Prospect Farms - Murray Coates - Cow Composting Barn 

Location: Haupiri - West Coast, South Island, NZ

BUILDING DETAILS

Barn 1 Size: 80m long x 45m Wide

Barn 2 Size: 80m long x 45m Wide

Style: Gable

System: STRATOS 

Murray is a true pioneer in the Composting barn world. He adopted the composting method with limited research in the market and has since become one of the many success story's in the market.

Since starting the composting method, Murray has seen returns in many areas of his farm.

Milk outputs: Since the barns were installed Murray has had 2 particularly bad seasons of weather, normally these conditions would result in a drop in milk solids however because of the barns, Murray has seen his outputs remain consistent. Murray expects to see his Average milk outputs increase throughout the coming seasons.

Feed wastage: Prior to the barns, Murray fed his cows on paddock (around 16KG per cow). This resulted in a utilization of around 60%. Now feeding undercover in the barns, Murray feeds around 9KG per cow and recent study's have shown his feed utilization is around 97%.

Pasture Damage: Taking Murrays cows off pasture has allowed him to dramatically improve his pasture condition, he is no longer making mud in the winters with cows pugging his paddocks. Murray is situated close to the Ahaura River that is at risk of contamination, so Murrays efforts to reduce pugging is supporting the local environment and preserving for future generations.   

Working Conditions: Aside from all the measurable returns and increased profit, its arguably the intangible benefits that make the biggest difference. Murray and his team can now check the herd (especially during calving) in a warm sheltered environment rather than racing to navigate the mud, collect calves before they die of exposure.