Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Details on the New Dairy

Though we're already hearing some stink talk about the new dairy planned for the southside of Kauai, actual details have been slim. Curious, I spent some time researching to find out what's really going down.

Hawaii Dairy Farms is a $17.5 million enterprise funded solely by the for-profit arm of Ulupono Initiative, which is financed by billionaire Pierre Omidyar to work on local sustainability projects.

It's planned for 528 acres in Mahaulepu, about four miles inland from the Hyatt, off the dirt road that runs past the old sugar mill. The acreage has an Important Ag Lands designation and will be leased from Grove Farm. In modern times, it was used for sugar, then a dairy and most recently as beef cattle pastures. The dairy will not affect the Haraguchi taro land lease in the valley.

The dairy is not a feedlot style, as we previously saw in Moloaa. Instead, it is based on a rotational pasture system that is popular in New Zealand, though Ulupono says a similar model has not been been used elsewhere in the U.S. 

The cows, which have a social order, will be kept in “mobs” of about 300-330. In groups larger than that, they tend to get stressed. Each mob will have 18 different pastures that they will rotate through, spending no more than a few days in each pasture. This is intended to spread manure and urea evenly and give pastures a chance to recover. They will spend about 22 hours per day in the pasture and an hour twice a day in the milking area.
Kiwi-cross cows on New Zealand dairy farm.
Waste from the milking parlor will be washed into two effluent holding ponds. One pond will be lower than the other. 
Effluent holding ponds on New Zealand dairy.
Water, containing about 3 percent effluent, will be sprayed from the second pond back onto the pastures. The ponds will occasionally be dredged, with the sediment returned to the pastures.

An irrigation ditch and stream on the property will be fenced off to keep the cows out of the waterways. A large earthern berm runs along the dirt road, which will allow the dairy to control runoff from the site, even during floods. “We are planning for all contingencies, even with super maximum rainfall,” said Ulupono spokeswoman Amy Hennessey.

As for permitting, no EIS is required. The dairy has gotten its Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) permit, which includes a conservation plan for the land. It is now seeking two state Department of Health permits needed for animal feed operations. Since it is a closed loop system, it does not have to comply with regulations imposed on confined animal feeding operations, or feedlots.

Hennessey said she visited a number of New Zealand dairy farms using the rotational model, and was surprised that they didn't smell. The odor did not carry more than 10 or 20 feet from the ponds. She said she was accidentally sprayed with one of the irrigation systems, and even that water didn't stink.
New Zealand pasture irrigation.
The dairy will start with 880 cows, which are a Kiwi-cross breed that is smaller than American dairy cows and produces more milk, with a higher fat content. They also live for 14 to 15 years, as compared to the typical 5-year life span of an American dairy cow. Their hooves are adapted to wetter climates. The cows have been purchased and are currently in Missouri, awaiting transport to Kauai. 
Over time, as the cows are bred, the dairy will expand to about 1,800 cows. Each cow will have an ear tag with am embedded computer chip that gives readings on her health and productivity. The milking operation will be a mechanized rotary system. Each cow will kick off the milking gear and exit the barn when she feels her udders have been sufficiently emptied, and her spot on the milking platform taken by another cow.
Rotary milking platform at New Zealand dairy.
The cows will feed primarily on kikiyu grass, which is now being planted in the pastures. Hennessey said Ulupono spent several years on grass trials to pick the best forage crop for dairy cows. While in the milking barn, the cows will receive supplemental feed, and Ulupono is still trying to determine what that will be. Though initially it most likely will be imported, Ulupono is hoping the dairy will inspire folks to start raising some forage crops on Kauai.

Other details are also still in flux, including what will happen to the milk. “We won't process the milk,” Hennessey said. Instead, it most likely will be sent to Oahu for pasteurizing. The dairy is expected to produce about 37 million gallons of milk annually, which is roughly equivalent to the output of the two Big Island dairies. In the future, the dairy may venture into value-added products, such as dairy and cheese.

