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Millbrook Farm – Lakeside Paradise


 4
 
 2
 1
 1 double
PRICE: Price On Application
LOCATION: Waipu
ID # GGW30000
LAND AREA: 65ha

The Farm

Capable of producing 100,000kg milk solids this well balanced farm features an irrigation system which underpins year round grass growth. A 65ha freehold title includes a 22 bale rotary cowshed, a 220m2 dwelling, 5 bay round barn, 4 bay implement shed and is supported by approximately 70ha of lease land. With all infrastructure in place and in sound condition this property is ready for solid production. Fifty-five well fenced paddocks are accessed by well made and well maintained races. The 46ha of irrigated pasture fed by the massive 12ha (30acre) lake ensures this farm is certain to stand up to the worst Northland drought.

This is a very sound dairy farm producing good cash flow with an underlying investment opportunity for the astute purchaser to develop.

Farm Details:

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[tab:Google Map]

Map of Property

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1572 Millbrook Rd
[tab:Download Reports]

Reports & Supporting Documents

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[tab:Production]

Production

The Farm is currently milking 280 Friesian cross dairy cows. However, at its peak production, using 105ha and milking 300 cows, the dairy unit was able to produce close to 100,000kg milk solids . This included:

Split calving 200 spring calves/ 100 autumn calves
300 cows milked in the 22 bale rotary shed
22 fully irrigated paddocks
Molasses fed during mating seasons (Spring and Autumn)
In the years that the dairying was not utilized the farm carried:
380 yearling heifers (2009)
350 fattening winter heifers (2003-2008)
38 yearling Jersey bulls (2003-2008)

Crops

140 conventional bales made on farm

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Irrigation

There are 22 irrigated paddocks in the dairy unit. The water for irrigation comes from the 12.5 hectare (approx) lake.

2 x 100hp pumps which can be independently run, pump water from lake
Water is pumped through a 63mm line to a holding tank
Water is gravity fed via inline dispenser
Each pump accommodates 30ha of land
Secondary pump delivers water to the cowshed and accommodation

The lake was designed by Frank Muldowney Ltd and constructed by Phil Dreadon in 1995. At its widest point the lake is approximately 500 metres across and it is approximately 1km in length.

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Cowshed

The 22 bale rotary cowshed comfortably milks 300 cows. It is compliant to Fonterra and QCONZ standards. The cowshed has a meal feeder and a molasses tank.

What is a rotary shed? Rotary cowsheds or Rotary Milking parlours aim to increase milking efficiency by having cows walk onto a rotating platform and walk off again once they have finished being milked. i.e. there is a continuous flow of cows entering and exiting the platform compared to the more traditional Herringbone Milking shed where cows line either side of a central pit and enter and exit in groups.

The Major Benefits are a constant flow process, where the operator stays in one place putting the cups on as the cows pass by, making the best use of manpower, and the cows are milked in individual bails. The rotation speed can be varied normally from 7 to 11 minutes depending on the herd’s production, and milking times are more consistent compared to a batch type milking system. The cows are happier milking on a well set up rotary platform and they seldom muck in the shed. The odd slow milker is not a problem; they can go around again and not hold up a full row.

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Dwelling

Built with family in mind, the single level, four bedroom brick farmhouse has an open plan kitchen and dining room, a rumpus room, two bathrooms and a separate office. There is aluminium joinery throughout and a woodburning Kent fireplace and heat ventilation pump to keep the house warm in winter. The above ground swimming pool is fenced for safety and the BBQ area and patio lends itself to outdoor living – there’s even a spa pool to relax in after a day on the farm! A 25000 litre water tank supplies the house. There’s a garden shed, workshop and a double garage – convert the implement shed into a sleepout and you have a perfect teenage retreat or guest accommodation! There’s an outdoor ‘cupboard’ to store your gumboots and endless rural views.

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