Ashley Dene Research Development Station
Used for commercial dairy and to conduct farm systems research to improve the profitability, environmental and welfare performance of dairy and livestock farming systems.
Farm details
About the farm
Ashley Dene Research Development Station is used for seasonal dairy supply and research trials.
Ashley Dene’s size allows research at a larger farm systems scale. Research studies will relate to the environmental effects of different farm systems, adding to a significant body of work that has already been done there over recent years with cows wintered on the farm.
Location
Ashley Dene Research Development Station is located between Springston and Burnham, 12km west of the Lincoln University Campus.
Area
200ha (150ha under irrigation)
Soils
- Balmoral shallow stony silt loam
- Lisore stony silt loam
- Lowcliffe stony silt loam soil
Current land use
150 ha under irrigation
Approx livestock numbers
Total stock: 480
Average production:
- 420 kgs of milk solids per cow
- 1125 kgs of milk solids per ha
Infrastructure
The infrastructure on farm includes:
- 54-bale rotary milking plant and machinery using automated Afimilk Technology
- Feed pad and stand-off pads
- 2 x Half Rotation Pivot Irrigators
- 1 x 7 Span Lateral Irrigator
Staffing
Sustainability
Toitū Envirocare's Farm Emissions Carbon Reduce Programme
Lincoln University is proud to be Toitū carbonreduce certified, demonstrating its commitment to measuring, managing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with ISO 14064-1 and Toitū requirements.
This certification reflects Lincoln University's ongoing efforts to create a sustainable future.
Visit the Toitū Environcare website
Farm Environment Plans (FEP)
The Ashley Dene Research Development Station farm achieved an A Grade status for Farm Environment Plans Land Use Activity issued by ECan. This is the highest rating for an FEP audit.
Research
Integral Health Dairy Farm
The Integral Health Dairy Farm project, which Professor Gregorini is leading, seeks to address the multiple needs of farmers, animals, and consumers while enhancing farming's standing in the community. It aims to satisfy an increasingly picky market that seeks dairy products from farms prioritising sustainability and animal welfare.