Palmer Dairy

Changing weather patterns led Taranaki farmers Sheryl and Terry, co-owners of Palmer Dairy, to invest in high-quality protection for the farm’s cows. To help enhance their farming operations and animal welfare the couple rely on three highly effective shelters from SmartShelters.

With views of Mount Taranaki, Palmer Dairy spans 109 hectares. Another 20 hectares are used as a support block for activities such as hay production. The farm is home to 300 dairy cows, managed by sharemilkers.

"Terry has been here for 33 years now,” says Sheryl, reflecting on the farm’s growth from a small operation to the large enterprise it is today. The shelters have addressed recent challenges posed by the Taranaki region's weather which is becoming more extreme. As Sheryl says, “It's wet, wet, wet and then dry, dry, dry!”

The shelters are used mainly for pre-calving and calving, providing protection for the cows. "There are two Composting Barns”, explains Sheryl, "each measuring 18 x 70 meters, and one Feed Pad Shelter, and that’s 16 x 55 meters."

The shelters also prevent feed waste and reduce damage to the pastures. More extreme weather made calving very challenging. "We've pulled calves out of the mud, and it takes a long time for the pasture to recover. The shelters have made a huge difference to the land", Sheryl says.
She describes their introduction to SmartShelters: "We went to Fieldays where we met the SmartShelters’ team. They were good to talk to and deal with. They got straight back to us and it went on from there”.

The build-quality of SmartShelters’ range is well-known. The shelters’ covering is a super-strong opaque fabric material that blocks out the heat. “The cows get relief from the sun, as well as all other weather," Sheryl says, adding, “we decided to spend a little bit extra to get really good quality”.

Sun protection provided by SmartShelters solution became one of the deciding factors. Sheryl and Terry had heard of farmers with different shelters who had faced issues from excessive heat.

The installation process itself went smoothly, thanks to the professionalism of the expert on-site SmartShelters installation team. "They came to our property, assessed what we needed, and gave us good advice," Sheryl says. The shelters' design, free of internal poles, makes for easy access and more efficient use of space.

For Sheryl and Terry, the investment in SmartShelters goes beyond even the immediate benefits and represents a long-term commitment to the welfare of the animals and the sustainability of the farm.

Sheryl says. " We believe in good shelter for the cows. We expect better cow condition, extra production, and overall well-being for the animals.” Sharemilkers at Palmer Dairy are equally impressed by SmartShelters. "They were really excited. It's easier for them to manage the cows and ensures better animal welfare," says Sheryl.

Sheryl wholeheartedly recommends SmartShelters, “The difference is worth every penny. We’ve got a solution that works for our animals, our land, and our business."