AgResearch's new dairy and research development at Tokanui, near Te Awamutu, provides a vital facility for trialling new technology and
farming practices.

The $6.5 million project, which was approved in 2008, involved converting AgResearch's 340 hectare Tokanui beef finishing operation into a dairy farm. Milking started in August last year while construction of the new farm dairy was still being completed.
Valuable future information
AgResearch national farms manager Allan MacManus says the Tokanui Dairy Research Farm will be run based on commercially credible farming practices in order to provide valuable information to help the dairy industry meet the challenges of today and the future and grow the sector. Research will be directed by Goal 1 of AgResearch's 2020 Science strategy – to help create the future dairy industry. This will include research and development in environmental management, productivity gains and differentiated milks.
The farm comprises a 200ha milking platform that will initially run 800 cows. It will provide a large herd context for research and development, with the remaining 140ha used as a support block.
Environmental benchmark
In recognition that the farm will be a focal point for environmental research, much work went into establishing baseline environmental data of land, soil and water status prior to the conversion. Developed with guidance from Environment Waikato, The Whole Farm Plan provides a benchmark of resources to assess whether farm management practices have improved – or worsened – the environmental impact of modern farming. AgResearch is also working closely with Environment Waikato on stream and wetland protection and enhancement.
Pushing the boundaries
Allan says balancing the environmental and productivity expectations of the industry and public will be a significant challenge. New technologies and practices that reduce emissions from the farming system will be integrated into the milking platform.
'We intend to be environmentally exemplary as we can. Knowing this is a research farm and we may wish to do things that push the boundaries, you need to have sound systems.”

One of the objectives will be to eventually reduce nitrogen leaching from the system by 15-20kg nitrogen/ha/year. Precise effluent management will be a high priority in meeting this goal, looking at loadings of effluent on different land types, and monitoring areas where effluent has been applied. Tokanui will also provide opportunities to look at the effectiveness of DCD inhibitors in reducing nitrate and nitrous oxide emissions within the dairying systems.
Feed for less
At the same time, forage productivity will need to increase by 3-5 tonnes dry matter per ha per year if feed costs are to be kept under control within a dairy system that will carry four cows per hectare. Providing more certain feed at less cost during January to April will be a challenge for the plant breeders and agronomists. Research that will ensure more rapid and consistent establishment of pastures will receive attention, and the role of new hybrid rye grasses and white clover will be evaluated within the dairy system.
Milk for more
On the animal front, the ongoing operation of a dairy farm will facilitate research aimed at increasing the productivity of cows, as well as enhancing the value of the milk produced. Specific programmes will look at lactational epigenetics (how environmental factors such as maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy affect milk production in the offspring); reproduction; mastitis; and added value milk products (milk-based products with enhanced health or processing properties that could fetch premium prices).
Outside interest
AgResearch acting chief executive Dr Jimmy Suttie says great international interest in higher-value milks has been a primary impetus to invest in converting Tokanui Farm.
'Now is the time to be bringing together world-leading research with world-leading dairy farming practices,” says Jimmy.
'Premium-value milk, greater productivity and superior environmental stewardship are just three of many areas where the conversion will facilitate innovative research and development to support and grow our dairy industry and export sector.”
The farm will also host other activities beyond research. Tokanui will provide educational opportunities in co-operation with Wintec and the Coalition of 21st Century Schools, showcase dairy technology and practices for Innovation Waikato's South American initiatives, focus on the ongoing development of dairy technologies by New Zealand and overseas agri-technology companies and provide support for the proposed Food Innovation Network.