Composting Barns: Healthier Herds, Higher Milk Solids

Trusted By NZ Dairy Farmers For 25+ Years

As one of NZ's leading composting barn builders, Aztech keeps dairy herds warm, dry and comfortable year-round while protecting pasture during wet months. Farmers report six-figure milk solids gains after switching — Tyrone O'Leary banked an extra $300k in milk solids from his Aztech composting barn in Manawatū.

Every Aztech composting barn is built on the Futura Box-Beam clearspan system — a steep-pitched, ridge-vented roof that maximises airflow while staying free of bird perches, protecting your herd from droppings and disease.

✔ Correct space allowance and 600mm bedding depth keep cows comfortable and bedding composting properly

✔ Daily tilling and ridge ventilation keep bedding dry and barn temperatures under control year-round

✔ Bird-proof roof design protects herd health from contamination and disease

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The 7 Must-Haves
for a Healthy, Productive Composting Barn

  1. Correct Space Allowance. Gives every cow room to rest, reduces stress, and ensures bedding composts properly.

  2. 600mm Bedding Depth. Thick organic bedding keeps cows comfortable and supports healthy composting.

  3. Daily Tilling. Mixes effluent and bedding to aerate, keep surfaces dry, and maintain cow comfort.

  4. Ventilation & Airflow. Steep roof pitch and ridge venting remove moisture, lower barn temperatures, and keep bedding dry year-round.

  5. Shade & Sun Protection. Reduces heat stress so cows stay comfortable in every season.

  6. Rain Protection for Bedding. Helps prevent sodden bedding, reducing health risks and keeping cows cleaner.

  7. Bird-Proof Roof Structure. Helps stop contamination from droppings, protecting herd health from disease.


What Makes an Aztech Composting Barn Perform Better

Content, Productive Cows

Relaxed, low-stress herds settle faster in a purpose-built composting barn, supporting more consistent milk production.

Natural Light and Shade

Keeps the barn bright and well-ventilated while reducing heat stress through summer.

Right Space Per Cow

Optimised area per animal supports lying comfort, healthier bedding, and better welfare outcomes.

Protection From the Elements

Overhangs and cladding keep bedding dry and comfortable in all conditions, year-round.

Smart Roof Design

Steep pitch and ridge venting maximise airflow, controlling barn temperature, moisture and odour.

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Case Study
Waka Dairies
Dannevirke, Manawatū-Whanganui

After storm damage destroyed their previous shelters, Waka Dairies rebuilt with a 90m x 60m Aztech Gable Stratos composting barn housing 650 cows, and now sees 30–40kgMS more per cow than their original 18kgMS ten-year payback target.

See how Waka Dairies turned storm damage into a 30–40kgMS per cow gain

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Case Study
Frano Volckman
Karamea, West Coast

Frano's composting barn houses 650 cows, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer while maximising herd productivity. It also protects pasture during wet months, giving his team room to grow more crops on the farm.

See how Frano Volckman's composting barn protects 650 cows and grows more crops

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Frequently Asked Questions

More Aztech Composting Barn Projects

A closer look at how other NZ dairy farms are using composting barns to lift production and protect their herds.

Composting Barn - Stolte

Click here

Prospect Farms - Composting Barn

Click here

Composting Barn - Frecklington

Click here
More Projects