Southern hub urges farmers to listen

 Southern Dairy Development Trust (SDDT) chair Matthew Richards says it has until April 30 to raise the funds needed to go ahead.

The Southern Dairy Hub, the first of its kind in New Zealand, would bring together skills, knowledge and expertise in science, research and demonstration, specific to the conditions of the southern South Island.

“We’re looking for a central Southland location for the hub, which we envisage will be home to 800 cows, split into four herds,” says Richards.

“Our number-one priority is to inform farmers about the new hub concept, how it differs from the current demonstration farm model, and to gain their support so it can proceed.”

The trust is also asking farmers and businesses to donate cash. 

“The benefits of having a place where comparative research results can provide farmers with information for decision making is worth more than the donation we are asking. The proposal will not proceed without sufficient southern dairy farmer support.

“Research late last year reinforced that farmers support the hub concept and it confirmed the types of research farmers want, such as how dairy farmers manage within tighter environmental constraints.”

The hub would cost $26.5 million to develop, and if SDDT can raise funds using the existing demonstration farm, saved cash surpluses and farmer and business contributions, then industry partners DairyNZ and AgResearch would take part.   

Meeting details

Monday March 2:

South Otago Town and Country Club, 1 Yarmouth St, Balclutha

12.30pm and 7pm

Tuesday March 3

James Cumming Wing, Gore District Council, Ardwick St, Gore

12.30pm and 7pm

Wednesday March 4

Salvation Army, 7 Dejoux Rd, Winton

12.30pm and 7pm

Thursday March 5

Crowe Horwath

173 Spey St, Invercargill: 12.30pm 

Preston Russell Law

45 Yarrow St, Invercargill: 7pm