To navigate these difficult environmental conditions, the farm is relying on cutting-edge technology. According to the article, Dan Schat uses Allflex collars to monitor his cattle, allowing him to efficiently manage the herd and ensure their health during this critical period. This approach provides a clear example for the international dairy community of how technology is being leveraged on a day-to-day basis to overcome a major variable in agribusiness: the weather.

The farm’s operational success is intrinsically linked to a high-value, global food supply chain. Schat’s A2 milk is supplied to Synlait, a company that processes it into infant formula for the lucrative Chinese market. This relationship provides the farm with a premium for its specialized milk, a key insight into the evolving dairy economics of the modern era. The farm also receives a premium for its participation in Synlait’s “Lead with Pride” program, which rewards farmers for meeting high standards in animal welfare, milk quality, and environmental practices.

The article also provides a valuable look at the environmental stewardship efforts of the farming community. Schat expresses his view that the average New Zealander would be “happily surprised” by the work being done on farms to improve soil health and protect waterways. This perspective highlights the ongoing commitment of modern farmers to sustainable practices, a critical factor for an industry facing increasing scrutiny over its environmental footprint.