Composting Shelters

The impact of composting shelters on dairy farm systems.

Composting shelters are attracting growing interest from dairy farmers looking to operate more efficient, resilient and profitable businesses.

To date, limited knowledge within the New Zealand pastoral context has been available to support farmers and rural professionals in their evaluation of the system.

This project builds on the knowledge base of farmers and technical experts to provide information that can be used as a starting point for those seeking to understand the potential impacts of composting shelters on their own farm business.

The project was led by one of our consultants Rachel Durie, with support and input from Keith Woodford of AgriFood Systems Ltd. We were also grateful for the involvement of one of our Māori trust clients, as well as participation from existing composting shelter farmers.

The project was funded by Our Land and Water through its Rural Professionals Fund 2021–22.

Project Summary

A summary of the full report and analysis can be downloaded here.

It includes:

  • Project background and description
  • Farmer interview summary
  • Composting shelter case study modelling including:
    • Physical performance
    • Environmental performance
    • Financial performance
    • Whole farm business & investment analysis
  • Te Taiao evaluation
  • Conclusion & farmer quotes

The video below also provides an overview of the project and its key findings.

Our Land and Water

Lee Matheson

Managing Director
Principal Consultant

B.Appl.Sc (Hons), FNZIPIM (Reg)

Lee came to agribusiness consultancy via the unlikely pathway of a suburban Wellington upbringing, an Honours degree in plant science and a six-year career in the financial markets. In his role as the firm’s MD, Lee doesn’t get out on-farm as much as he used to but makes the most of it when he does. While having swapped the paddock for the boardroom, Lee continues to provide advice in the areas of farm business strategy, farm system innovation, corporate governance, investment analysis and economic research.

Outside of Perrin Ag, Lee loves to spend his time coaching rugby, watching his three kids play sport and gardening with his wife Haidee.

“I love the challenge of empowering people in our primary sectors and the excitement of seeing clients achieving their aspirations. If we can encourage farmers to engage with their consumers, take a more active involvement in their supply chains and view their businesses through a wider lens, then I think our industries have a great future.”