Calving Units More Efficient & Profitable Thanks To New Farm Bridge

The grass can be greener on the other side but sometimes it takes a bridge to get there.

After installing one to connect their existing Matamata dairy farm with a neighbouring block of land he purchased, Nigel and Krystle Brinkworth are now saving thousands of dollars in transport costs while dramatically improving farm productivity and efficiency.

Prior to buying the new 106ha block in late 2022, the couple had been running an autumn and spring calving unit on two separate farms about 1km down the road from one other. Livestock, machinery and staff were constantly moving back and forth, costing them approximately one hour of lost productivity each day plus fuel expenses and machinery wear and tear.

So when a neighbouring block of land came up for sale, the solution was obvious. But the Piako Iti Creek was in the way.

Nigel says they weren’t prepared to buy the land unless a bridge to connect the two properties was financially feasible. If they had to go the long way around, he calculated it would cost around $15 per head of cattle each and every time they were transported.

“If we didn’t have a bridge, access to the new farm by road would be about six to eight minutes’ drive which is not feasible for what we wanted to achieve and what we wanted to do,” Nigel explains. “We would have been worse off than we already were. When you’re moving stock up and down the road it is also harder on the animals and far more problematic from an operational perspective.”

Assessing Options

Bridge It NZ met with Nigel on site to investigate the most suitable and cost-effective bridge location. While there were multiple options, the company’s extensive knowledge of bridges, earthworks and other factors helped determine the ideal spot to meet Nigel’s needs, comply with council requirements and keep costs as low as possible.

A 14m x 4m all concrete bridge with some small wingwalls was chosen as the best solution. It is rated Class 1 (0.85HN) and is suitable for all farm operations such as fully laden trucks and trailers, milk tankers, tractors, contractors, and general farm use. It presents great value for money as this specific bridge structure is designed to last a minimum of 100 years with very little maintenance required.

“I carry out all significant maintenance on farm myself so this bridge is one stress off my mind that I don’t have to be worrying about all the time,” Nigel says. “I know that thing’s gonna stay there, withstand floods, and serve it’s designed purpose for the rest of my days.”

Information Upfront

Bridge It NZ took the time to educate Nigel and Krystle on every aspect of their project so they went into it with their eyes wide open. The impact of all options – including earthworks – was highlighted, and the Brinkworths were fully consulted before any design work was undertaken or money required.

“Anything we asked, they pretty much had an answer for and were clear with what they could and couldn’t do. They told us whether our expectations were feasible or not. They gave us a quote and they stuck to it. Everything was upfront. They told us what it was going to cost and what the variations were going to be, so there were no problems at all.”

One Stop Shop

Aside from offering non-biased opinions and expertise, Bridge It NZ offered something far more valuable – full project management. Nigel simply didn’t have time to deal with numerous consultants and contractors, or navigate the council’s consenting process on his own.

“We were milking twice a day from the moment we took possession of the new farm and moved in. If I had to chase around after all the different facets involved in putting a bridge in, it probably wouldn’t have happened to be fair. I just wouldn’t have time to do it. So having Bridge It manage the whole project, from design through to consent and installation, was massive for me.”

Effective Solution

Now the bridge is in place, the Brinkworth’s autumn and spring calving units are side by side which allows them to run both more efficiently and profitably.

“It means we can move material and stock between the units far more effectively. It creates ease of operation and gives us the ability to move stock without having to transport them. We are now effectively one unit and just running cows through two different sheds, that’s all.

“Dealing with Bridge It NZ was a really good experience to be quite honest. There was plenty of drama involved with the weather and it’s not an insignificant undertaking to put a bridge in. Especially one that’s environmentally compliant. So, even though it could have been a horrifically painful experience, they were a very good outfit that did everything we asked of them.”

Bridge It NZ provides crossing solutions for both animals, machinery and farm vehicles. We collaborate closely with you to understand your needs and will deliver a customised solution with a ‘no surprises’ pricing policy. We have installed well over 300 bridges nationwide, and are the experts in bridge design, construction and installation. 

Talk to us today to discuss your next project!