Farmers making the most of milk chilling partnership one year on
This month marks one year since the launch of an innovative collaboration dubbed PAUS Programme (Pay-As-You-Save), which has made it easier for Fonterra farmers to access next generation milk chilling technology for their farms.
The collaboration involves Coolcare – a leading milk refrigeration company in New Zealand – alongside Fonterra, Purpose Capital, New Zealand Green Investment Finance and Cool-Safe.
It’s an exclusive deal for the Co-operative’s farmers whereby they can lease new milk chilling systems that are cost-effective to run and use fourth generation refrigerant gases that have Carbon Dioxide Equivalence (CO2e) of around 80% less than those typically used in older systems*.
Since the launch of the programme, around 50 Coolcare milk chilling units have been installed on Fonterra farms across the country, resulting in approximately 5,800 tonnes** of Carbon Dioxide Equivalence (CO2e) being avoided. The destruction of HFC refrigerants from the legacy equipment being taken off these farmers is managed by Cool-Safe.
Anne Douglas, Group Director for Fonterra Farm Source, says the Co-operative is delighted to be part of a collaboration that’s delivering tangible benefits to farmers.
“We’re always looking at ways to help make things easier on farm, and this includes working with others where it makes sense to,” says Douglas.
As more farmers take part, the positive impact on both the industry and the environment will continue to grow.
“Through the PAUS Programme, Co-op farmers have a quality milk chilling option that’s not only cost effective and hassle free in terms of maintenance – but also delivers benefits such as reduced emissions and electricity savings.
“As more farmers take part, the positive impact on both the industry and the environment will continue to grow.”
Coolcare CEO Allan Steele says the first year of the partnership has been about laying great foundations, including ensuring the best possible support in place for participating farmers.
“Farmer feedback has been positive overall, and the interest is growing,” says Steele.
“We are starting to scale up production of the units from our facility in Hamilton and we look forward to assisting more farmers through this initiative over the next 12 months.”
Joe and Becky Laming from Altavady Group near Oamaru are among the farmers who have signed up to the PAUS Programme, and they highly recommend it to others.
“It’s hassle-free and it works. Over 30 days in September 2024, it saved us $972 in dairy shed electricity and hot water generation compared to our previous system,” says Joe Laming.
Timaru-based Bruce Murphy of Murphy Farms is another early adopter who says he’s enjoying the benefits of the new system.
“Our old unit was out of date, and this came as a good option,” says Murphy.
“What really appealed to me was the fact that the lease is seven years. Technology is moving at a fast rate, and in the end, we will have the ability to replace that unit with current technology.
“Murphy Farms are planning to convert all six of our farms to the PAUS Programme over the next couple of years. We are very happy with it, and it’s easy to operate.”
Fonterra and Nestlé’s Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki is also using one of the units.
Further information about the PAUS Programme is available at www.paus.co.nz.
*R454b vs R404a and Hydrofluorocarbon Consumption in New Zealand, Ministry for the Environment, 2017.
**Based on a total emissions warming impact (TEWI) calculation carried out on each farm’s conversion to a VariCool milk chilling system.