EFFLUENT SYSTEM

Farm effluent management

EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT

A cow’s trash is a farmer’s treasure. Far from a waste product, dairy effluent is a valuable resource which, when cleverly managed, can seriously reduce fertiliser costs, while simultaneously increasing pasture production.

A normal dairy cow produces $25 worth of nutrients per annum, meaning a herd of 400 could take $10,000 off your annual fertiliser bill if the effluent is properly managed.

A good effluent management system starts at the source. It is vital that you ensure your agri-shelter – whether a feed pad, a stand off pad, a wintering/loafing shelter or a free stall shelter – is equipped to properly manage the waste that it will inevitably be presented with. And at SmartShelter we have 100 years of experience in doing just that, offering effluent management systems, strategies and advice that will ensure you don’t waste the waste, and instead capitalise on it.

MAXIMISE THE REDISTRIBUTION OF EFFLUENT NUTRIENTS

A good effluent system will consider the following factors:

  • Location and design, from livestock shelter to effluent storage and redistribution
  • Efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with effluent
  • Ease of ongoing management
  • Human/animal safety around effluent storage areas
  • Compliance with relevant standards and regulations

DAIRY EFFLUENT SOLUTIONS

Working with you to manage dairy effluent

There are a number of effluent management strategies employed by New Zealand dairy farmers today. You will need to take a large number of factors into account if you are to create an effective management plan, so two plans rarely look the same. One of the simplest and most effective effluent management options is a SmartShelters composting barn. In a composting barn, an aerobic system of ‘good bugs’ composts the effluent, keeping the bedding dry and your herd healthy. And once the bedding is taken out, it can be used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser.

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WHY SMARTSHELTERS IS THE SMART CHOICE

100+ YEARS OF EXPERTISE

As New Zealand’s first shelter manufacturer, we bring over a century of experience. Our in-depth industry knowledge ensures you receive personalised support and the perfect shelter tailored to your needs.

PROUDLY NEW ZEALAND MADE

Built in Auckland to withstand New Zealand’s extreme weather conditions, our canopy shelters deliver trusted performance with local support and a fast turnaround. We’re here for the long term—offering quick repairs, expert service, and quality that can’t be beaten.

INDUSTRY-LEADING 12-YEAR WARRANTY

Our 12-year warranty is the longest in the market and covers both the container cover and frame against manufacturing defects. We use only premium materials to ensure durability and reliability under New Zealand conditions, giving you peace of mind that our container shade structures deliver long-term value.

ENGINEERED TO AUS/NZ 1170:2:2021

SmartShelters meet the latest engineering and industry standards, ensuring compliance with building codes and health and safety requirements. Designed for your exact location, whether in the far north or the deep south, our roofs for shipping container buildings provide quality shelter that you can depend on.

DURASTEEL - HIGH STRENGTH STEEL FRAMEWORK

We don’t cut corners on strength. Our main canopy hoop arches are built with premium C450-grade structural galvanised steel—square or rectangular profile—with a wall thickness of no less than 4mm. It’s engineered for maximum durability, with quality assurance that outperforms imported alternatives.

SMARTSHIELD® – THE WORLD’S BEST STRUCTURAL FABRIC

Exclusively available through SmartShelters, our SMARTSHIELD® structural fabric is the strongest and most robust shelter fabric on the New Zealand market. It’s 100% PVC-free and built for long-term performance in New Zealand’s toughest conditions. Don’t be misled by thickness alone—this premium-grade ripstop membrane is engineered for real strength, not just weight.

SMART RANGE – FLEXIBLE SIZES & CUSTOMISATION

SmartShelters offers the widest range of container shelters and canopies in New Zealand — with spans from 6m to 45m wide, any length, and multiple height options. As the only NZ manufacturer offering this level of quality and customisation for container domes, we make it easy to tailor your shelter to your exact requirements. Choose from an unmatched range of add-ons and upgrades to create a structure that grows with your needs.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All good effluent management systems will have the same goal – to maximise the redistribution of effluent nutrients on pasture, while minimising any adverse environmental effects.

By providing animals with clean, dry bedding, composting barns help to improve herd health, and open up the possibility and enhance the productivity of winter milking. A SmartShelters composting barn can be used for:

  • Wintering dry cows
  • Housing winter milkers
  • As a stand-off for cows through wet springs and autumns
  • For summer heat stress relief

Composting barns aside, Dairy NZ has a wealth of materials that go into further detail on the different dairy effluent solutions available, and how to develop a management plan that will suit your specific set of circumstances, so it’s wise to check out their library of resources for more information.

How do you spread effluent?

Depending on your effluent management process, your effluent may come out as a solid, sludge or liquid, and the strategies you use to apply the effluent to your pasture will depend on the state that the matter is in. Liquid effluent may be able to be applied with an irrigation system, while solid effluent may need specialist machinery to be effectively spread. Hiring an effluent contractor is a common practice amongst New Zealand dairy farmers.

What are the risks when applying effluent on my farm?

The most common risk for dairy farmers is spreading too much effluent. This occurrence can negatively affect your property for the long term, by killing pasture, polluting waterways and groundwater, and wasting a valuable resource. Using a calculator such as the one listed above will help to ensure your pastures don’t get too much of a good thing.

Other risks relating to effluent application include:

  • Not applying enough effluent
  • Applying effluent to waterlogged soil, which can’t absorb it and will leave it sitting on top
  • Applying your effluent near a water supply (application must occur a minimum of 50m away from water sources)
  • Allowing spray drift to get into nearby streams and waterways

Boasting a team backed by 100 years of experience, and working with the finest materials available, at SmartShelters we’re able to rapidly design and construct agri-shelters with effluent management in mind, and can provide advice on the best effluent strategy for your situation, enabling you to work smarter, sooner.

Contact a member of our experienced team today to discuss a truly smart shelter solution for your property.

Make the Smart Choice by Choosing SmartShelters

Protect what matters with New Zealand-made shelters built on 100 years of trusted expertise. Contact us today!

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