Overview

Calling all dairy farmers – come and see what the future of dairying could look like.

Join Lincoln University at Ashley Dene Research and Development Station for the Integral Health Dairy Farm Field Day – a chance to get out on farm, see new ideas being put into practice and explore what healthier, more resilient dairy systems could look like.

The way we think about farming is changing. We are increasingly recognising the connection between the health of our land, animals and people – moving beyond traditional production-focused landscapes towards new 'healthscapes' that support thriving soils, healthy animals, quality food and resilient communities.

Lincoln University's Integral Health Dairy Farm (IHDF) has been designed to test and demonstrate this new way of thinking. The farm brings together the connection between soil, plants, animals, the environment and human health, exploring practical pathways to transition towards dairy systems that enhance health from the ground up.

Come and see the IHDF in action, hear from Lincoln University researchers and industry experts, and discover the innovations being explored to support the future of dairy farming.

The field day will showcase how the IHDF is working towards opportunities such as:

• Producing the same or more while reducing nitrogen inputs
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through smarter farming systems
• Improving soil health and resilience
• Producing milk with enhanced health benefits
• Creating a more multifunctional herd that can deliver premium beef outcomes alongside dairy production

Hear directly from the people involved in the project, have a look around the farm, ask questions and get stuck into the conversation about where dairying is heading.
If you're curious about what we're trialling at Ashley Dene and what it could mean for the future of farming, come along and see it for yourself.

What to expect on the day

The field day will run from 9.30am–5.30pm, with the day structured around three rotating speaker stations. Guests will be divided into three groups, with each group visiting all three stations throughout the day.

At each station, you’ll hear from eight speakers, with each speaker sharing a 15-minute presentation followed by time for questions and discussion.

Station 1 — Technology & Farm Systems
Hear from Gallagher, LVS, SmaXtec, Agricom, Pioneer, McCarthy Contracting, MainFert and Fertigation on topics including farm technology, virtual fencing, automated weighing, body condition scoring, pasture management, maize production, contracting and strategic fertiliser application.

Station 2 — Soil, Environment & Health
Hear from Fertilizer NZ, Soil Food Web, Ata Regenerative, Align Farms, Agrisea, Takiwā, Groundshift and Backstory about soil health, soil food webs, regenerative farming, environmental outcomes, Māori and iwi perspectives, dairy products and developing a broader measure of farm health.

Station 3 — Genetics, Nutrition & Dairy-Beef
Hear from DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Samen, AgVance, Kemin, Advanced Feeds and Lincoln University about breeding decisions, dairy-beef opportunities, dual-purpose genetics, animal nutrition, supplementation and learnings from the first three lactations of the IHDF.

A closer look at the farm

After the three speaker rotations, everyone will come together for a guided walk around the Integral Health Dairy Farm with Professor Pablo Gregorini.

This will be an opportunity to see the farm in action, explore some of the work and trials discussed throughout the day, and ask questions as you go.

There will also be time to connect with speakers and participating organisations, with opportunities for further conversation, demonstrations and product tastings throughout the day.