Willie McKnight, a dairy grazier at Hazel Dairies Grazing in Te Miro, knows the importance of precision and care in managing his clients’ herds.
Alongside his wife, Jo, he manages a 200-hectare dairy grazing operation with around 500 R2 heifers and 150 calves.
“We want to monitor them the best we can and get that data back to our farmers as efficiently as possible,” Willie says.
With a strong background in dairy farming, he is dedicated to good data management and communication. The Gallagher-MINDA integration has transformed the farm’s workflow. Weight data collected using Gallagher’s TW-3 weigh scales and handheld HR4 EID tag reader is synced to Gallagher Animal Performance, which then pushes data into MINDA.
This ensures each animal’s information is accurately matched to the correct client and animal record, providing clients with real-time access to their data.
“The integration between MINDA and our Gallagher weighing system has revolutionised our operations,” says dairy grazier Willie McKnight.
Having relied on spreadsheets before the integration, Willie says “We used to spend hours on manual data entry, and there was always a risk of errors. It takes the pressure off the human error of cutting and pasting the wrong thing, or messing with a formula or something. Now, we hit sync and it’s done.”
The benefits extend beyond convenience. The integration allows 22 Willie to identify concerns such as illness or competition for feed, and has boosted client communication and trust.
“Being able to spot issues early means we can take action before they become major problems. Our clients know we’re on top of things. It’s not just about weight – it’s about reassurance,” Willie says.
“We’ve got farmers who haven’t visited in years because they trust us. That trust comes from good data and good relationships.” He advises other farmers to adopt this system for its accuracy, speed, and decision-making support.
Hazel Dairies Grazing is a family business built on experience, innovation, and a commitment to their clients and animals, with the Gallagher-MINDA integration playing a vital role.
“We’re not just raising heifers,” Willie says. “We’re raising the future of someone’s herd, and that’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
For more information on the Gallagher Weigh System Integrations, talk to your local Technical Sales Representative or Gallagher Territory Manager.
