Question 1

What is Riverside doing in the environmental and compliance space?

Accepted Answer

We comply with all Farm Environmental Plan requirements and these are submitted to Environment Canterbury who performs a regular audit every three years.  Yearly in-house audits of all facets of our farm environment plans are undertaken, including waterways, setbacks, feed plans, nutrient loss plans, intensive grazing plans and crop rotation etc. 
Riverside holds consents for intensive dairy support grazing.

Question 2

Biosecurity: What does Riverside do to minimise the risk of my stock getting mixed up or coming into contact with other stock?

Accepted Answer

Biosecurity is front of mind for our team, and all herds are kept well separated to avoid contact between animals from different herds.

Question 3

Sound infrastructure is important to me, what does this look like at Riverside?

Accepted Answer

Riverside has an extensive, well maintained lane system and modern two and three wire fences with an exceptional power supply around the farm.  We have well located, modern Te Pari cattle handling facilities with drafting capability and Tru Test weighing system.  We also have good holding paddocks and loadout facilities.  
We have a strong, reliable stock water delivery system and the appropriate number of troughs in the grazing paddocks on the property to support intensive winter grazing.

Question 4

How do you ensure my herd is kept healthy?

Accepted Answer

We go the extra mile at Riverside, with health plans created for each line of animals based on baseline blood tests taken and analysed as a starting point.  From there vet consultations and animal health plans are developed with clients and monitored on a monthly basis.

Question 5

How will my stock be fed and looked after?

Accepted Answer

Riverside creates in-depth winter feed plans for winter grazing dairy cows based on herd live weight and individual farmers requirements.  We utilise kale, silage, straw and some fodder beet as part or all of the diet.  
Expectations for each herd are agreed with the owner, and all young stock are weighed monthly and compared against industry standard live weight targets for each animal.  Monthly weighing ensures we are on track for mature cow weight requirements.   Regular reporting to owners is provided. 
Have a chat to John about what you need, and he can tell you more.

Question 6

What type of pasture and crops do Riverside cultivate?

Accepted Answer

Our oldest pastures are four years old with the latest grass finishing mixes spread over the farm.  We use mainly tetraploid grasses with a mix of lucerne, plantains and clovers. 
Crops include kale, oats for bulk silage and some fodder beet.

Question 7

Do you have quality staff?

Accepted Answer

We have a range of competent and very experienced ex-dairy and beef staff with multiple skills and talents to perform the tasks required on a contract grazing operation.  They are motivated and combined have over 50 years experience.  Your cattle are in safe hands.

Question 8

What are the soils like at Riverside Farms?

Accepted Answer

There is a balance of soil types ranging from lighter free draining soils (Hakataramea River Flats) to deeper silt Loams with higher water holding capacity (Terrace flats/down-lands).  Specifically, these include Wakanui, Rangitata, Eyre, Kauru, Amberley, Riverbed.

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Riverside Farms

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