Another topic still under discussion are the cow-calf and bull operations, which will be off-site and perhaps contracted to Kauai ranchers. Some of the female calves will become dairy cows, while the males will be sold into the beef market. Though some folks have expressed concern about how the steers will impact the local ranching business, Hennessey said the operation is intended to help expand and supply the market for local grass-fed beef. The goal is to eliminate the current practice of sending young steers to mainland feed lots and then importing beef back to Hawaii.

The cows will consume about 50,000 gallons of water per day, and additional water will be used for irrigation as needed. The water will come from the Waita reservoir, which is the largest in the state.

The dairy will employ 10 to 15 workers, in two shifts, and Hennessey said “women are more effective herders than men.”

Construction will be minimal, and county building permits are being sought for concrete pads, a milking parlor with solar panels on the roof, two newborn calf sheds and related electrical systems. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for March, with calving and dairy operations possibly set to begin in December.

Though Ulupono hopes the dairy will eventually be profitable, Hennessey said it's intended as a model that will be refined, with the goal of having it replicated elsewhere in the Islands to improve food sustainability.

If we can prove its viability, it will encourage other people to get involved,” she said.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mahalo for all the info on this project -- I'm cautiously optimistic. Hoping that the milk can eventually be processed here on Kaua`i.

Elaine Albertson said...

I'm with 10:19...being able to process it on-island would be a real benefit and cost saver. I'm already hearing negative "cow poop in the groundwater!" stuff. People want natural food but don't want the necessities...like cows...that produce it. The critics also don't bother to read the data on the New Zealand operations, which are indeed miles ahead of anything being done elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

The Department of Finance has adopted rules that do not allow ag dedication if the crop is forage. Go figure!

Anonymous said...

I thought I heard that this land was previously used for GMO activity. I don't believe you mentioned this Joan. If it did not have GMO activity - that is great! I just had trouble getting past the cows feeding on previous GMO fields and humans drinking the milk!

Anonymous said...

The acreage has an Important Ag Lands designation and will be leased from Grove Farm. In modern times, it was used for sugar, then a dairy and most recently as beef cattle pastures.

no gmo use

Anonymous said...

A step backward actually. In the 50's there were some small dairy operations that were grass fed operations. Some feed was used to occupy the animals during the actual milking. I would think that it would still apply today so If the milk will be certified organic would still be relevant to some people. Milk was delivered directly to homes. I am not sure how the EPA and FDA and the modern distribution and retail constraints are affecting the operation of this new dairy.

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

It seems like they thought of everything except sustainability would certainly entail the use too, please build the facility or lease to someone else to process the milk and value added products here, then the loop is closed

Anonymous said...

How much water did you say Joan...50,0000? Is that 50 thousand or 500 thous? But it does sound like a real good venture.

Anonymous said...

GREAT ANOTHER "FARM" TAKING AWAY MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF DRINKING WATER AND POLLUTING THE GROUND WATER. IF THEY HAD METHANE TANKS THAT CONVERTED THE POOP INTO GAS FOR ENERGY AND RAIN WATER CATCHMENT TANKS I'D BE MORE HAPPY ABOUT IT. SORRY BUT ANYTHING COMING FROM GROVE FARM AND PIERRE OMIDYAR..I DON'T BELIEVE A WORD THEY SAY.

Joan Conrow said...

E kala mai -- 50,000

Anonymous said...

Poor cows. Living in perpetual cycle of pregnancy, birth, repeat.

Anonymous said...

50,000 gals water per day compared to approx 2 million per day -minimum- for sugar (pro'ly double dat)
Holy Cow Laulau, let's march against another evil farm. Call out the Hooserites these cows may be producing more gas than the Council.
Science has proven that one windbag Council member can produce enough Gas to power milyuns of flyin' li'l fistees.

Anonymous said...

Living in perpetual cycle of pregnancy, birth, repeat.

Not unlike a lot of young girls on Kauai.

