Southland farmer, Jim Cooper has been dairy farming just out of Winton since 1995. Initially running a stage 3 grass and high TMR (total mixed ration) system Jim made the moved in 2010 to a stage 4 production system with the introduction of a newly built feed pad and a Keenan MechFiber400 mixer wagon.

Looking to maximize his feed efficiency and overall farm production for his 1100 cows (split across 2 farms), Jim went on the hunt for a suitable mixer wagon to deliver his herd a highly targeted and precision diet of straw, silage, palm kernel, barley, water, molasses and trace minerals.

"At the time Keenan were the only company available in NZ to provide both the mixer wagon but also the necessary technical support to set up a tailored nutritional diet programme unique to my farm and herd," says Jim. "Once the diet programme, equipment and software are setup correctly the mixer wagon practically looks after itself. I get the peace of mind knowing our cows receive the correct rations every day and am able to easily measure, monitor and manage feed uptake and efficiency across the herd."

Now on to his second Keenan mixer wagon, Jim comments the results speak for themselves. "Twelve years ago, we saw a huge lift in overall herd health and milk production and have maintained it ever since. The quality of the product is very sound also. I've been fortunate enough to visit the Keenan factory in Ireland and liked the fact they manufacture everything in house."

When asked what he would say to other farmers looking to make the change its was clear and simple, "go for it. At the time the move felt like a massive shift, however twelve years on we couldn't be happier with the results. The fact that we now have a dedicated Keenan branch and agent in Southland is a bonus and will be great to have more readily available parts and service as needed."

Jim Cooper

Jaesea Farms

Winton

Southland