Dairy Tech South owners Shane and Maria Simpson say constantly shifting sands in the dairy industry has created a challenge for customers to stay abreast of new ideas, philosophies and companies.

So on October 13 and 14 they brought farmers and businesses together to share innovation and cherry pick new ideas.

The company invited 10 suppliers to give a series of five-minute presentations over two evenings to show what was new, and how they could help.

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Dairy Tech South has been operating for almost seven years and employs 17 staff in Gore and Winton.

Mr Simpson said he could see a real need to share ideas.

“And, we’re in the very fortunate position that we constantly have companies coming to us wanting us to stock their products. So, we do have an extensive range of suppliers. 

“We picked out the group that we believed offered real value and innovation for our farmers. Because the whole concept was to save our customers money, labour, and time.”

Presenters included MilkTechNZ’s sales and marketing manager Craig Kelly of Hamilton, who talked about CR-1 electronic cup removers, which feature wireless technology and accessories for herringbone and rotary dairies.

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Mr Kelly said the evenings were a “fantastic initiative.”

“For us, being a new company it was great to wave the flag, and to explain a little bit about ourselves and what we bring. 

“We fielded some new inquiry, and I think it reassured the farmers who we were already talking with. The great thing is that on evenings like that, you’re dealing with people who are often ready to make decisions,” he said.

Farmer Dean Alexander said he came to the second night to learn about pulsation. He and his wife Suzanne milk 1900 cows at Lochiel, south of Winton.

“We’ve been having some pulsation problems, so it was quite timely to listen to the presentations regarding that,” Mr Alexander said.

“I found the CR-1 presentation really interesting to see where that technology is going.

“I think it was good that the presentations were relatively short and sharp, because it kept everyone who was presenting on-point.”

Mr Simpson said the snappy presentations appealed to the audience and positive feedback had encouraged him to plan a similar event next year. 

“We’re at the coal face, and I think while a lot of farmers are connected with their neighbours and their community, they don’t often get to see new innovations unless we make it happen. So, something like this is definitely needed,” he said.