Field Trips
Below is a selection of the field trips that will be offered for all attendees. Take the opportunity to be out in the field and meet with some of our partners. By Mid-March you will be sent a field trip selection form where you will be able to choose your nominated field trip.
Waikato Milking Systems is a leading designer and manufacturer of dairy technology. We’re a world-class business with a focus on innovation, performance and durability. We provide the best milking solutions for any farming type including pasture based farming or intensive 24 hour, large-scale containment and total mixed ration operations.
Waikato Milking Systems’ products stand out as they provide outstanding results for farmers while being exceptionally easy to use. A core design philosophy is to engineer complexity out of milking machinery, saving farmers time and money while achieving optimal results. The products are exceptionally durable and reliable with very little maintenance needed – ideal for withstanding the rigours of any milking environment around the world.
Our rotary milking systems are precision engineered to the highest standards to give you the best, most efficient and seamless milking performance. The advanced dairy technology options simplify milking routines, saving time, money and labour units as well as improving dairy hygiene. This technology ensure more efficient milking, better mastitis control and higher productivity. Examples include SmartD-TECT (an intelligent mastitis identification system), SmartSPRAY (an innovative automatic teat spray system designed specifically for rotary dairies), and SmartWASH (an automated wash system that consistently maintains high results). Each product has its own unique benefits but when used together deliver even greater results.
The beauty of these products is that they integrate seamlessly with each other and the milking system. Farmers can add as much technology as they want when they want. A dairy system can therefore grow as a farm business grows, and farmers can achieve enhancements through technology any time
Option Two: Gallagher's Tour
Gallagher is a global leader in the innovation and design of customer inspired technology solutions for Animal Management, integrated Security and Fuel systems. Inspired by CEO/Chairman, Sir William Gallagher, the company’s relentless innovation has redefined what’s possible for customers since 1938. One of the most successful private companies in New Zealand, Gallagher employs over 1000 staff worldwide building enduring partnerships across 130 countries. Their success can be credited to a customer centric approach to research and development with a strong focus on end-user needs. This philosophy is endorsed with 7% of the group’s total revenue invested in R&D each year.
Take a guided tour through Gallagher's Hamilton based Global Headquarters including their manufacturing facilities where the majority of Gallagher products remain proudly New Zealand made. This will be followed by a presentation on Gallagher's history and the path of progression that has lead to its success on the international stage.
Option Three: Vilagrad Winery
Join our Cellar Masters and Vineyard Hosts for an enjoyable learning experience!
Teach the taste buds, educate the palate. On your visit to Vilagrad you will participate in a tasting tour of the cellar and vineyard. On this informative tour you will learn about the serious art of viticulture and winemaking from the grape to the bottle, and then on to the ultimate test, the tasting.
Each tasting includes wine appreciation and sensory evaluation of a selection of quality wines and excellent ports. Vilagrad's overall experience will ensure visitors to the winery leave well educated about the wine making process, wine sensory and the history of NZ
