Waka Dairies - Composting Barn

Location: Dannevirke, Manawatū-Whanganui NZ

BUILDING DETAILS

Size: 90m long x60m Wide

Style: Gable

System: Stratos

Across New Zealand, more farmers are proving there’s a better way to winter cows — one that keeps animals healthy, protects pastures, and delivers consistent returns season after season.

When Waka Dairies needed to replace their storm-damaged barn, they turned to Aztech for a solution built to last through the region’s tough weather conditions. The result: a purpose-designed Composting Barn to comfortably house 650 cows, supporting both herd performance and pasture recovery.

This forward-thinking farming family values practical, data-driven design and involved their wider team throughout the process. The partnership has been described as “the most seamless business transaction” — marked by open communication and a shared willingness to showcase the site as a reference for others exploring similar systems.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the operation, with ongoing efforts toward food, energy, and natural-capital self-sufficiency. Their composting system is actively monitored and regularly tested, ensuring optimal bedding performance and soil health — a true closed-loop approach to better farming.

Location: Dannevirke, Manawatu-Whanganui
Client: Dairy Farmer 
Application: Dairy Farming, Feedpad Cover, Farming, Composting Barns
Reference: C054