Anonymous said...

classic head fake aka Pierre wanting to prove his worthiness to get the ridge development. Such irrelevant worst practice for the land by a profiteer.because theres precedence as cane was grown there so this is fine? just like the gloss coat convincing locals of jobs(now milk) from a perfect "steward" of the land to develope Hanalei...and zero community dialogue or proper permitting process. How'd these people get to dictate what occurs here? because they have cash? do more research to see the overwhelming impacts on the long term. BY far not as its being sold. I lived by cattle lands my entire life here and the smell, amount of excrement cannot be estimated nor the runoff into stream and ocean regardless of fences, barriers by stream....This isn't new zealand... stop comparisons. Grass fed grazing cattle? where? its dry and desolate there, endless watering needed. Main question is WHY? for non organic, non gmo fed cows? fertilizing to enhance grass growth and roundup to stop weeds... all of a sudden, new comer Omidyar is financing a ranch to produce local milk? Give that same amount to the food bank, schools, kupuna needs and come out looking like a true giver...don't buy period. waste

Anonymous said...

No dairy farms because it doesn't fit some narrow definition of an ideal use of the property? I live next to a cow pasture and the smell is negligible. The proposed development overlooking Hanalei has been zoned for resort use for decades. The foundations for the since abandoned Stark(?) project were visible from Black Pot for years. I'm not in favor of Californicating Kauai, but seriously, some people don't want any economic development except what they think is acceptable.

Anonymous said...

yes, this organic, progressive, low-impact, grass fed dairy is a terrible idea. we need to keep bringing all our milk from factory farms located in the american midwest. it is really awesome to drink milk that is already weeks old when it gets here, transported via oil-powered barge across the ocean. lord knows that cows and grass cannot possibly make it on kauai.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the information Joan! Yes, processing organic milk on island would be ideal. But local milk, not using the growth hormones would be good too.

Anonymous said...

THE FLIES are coming!
Where there are cows there are flies and where humans sweat, they will find the humans. No big deal perhaps?

What is the fly control management policy? Pesticides?

How much of this water will come from the drilling of the Mountain?

Environmental Impact Study?

Zero Seven

Joan Conrow said...

The water will come from Waita reservoir, which collects from various watershed and is not linked to the DOW proposal to drill a horizontal well in the mountain.

No EIS is required.

Anonymous said...

I live 10 feet form cows and bulls. No smell. Everything is great. I am all for this project. I am a red shirt and an environmentalist. I wear slippahs.

Anonymous said...

What are the potential affects to the watershed and run-off into the ocean? There is a stream that empties into the ocean there. Will it contaminate that stream and ultimately the ocean? I'm not against it per se but wonder if all potential impacts have been addressed in order to protect a favored fishing/swimming area and one of the last undeveloped coastal areas on the south side?

Anonymous said...

Forget the dairy. Put up a subdivision. People will cause less toxic runoff than cows. They won't use petroleum products like pesticides, motor oil, cleaning solutions, etc. They won't use water or poop or pee. Cows? Yecch.

Anonymous said...

THE WINDS WILL MOVE THE WASTE WATER AND RUNOFF TOWARD POIPU AND THE WATER QUALITY WILL BE WORSE THAN IN KALAPAKI BAY, SO THE LAND PRICES WILL SKYROCKET IN HANALEI. MISSON COMPLETED. BOHICA (BEND OVER HERE IT COMES AGAIN)

Anonymous said...

ONLY PROBLEM WITH YOUR CONSPIRACY THEORY IS WATER QUALITY SUCKS AT HANALEI. Duh

Anonymous said...

Grow Almond Trees or Coconut Trees and produce almond or coconut milk. Leave the animals alone and stop consuming animal based products. We are all connected. The trees will give us Oxygen as well. Poor Poor animals... I feel for you. Statistics show you live a longer life without diary, do the research.
http://www.glutenfreegigi.com/living-dairy-free-means-living-longer/

http://mjr.earthbalancenatural.com/does-going-dairy-free-mean-living-longer/

http://vegan.com/dairy-free/

http://www.saching.com/Article
/The-various-benefits-of-a-coconut-tree/4725

Jane Goodall says "We are not borrowing the land of our future generations, we are stealing it from the way we live."
Start giving back by not consuming. When everyone stops consuming dairy they would not be a profit making company.
Make sense?

Anonymous said...

Who owns Waita Reservoir?
Grove farm??
How many holes are they going to drill????

I thought they were going to build pumped hydro project there.