Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF)

PLANTINGS ON THE LUDF - Click here

The 186 hectare irrigated property, of which 159 hectares is the milking platform, is a former University sheep farm. Converted to dairying in 2001, the dairy farm is managed by the South Island Dairying Development Centre (SIDDC), representing its seven partner organisations. The different soil types on the farm represent most of the common soil types in Canterbury.

Key objectives

1. To develop and demonstrate world-best practice pasture based dairy farming systems and to transfer them to dairy farms throughout the South Island.
2. To operate a joint development centre with SIDDC partners, where the practical application of new technologies can be developed and refined.
3. To use the best environmental monitoring systems to achieve best management practices under irrigation, which ensure that the industry’s annual profit from productivity target is achieved in a sustainable way and that the wider environment is protected.
4. To continue the environmental monitoring programme and demonstrate technologies that will ensure that the 3-year rolling average concentration on nitrate-N in drainage water from below the plant root zone remains below the critical value (16mg N/L) that is specified in Environment Canterbury's (ECan) proposed regional rule as requiring reduction (Rule WQL18).
5. To use Environment Best Practices (including 'eco-n' nitrification inhibitors) to protect the environment, while enhancing profitability.
6. To operate an efficient and well organised business unit.
7. To provide a commercial return exceeding the average weighted cost of capital on annual capital evaluations to Lincoln University.
8. To create and maintain an effective team environment at policy, management and operational levels.
9. To actively seek labour productivity gains through adoption of technologies and practices that reduce labour requirements or make the work environment more satisfying.
10. To assist Lincoln University to attract top quality domestic and international students into the New Zealand dairy industry.

Lincoln University Dairy Farm also provides specific seasonal objectives for the 2009/2010 season and ongoing research for both SIDDC and LUDF.

Back to top

Staffing and Management
Farm Manager - Peter Hancox
Farm Assistant - Richard O'Brien
Farm Assistant - Joshua Grant
Farm Assistant - Anshui Madan

Back to top

Roster system
8 days on then 2 days off
8 days on 3 days off

Milking times
Morning - cups on 5:00am
Afternoon - cups on 2:30pm

LUDF safety and hazards information

• Children are the responsibility of their parent or guardian.
• Normal hazards associated with a dairy farm.
• Other vehicle traffic on farm roads and races.
• Crossing public roads.
• Underpass may be slippery.

Back to top