It’s not just about weight - it’s about reassurance

As a dairy grazier, Willie McKnight understands that the future performance of his clients’ herds depends on the care and precision he brings to the job. It’s his responsibility to meet key growth targets, monitor animal health, and keep his clients informed every step of the way. That’s why the integration between MINDA and his Gallagher weighing system is a game changer, eliminating hours of manual admin by automatically syncing data directly into his clients’ MINDA accounts.

Based in Te Miro, just outside of Cambridge, Willie and his wife Jo run Hazel Dairies Grazing, a 200-hectare dairy grazing operation managing around 500 R2 heifers and 150 calves across multiple mobs. They work with nine different clients and are committed to strong data management and clear communication to support each farmer. With a strong background in dairy farming and education, Willie brings hands-on experience and a genuine passion for animal husbandry to the business.

“These heifers are the future of our clients’ herds,” Willie says. “We want to monitor them the best we can and get that data back to our farmers as efficiently as possible.”

With growth a key driver of fertility, and hitting target weights critical for successful mating, weighing animals is central to Hazel Dairies’ operation. Willie explains, “We need our animals to put on 0.6kg a day on average. If they’re not gaining, we need to know why - and fast.”

Streamlining processes

Before integrating his Gallagher weigh system with MINDA, Willie relied on spreadsheets and manual data entry. “We’d weigh the animals, download the data, sort it by owner and herd codes, and then email it out to the clients. It could take an hour or more each time,” he says.

 “It takes the pressure off that human error of cutting and pasting the wrong thing, or messing with a formula or something,” Willie explains. “Now, we hit sync and it’s done.”

The Gallagher-MINDA integration has transformed their 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 the data through to MINDA. Each animal’s EID tag ensures the information is matched to the correct client and the right animal record. “It’s a no-brainer,” Willie says. “It saves time, reduces errors, and gives our clients real-time access to their data.” 

The value of weight data

The benefits go beyond convenience. “If an animal’s weight drops or stalls, we can spot it early and act - whether it’s illness, parasites, or the fact they’re competing for feed, especially when they’re first getting used to a new setting,” Willie explains. “We mark them, monitor them, and treat them if needed. The data backs up what we see in the paddock.”

The integration also boosts transparency and trust. “Our clients know we’re on top of things. They can log into MINDA and see how their animals are tracking. It’s not just about weight - it’s about reassurance.”

Willie and Jo have invested in infrastructure which is helping support this new approach, including a Te Pari crush and both 2,500 and 5,000kg Gallagher load bars. “We’ve designed the system to be safe, efficient, and portable. We just move our monitor, plug it in at one set of yards and then plug it in at the other.”

Better for business

The integration has also helped with client communication. “We’ve got farmers who haven’t visited in years because they trust us. One said, ‘If I wasn’t happy, I’d be out here every month.’ That trust comes from good data and good relationships.”

His advice to other farmers? “If you’re still doing weight spreadsheets, stop. This system works. It’s accurate, fast, and it helps you make better decisions.”

Hazel Dairies Grazing is a true family business, built on experience, innovation, and a commitment to doing right by their clients and their animals, with the Gallagher-MINDA integration now 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.”

Key benefits for Hazel Dairies Grazing