Lessons from U.S. Farms.

The contrasts with New Zealand’s pasture-based systems were striking. Every U.S. farm visited housed cows indoors, with herd sizes ranging from 750 to 4,500. Calving was year-round, with calves raised in individual hutches, and cows milked three times a day. Some of the larger operations employed more than 50 staff working in shifts, and many farms had been in the same families for generations.

Water management also differed. While some farms irrigated feed crops such as corn silage and haylage, it was only for short periods of the year. Water was sourced from groundwater bores and surface abstraction, with the challenge of high iron content causing infrastructure corrosion. Unlike here in Canterbury, there was no annual cap on water use.

A key theme across the tour was genetics and breeding. Farms relied heavily on genomic testing to identify top performers early, using sexed Holson semen for replacements and beef semen (often Angus) for lower producers. This dual approach allowed them to increase herd efficiency while capturing additional revenue through the dairy beef market.

Environmental practices also stood out. All the farms used free stall barns, with sand bedding recycled through sophisticated separation and washing systems. Some had invested in methane digesters, turning methane into renewable natural gas in partnership with biogas companies. These systems not only reduced waste but also generated an additional revenue stream.

The tour was a reminder that while New Zealand’s pasture-based system remains one of the most efficient in the world, there are always opportunities to learn. Smarter breeding, genomic testing, and innovative approaches to waste management are shaping dairy globally. For Central Plains Water Limited and our shareholders, these insights reinforce the importance of staying curious, embracing new technologies, and continuing to demonstrate leadership in sustainable farming.