Clarence & Elise Stolte Composting Barn

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Location: Taratahi - Masterton, NZ

BUILDING DETAILS

Size: 80m x 18m, 5.7m - 8.6mH
Style: Gable

Clarence and Elise Stolte run a 500-cow dairy operation across 387ha, and were looking for a smarter way to support cow wellbeing through winter, maintain consistent milk production year-round, and reduce their environmental footprint. 

They partnered with Aztech to design and build a composting barn tailored to their operation.

Constructed using timber poles and a Futura Box-Beam steel roof structure, the barn provides reliable shelter from harsh weather, helping to reduce illness and lift overall productivity across all seasons. It’s a practical solution that supports both animal performance and day-to-day farm efficiency.

That forward-thinking approach has been recognised, with Clarence and Elise named the 2026 Greater Wellington Regional Winners of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Based in West Taratahi, the Stoltes have spent 18 years progressing to ownership and now operate a high-performing farming business with a strong environmental focus. Alongside their composting barn, they’ve invested in wetlands, extensive riparian planting, and an on-farm native nursery. 

View more info about Composting Barns

 Location: Masterton
Client: Dairy Farmer
Application: Dairy Farming, Composting Barn, Farming, Herd Shelter
Reference: C2433