Stuart & Sara Russell
Ngatimaru Farming Company

The couple behind this Canterbury dairy farm are showcasing how cutting-edge technology, animal welfare and conservation can combine to drive efficiency and productivity.

Stuart and Sara Russell are 50/50 sharemilkers at Ngatimaru Farming Company that is owned by Sara’s parents, Rick and Diana Bourke. Running a high-performing Jersey herd of 920 cows across the 283ha (260 effective) property, their operation is a model of smart, sustainable dairy farming.

There’s a strong focus on incorporating technology to improve outcomes. The judges were particularly impressed by the adoption of automated calf feeders which weigh calves individually. This system is contained on an efficiently designed pad that diverts washdown directly into the main effluent system, ensuring maximum collection and minimal waste. In addition, boluses are used in the cows for real-time monitoring and data collection, enhancing both welfare and productivity.

Stuart and Sara’s commitment to environmental protection is a top priority and is evident across the whole property. The farm features an active pasture renewal programme that uses multi-species swards to boost soil health. Regular, comprehensive, whole-farm soil mapping is carried out, along with testing – both of which guide risk-based decisions on nutrient and effluent management. This includes using soil risk maps to precisely manage variable rate irrigation, ensuring effluent and water are applied according to soil characteristics.

The Russells are also leaders in adopting an innovative approach to nitrogen management. By trialling alternative forms of nitrogen and creative application methods, they have achieved impressive reductions in nitrogen use, showcasing their dedication to reducing their environmental footprint without sacrificing production.

This careful, data-driven methodology not only protects the environment but maximises resource efficiency, providing a valuable blueprint for other dairy operations seeking to balance high production with rigorous environmental stewardship.