Your Questions Answered

We comply with all Farm Environmental Plan requirements and these are submitted to Environment Canterbury who performs a regular audit every three years. Yearly in-house audits of all facets of our farm environment plans are undertaken, including waterways, setbacks, feed plans, nutrient loss plans, intensive grazing plans and crop rotation etc. Riverside holds consents for intensive dairy support grazing.

Biosecurity is front of mind for our team, and all herds are kept well separated to avoid contact between animals from different herds.

Riverside has an extensive, well maintained lane system and modern two and three wire fences with an exceptional power supply around the farm. We have well located, modern Te Pari cattle handling facilities with drafting capability and Tru Test weighing system. We also have good holding paddocks and loadout facilities. We have a strong, reliable stock water delivery system and the appropriate number of troughs in the grazing paddocks on the property to support intensive winter grazing.

We go the extra mile at Riverside, with health plans created for each line of animals based on baseline blood tests taken and analysed as a starting point. From there vet consultations and animal health plans are developed with clients and monitored on a monthly basis.

Riverside creates in-depth winter feed plans for winter grazing dairy cows based on herd live weight and individual farmers requirements. We utilise kale, silage, straw and some fodder beet as part or all of the diet. Expectations for each herd are agreed with the owner, and all young stock are weighed monthly and compared against industry standard live weight targets for each animal. Monthly weighing ensures we are on track for mature cow weight requirements. Regular reporting to owners is provided. Have a chat to John about what you need, and he can tell you more.

Our oldest pastures are four years old with the latest grass finishing mixes spread over the farm. We use mainly tetraploid grasses with a mix of lucerne, plantains and clovers. Crops include kale, oats for bulk silage and some fodder beet.

We have a range of competent and very experienced ex-dairy and beef staff with multiple skills and talents to perform the tasks required on a contract grazing operation. They are motivated and combined have over 50 years experience. Your cattle are in safe hands.

There is a balance of soil types ranging from lighter free draining soils (Hakataramea River Flats) to deeper silt Loams with higher water holding capacity (Terrace flats/down-lands). Specifically, these include Wakanui, Rangitata, Eyre, Kauru, Amberley, Riverbed.