Get the most from your dairy effluent with the least amount of effort!
AgFirst Engineering, your local dairy effluent experts. Offices based in Bay of Plenty, Gisborne & Waikato. We design and install world-class dairy effluent solutions. From consent to construction, we offer total turnkey solutions that will stand the test of time.
AgFirst Engineering are the leaders in the dairy effluent field with the greatest technical and practical ability. Our focus is to first and foremost understand our clients needs and ensure our clients are provided with all of the suitable options.
AgFirst Engineering will work with you to understand the affect and results the varied options will provide so you can make an informed decision and achieve the result you desire!
Systems by AgFirst Engineering
Take a look at the image gallery on this page for an overview of dairy effluent systems undertaken by AgFirst Engineering. More specific information and image galleries of the different types of dairy effluent systems can be found in the sub menu of the dairy effluent section (Agriculture>Dairy Effluent>Sub Menus).
At AgFirst Engineering we can complete the full design/supply/build. Our design consultants are practically minded backed up with engineering know how and experience! Our large team has a wide range of ability from technical design engineers, manufacturing workshops with installation and service teams.
There are so many variables when it comes to dairy effluent. Viscosities can be highly variable depending on infrastructure, feed type, washing methods and rainfall. Site levels, ground stability (for construction), ground water, farm contour, soil type and human resource ability will change the whole approach to the design of all system components.
Do you capture the lot, stir it and spread it raw, passive solids separation via ponds or weeping walls, mechanical solids separation, lined/concrete/steel tanks and ponds, green water recycling, flood wash, flexible line sprinklers/pods, travelling irrigators and rain guns? All of these systems have their place. The key is to understand what is most suitable for you and your farming business.
We always start with the end in mind, with a goal of exceeding expectations and a focus on efficiency and systems that are simple/user friendly to operate and maintain with as little risk as possible.
Dairy Effluent Design Accredited
AgFirst Engineering was one of the first four companies in New Zealand to be dairy effluent design accredited. AgFirst have had their design skills and work place systems assessed by an independent assessment panel and have met the accreditation standard.
There are key design considerations and parameters that accredited companies must abide by to ensure that systems are designed and built to the current best practice and are fit for purpose. An example which is easy to relate to is the minimum and maximum pipe velocity required for the flow of dairy effluent in a pipeline. Bigger is not always better. The velocity (fluid travel speed - m/sec) will change depending on pipe internal diameter and flow rate. If the flow is too low for the pipe size then the velocity is low (liquid moves slowly) which results in solids dropping out of suspension and blocking the pipeline. High velocities occur when the pipeline is too small for the operating flow rate. In this situation the liquid is moving too fast and when there are any sudden changes in flow or direction of flow then excessive water hammer will occur and send surges of excessive pressure back down the pipeline. This will result in failure of pipelines, pumps, flow/pressure sensing and other associated infrastructure. Some relevant examples are - irrigator auto shut off valve closing at the end of the run, non return valve closing, pump turning off, valve being shut or the release of a flood wash system.
Poor design situations like the above example are unfortunately quite common therefore ensuring you are working with a suitably qualified designer with practical skills and experience is absolutely essential. Poor design will result in years of frustration, in-efficiency and re-work/doing it twice.
Dairy Effluent WOF Assessors
What is a Dairy Effluent WoF?
The WoF is a full assessment of your dairy farm effluent system following a consistent methodology by trained professionals.
Our WoF assessor will:
- View farms effluent consent or permitted rules (are all requirements being met).
- View nutrient budget (checking nitrogen loadings).
- Run the dairy effluent storage calculator to estimate if sufficient storage for farm system.
- Assess all catchment areas, particularly stand-offs & feedpads.
- Application depth and rate test of irrigation system.
- Assess application soil risk.
- Hazard identification and general Health and Safety are noted.
- A full report is provided to the farmer with areas of concern, why and suggested actions.
