This month has marked one year since the launch of an innovative collaboration dubbed the PAUS Programme (Pay-As-You-Save).
This collaboration has made it easier for Fonterra farmers to access next-generation milk chilling technology for their farms. It 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 Cooperative’s farmers, whereby they can lease new milk chilling systems that are cost-effective to run and use fourth-generation refrigerant gases that have a Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) of around 80 percent less than those typically used in older systems.
Since the programme's launch, around 50 Coolcare milk chilling units have been installed on Fonterra farms across the country, avoiding approximately 5,800 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e).
Cool-Safe managed the destruction of HFC refrigerants from the legacy equipment being removed from these farmers.
Anne Douglas, Group Director for Fonterra Farm Source, said the cooperative was delighted to be part of a collaboration delivering tangible benefits to farmers.
“We’re always looking at ways to help make things easier on the farm, including working with others where it makes sense,” said Douglas.
“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 participate, the positive impact on both the industry and the environment will continue to grow.”
Coolcare CEO Allan Steele added that the first year of the partnership has been about laying great foundations, including ensuring the best possible support for participating farmers.
“Farmer feedback has been positive overall, and the interest is growing. We are starting to scale up production of the units from our Hamilton facility and look forward to assisting more farmers through this initiative over the next 12 months,” said Steele.
Joe and Becky Laming from Altavady Group near Oamaru were among the farmers who signed up for the PAUS Programme and highly recommend it to others.
“It’s hassle-free, and it works. Over 30 days in September 2024, it saved us NZD 972 in dairy shed electricity and hot water generation compared to our previous system,” said Joe Laming.
Bruce Murphy of Murphy Farms, based in Timaru, was another early adopter who enjoyed the new system's benefits. What appealed to Murphy was the seven-year lease.
“Our old unit was out of date, and this came as a good option. Technology is moving quickly, and in the end, we will be able to replace that unit with current technology,” said Murphy.
“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 has also been using one of the units.
