What Bedding Option Actually Suits Your Setup?
When it comes to animal bedding, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Different sheds, herd sizes, budgets, and farm systems all require different approaches — and choosing the right bedding can make a massive difference to animal health, labour, cleanliness, and long-term costs.
At Goodwood, we’ve worked with farmers across New Zealand who have made the switch from traditional shavings to Goodwood Woodchip animal bedding systems — and the feedback is consistent:
Better drainage. Healthier cows. Less mucking out. More value long-term.
If you’re trying to work out which bedding option suits your setup best, here’s a breakdown of our animal bedding range and where each product performs best.
Why More Farmers Are Moving Away From Shavings
We still get regular enquiries asking for shavings — but more and more farmers are making the switch once they see the difference a properly designed woodchip bedding product can make.
Traditional shavings can compact quickly, hold moisture, and require frequent replacement. In high-use environments, that can lead to increased bacteria risk, more labour, and higher ongoing costs.
Our woodchip bedding products are designed differently.
They’re built to:
- Drain moisture effectively
- Reduce compaction
- Improve airflow within the bedding
- Create a drier environment for animals
- Reduce mucking out and maintenance
- Last longer when managed correctly
For many farmers, that means cleaner animals, healthier sheds, and less day-to-day work.
Premium Animal Bedding
Best For: Calf Pens + High-Performance Systems
Our Premium Animal Bedding is our top-tier option for farmers wanting the best possible bedding performance.
Made from 100% kiln-dried untreated timber, Premium Animal Bedding is processed to achieve a specific particle size that creates a well-aerated bedding surface. The result is a dry, comfortable environment that supports animal health while standing up to heavy use.
Key Benefits
- Excellent moisture absorption
- Low moisture content
- Well-aerated bedding surface
- Reduced bacterial growth risk
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable for calves and stock
Because the product maintains airflow and drains effectively, it helps create a cleaner and more hygienic environment — particularly important during calving season.
Ideal For
- Calf sheds
- Indoor calf rearing systems
- Farmers wanting minimal maintenance
- High-performance farming operations
Compost Barn Bedding
Best For: Compost Barns + Larger Herd Systems
Compost barns require a bedding product that can handle moisture, support composting performance, and remain comfortable for stock over time.
Goodwood’s Compost Barn Bedding is specifically designed for that purpose.
The woodchip base layer absorbs and drains effluent, creating what’s often referred to as an “induced vacuum” effect. This helps keep the bedding surface drier while improving cow comfort and reducing moisture-related issues.
One of the biggest advantages of compost barn bedding is longevity. When managed correctly, the bedding can last multiple seasons before being removed and repurposed as fertiliser back onto the farm.
Key Benefits
- Excellent drainage
- Reduced bacteria and infection risk
- Less mucking out
- Long-term durability
- Reusable as fertiliser
- Cost-effective over time
Ideal For
- Compost barns
- Large herd systems
- Farms focused on operational efficiency
- Farmers wanting long-term bedding performance
Eco Animal Bedding
Best For: Budget-Conscious Buyers
Not every farm requires a premium bedding system — and that’s where Eco Animal Bedding fits in.
Eco Animal Bedding is a more economical option made from a mix of kiln-dried timber and recycled pallets. It still delivers good comfort and drainage while allowing farmers to manage costs more effectively.
Compared with Premium Animal Bedding, Eco will generally require more regular top-ups due to reduced durability — but for many operations, it offers an excellent balance between performance and affordability.
Key Benefits
- Lower upfront cost
- Good drainage performance
- Comfortable bedding surface
- Easy to maintain with regular top-ups
- Great value for seasonal or growing operations
Ideal For
- Budget-conscious farms
- Seasonal setups
- Growing operations
- Farms wanting a cost-effective bedding solution
So, Which Bedding Option Is Right For You?
The best bedding choice depends on:
- Your herd size
- Your housing system
- Labour availability
- Budget
- Desired maintenance levels
- Long-term operational goals
Some farms prioritise maximum durability and performance. Others need a more economical option that still delivers solid results.
That’s why we work directly with farmers to recommend the right solution for their setup — rather than offering a one-size-fits-all product.
Talk To The Team
If you’re unsure which bedding option is best for your farm, get in touch with the Goodwood team.
We can help you compare options, estimate quantities, and recommend the right bedding solution for your system.
