Building a structure to cover a stand-off area not only protects cows from the weather, but also separates stormwater from effluent, reducing environmental and financial costs, says Matt Hoyle, marketing manager for Aztech Buildings.

'The reduction in the amount of waste water, which has to be treated, saves costs and it's a benefit which can be gained from covering even a relatively small area.”

Aztech Buildings was involved in the construction of a large barn on Bruce and Judy Woods' property near Edgecumbe, which has provided significant benefits in both summer and winter for the herd. Its deep litter bedding remains dry and clean even after 12 months, and will be used as compost for a maize crop next spring.

'Farmers don't have to build a structure of the size or cost of Bruce's. Aztech works with farmers to design and construct large or small dairy housing systems, providing benefits for their animals and their farm management systems.”

Matt says such structures provide a return on investment reasonably quickly because cows protected from summer heat and winter cold, and which calve under shelter, are generally more productive and enjoy better health.

'Barns are not just for regions with extreme weather. As Bruce has proved, they bring benefits in relatively mild climates too.”