Cow efficiency is key

Farmers are being warned that reducing herd sizes and supplementary feed levels as a way of curbing costs may come back to bite them over the long term.

The stuttering milk price and high input costs are creating ongoing financial challenges for farmers this season, but, says GrainCorp Feeds general manager Daniel Calcinai,solutions need to be farsighted.

“Reducing your herd size and cutting out supplementary feed may not be the best option and could affect the profitability of some farm businesses over the next few years, not just this season.

“Farmers need to take a long-term approach to their decision making to minimise risk

While prioritising the use of homegrown feed, the best thing farmers can do is review inputs, including their herd’s total diet, and create a base feed plan, including costs and income.

“It’s about maximising the utilisation of home-grown feeds and then adding the right supplement to complement the seasonal pasture conditions and the cow’s diet. Our goal is to improve rumen function and feed conversion efficiency in a cost-effective way.”

Making sure cows are efficiently turning feed into milk will be crucial as farmers start exploring ways to reduce their on-farm emissions, he says. n