The Scott and Sue Narbey, fourth-generation farmers, have a 155ha milking platform for their 410-cow system five operation.
The family farming operation was described by the judges as intensive but still felt “simple and logical”.
A 44-bail rotary cowshed is set up to allow one person to milk most of the season. It has automatic cup removal, ProTrac drafting, in-shed feeding and an EZheat camera.
Water tanks and pumps are monitored using a Water Smart system at the main house, allowing pumps to be turned on and off to minimise water and power use. The judges say the farm made excellent use of water and systems for efficient milk cooling and water heating.
There are two employees, Matt Snedden and Robert Travers. Next season, in a first for the farm, Snedden will begin contract milking, allowing this valued staff member to stay on and to give him a step up in his career.
Drains, ponds and a boundary with the Kaipara River are all fenced to exclude stock. In the past four years marginal areas have been retired into wetlands and extensively planted -- almost complete.
Much of the farm is on clay, subject to pugging. A feed pad and more recently a calving pad have been built to mitigate this.
Narbey says the calving pad, laid two years ago at one end of the feed pad, is working well.
“It is a lot easier to manage calving; the cows are happier and the staff are happier.”
The judges say the farm’s placement and design of infrastructure gives it a feeling of no clutter and easy flow.
“Effluent systems gravity feed to ponds and all effluent is contained easily.
“The milking shed and calf shed have innovations and specifications that make life easier and more efficient. Races are tidy and functional and the pastures are well maintained.”
The Narbeys’ children, Bella (6) and Ollie (5) are the fifth generation of Narbeys to live on the original (smaller) block cleared from bush to milk cows by Scott’s great grandfather Thomas.
Now the 245ha business includes a neighbouring 45ha leased block and a 90ha runoff at South Head, Kaipara, where Scott’s parents Murray and Marie live.
In addition, Scott manages a nearby 80ha maize and beef block for Sue’s family trust. The couple also have a Helensville physiotherapy business which Sue, a physiotherapist, has run for 10 years.
The award judges were impressed with the family dynamics and the Narbeys run their business.
“The history of the farm and importance of this for the future shows in all they do. Their decisions are made mindful of keeping the family farm together and providing a place for the family.”
The Narbeys also won the region’s Waterforce Integrated Management Award and LIC Dairy Farm Award. They will host a field day on Tuesday May 2 from 10.30am.
