division, providing teaching and research in a number of areas, including: animal science, farm management, horticultural management; and food and wine science. It has a number of specialised research units including the Centre for Soil and Environmental Quality; Centre for Viticulture and Oenology; and Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions. The Division operates its own vineyard, horticultural research area, winery and nursery, and has three research farms. www.lincoln.ac.nz
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Elizabeth Owens
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Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: 64 3 325 2811 ext 8655
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Email: Elizabeth Owens
Rupert Tipples
Senior Lecturer in Employment Relations
Lincoln University
Phone 03 325 2811