Trusted for 25+ Years: The Smarter Way to House Dairy Cows in NZ

See How Composting Barns Are Transforming Kiwi Dairy Farms

Farmers across New Zealand are switching to Composting Barns to boost productivity, protect cow health, and cut their environmental footprint,
all while keeping pasture systems in play. With proven results and over two decades of innovation, Aztech’s barns are transforming daily life on Kiwi farms.

✔ Designed to boost productivity and cow welfare
✔ Seamless with pasture-based grazing systems
✔ A smarter, more sustainable way to farm

Composting Barns are changing the game in NZ dairy. Built for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability, they make every season easier.

"Farmer Banks on 300k Increased Milk Solids from his Aztech Composting Barn" - Tyrone O’Leary, Dairy Farmer in Manawatu

Group 13741 (1)
Subtract-1

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

These seven essentials are the backbone of every Aztech Composting Barn designed so your herd thrives and your barn delivers year after year

  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
    Removes moisture, lowers barn temperatures, and keeps bedding dry year-round.
  5. Shade & Sun Protection
    Reduces heat stress so cows stay comfortable in every season.
  6. Rain Protection for Bedding
    Prevents sodden bedding, reducing health risks and keeping cows cleaner.
  7. Bird-Proof Roof Structure
    Stops contamination from droppings, protecting herd health from disease.

Case Study
Rob Little
Grey Valley, West Coast, NZ

Rob is passionate about the wellbeing of his cows and their comfort was a key motivator for him. Like many others, Rob also wanted to protect his pastures and the best way to do that is get his cows off pasture and under cover in an Aztech Composting barn.

Rob is a great example of how smaller farms can see the benefit of these barns rather than the common belief that they are for the "Big Boys".

Case Study
Frano Volckman
Karamea, West Coast, NZ

Frano’s Composting Barn houses 650 cows, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer to maximise herd productivity. It also protects pastures during the wet months, allowing Frano and his team to grow more crops on farm.

What makes our barns perform Better
Inside an Aztech
Composting Barn

Content, productive cows
Relaxed, comfortable herds that thrive in a purpose-built barn.

Natural light and shade
Reduces heat stress while keeping the barn bright and well-ventilated.

Right space per cow
Optimised area per animal for lying comfort, healthier bedding, and improved welfare.

Protection from the elements
Overhangs and cladding keep bedding dry and comfortable year-round.

Smart roof design
Steep pitch and ridge vent maximise airflow, controlling temperature, moisture, and odour.

 

Subtract (2)-1
Blog Thumbnails_Aztech (1)


Blog
Dairy Consultant,
Dr Sue Macky
Dr. Sue Macky, an expert in dairy cow composting barns addressed some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this innovative farming practice. 

Blog Thumbnails_Aztech


Blog
Tony & Fran Allcock's Success Story
Tony set out to reduce his farm’s environmental impact, boost production, and improve housing for his 270 cows. Partnering with Aztech, his world-class Composting Barn delivered all that.

Blog Thumbnails_Aztech (2)


Blog
Composting Barn Better for Cows & Land
"We've been thinking about sheltering our cows for a few years now and this ticks most of the boxes," says Volkman, a seventh-generation Karamean.

Composting Barn Projects

Aztech Composting Banrs

Need ideas? See examples of our Composting Barns throughout the country.

Prospect Farms - Composting Barn

Click here

Frano Volckman - Composting Barn

Click here

Rob Little Composting Barn, West Coast

Click here