A Humes bridge... future proofing a Westcoast farm
Britannia Farms is truly a family affair for Phil and Jackie O’Connor, who have lived and farmed their 500-hectare dairy property in Waimangaroa on the West Coast of the South Island since Phil purchased it from his father in 1990. His dad had farmed the land for the previous 40 years.
“I’ve lived on the farm for 66 years,” says Phil. “We currently have four generations living here with both my son and daughter, and my son’s daughter, living here too. So it was really important for us to future proof the farm for the next generation - including meeting our environmental responsibilities as farmers which is why we decided to build a new bridge.”
Some Background …
"We have a river that splits the farm, and we have to cross it every day,” explains Phil. “It was hard on our herd’s hooves and environmentally there was quite a bit of waste going into the water. We built a house on the other side of the river, so in 2000 we used an old railway carriage bridge to span the gap. That bridge served us for about 20 years. The older stock got used to crossing the old steel bridge, but we had a lot of trouble getting the younger animals over it because it made a hollow sound when they walked on it. So we started looking for replacement options.”
Phil adds that although the river looks pretty unassuming, it can rise to a raging flood in just minutes due to the catchment area.
“I met Phil and Jackie O’Connor at Mystery Creek Fieldays in June 2024, where we had a bridge on display,” says Steve Grenfell, National Business Development Manager - Rural for Humes. “It looked like our bridge could suit their needs to replace the existing one on their farm.”
“I conducted an initial site visit and then engaged with Truline Civil, who have a base in Greymouth. We quoted for the full installation, including confirming geotechnical and consent requirements. Between Paul and the Truline team and ourselves, we took care of everything for the O’Connors. Once Phil and Jackie gave us approval to proceed, the installation was scheduled to fit in with their farming operations in August this year.”
The result … happy cows!
“We’re really happy with it,” says Phil. “Steve from Humes and the Truline guys were great to deal with. We can now take a 50-tonne truck and trailer unit across it, so we’re stoked that our kids and their kids will be able to use this bridge when they take over the family farm.”
Phil says the herd did a lot of sniffing of the new bridge at first and were a bit hesitant, but they are now moving confidently across the new bridge to and from their paddocks after milking.
“Everyone is very happy with our new bridge.”
