One last word …

It has been a busy month with lots happening down on the farm – herds being dried off and sharemilkers hitting the road as they move to new jobs, marking the start of a new season when farms are bought and sold, and new contracts signed.

It is also that time of year when we celebrate our farmers: awards season.

The Dairy Industry Awards were held last month. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners – if this is the calibre of people we have in the dairy industry, it is a good place to be. Of course, these finalists are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many more of you unsung heroes out there.

Last month saw a successful Dairy Women’s Network Conference, during which the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and Regional Leader were announced.

It is also the time of year when farmers make their annual pilgrimage to the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek near Hamilton. With covid restrictions no longer throwing a dampener on the event, it is back in its usual spot on the agricultural calendar.

Once again farmers can see what is new in agriculture. There will be plenty of bargains to be had and lots to see including the newly developed Sustainability Hub. All the old favourites are back too, including the Innovations Centre showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture, backyard inventions and commercial improvements, the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, the Forestry Hub, the Digital Futures Hub, the ever-popular Tractor Pull and more.

Farmers looking to stay indoors should check out the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), this year being held June 26-28 at Invercargill.

SIDE is New Zealand’s premier dairy conference, and the largest event of its type in the country. Organised by farmers for farmers, the annual programme is designed to promote thinking and debate, as well help like-minded farmers to network and find inspiration and motivation.

Winter has definitely arrived, with storms and snow in parts of the country. This is usually a good time to wrap up in front of the fire with a good read but unfortunately the farm work never stops. There’s maintenance and cleaning as well as feeding out and shifting stock.

As we head into the new season, it is a good time to take stock of the farm and get some of those repairs and maintenance jobs done.

Cow sheds should be waterblasted and prepared, stocks of detergents, teat spray, tail paint etcetera replenished ahead of time so when the cows start coming in it’s all ready. Calf sheds should be cleaned and, depending on your rearing operation, fresh clean bedding should be laid, and feeding equipment and storage vats washed and sterilised.

It’s also a good time to pull together your calving kits so they are ready to go when the first calf drops. Check out the DairyNZ website for pre-calving care and kit ideas.

And when calving starts, it can be a hectic time on the farm so planning and preparing in advance will help things run smoothly. Have a pre-calving checklist so all team members know what is to be done and what to expect.

Filling the freezer with pre-cooked meals will ensure you and your family and even your staff will have a good nutritious hot dinner at the end of the day. Soups and casseroles are a great idea, as well as baked goods for smoko breaks.

Thanks to Mark and Aimee Adams for this month’s stunning photo of the view from their cowshed at Ōkato, Taranaki. They have been milking 360 cows and increasing the herd to 440 cows, aiming to do 450kgms per cow this upcoming season.

Mark has been farming for 12 years and is a first-year contract milker. He enjoys the outdoors and the variety that ensures every day is different to the previous one.

With a view like that, no wonder he enjoys the great outdoors.

Sonita

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