Plan 365 June 2019 by Farmlands

JUNE 2019

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Plan 365 is a technical guide aimed at helping shareholders learn about best practice and the latest advancements in rural technology.

NUTRITION

Bunny banter Someone told me rabbits eat their own poo! Surely this can’t be true. Yes, this is true! Although they don’t eat all their poo… just some of it. The unique muscles of a rabbit’s caecum allow the intestinal tract to separate out fibrous material from more digestible material; the fibrous material is then passed, while the more nutritious material is encased in a mucous lining which is later passed as faeces that are then consumed. They are often referred to as ‘night faeces’, and are high in minerals, vitamins and protein. Night faeces are softer and appear darker in colour than normal faeces. This ‘double digestion’ allows rabbits to extract the necessary nutrients from their high-fibre diet. Can pet rabbits become overweight? Yes, they can. Rabbits that are kept in captivity often get less exercise than wild rabbits and if their diet is not carefully regulated, they can become overweight. Offering a well-balanced, high-fibre feed, such as NRM Rabbit Pellets, will help to keep rabbits at a healthy weight. Should my rabbit have hay all the time? Yes, definitely. Rabbits are designed to consume a diet high in fibre. They are hind gut fermenters which means the majority of their digestion occurs in their caecum where it is fermented by resident microorganisms. If rabbits are not fed enough fibre they can develop a potentially fatal health problem called gut stasis, so it’s important to offer them a feed that is well suited to their unique requirements,

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along with ample access to hay. Does my doe need special feed if she has a litter? NRM Rabbit Pellets are well formulated and used by breeders for both pregnant and lactating rabbits – just restrict levels for pregnant does and feed ad-lib when producing milk. I’m worried about my rabbits contracting Calicivirus as I heard the virus has been released to keep down populations of wild rabbits. Is there anything I can do to protect my rabbit? Yes, there is a vaccination available. Pet rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 weeks of age and boosters given according to your veterinarian’s recommendation. Owners of rabbits that have been previously vaccinated should ensure that booster vaccines are up-to-date.

| Pet rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 weeks of age.

Rabbit Pellets contain high-quality lucerne chaff and a unique raw fibre

Are fruit and veggies good for my rabbit?

concentrate with a perfect balance

Provided rabbits are fed a fully formulated feed they should not need extra nutrients from greens. Many common plants, like lettuce and kale, can be harmful and fruit often contains a lot of sugar, which should be limited. Variety is not always the spice of life for rabbits who prefer consistency, so check out what you can feed them and limit how much is fed. Basil, carrots, celery leaves, dandelion leaves and flowers, dill, mint, parsley and watercress are generally considered safe for rabbits.

digestive health of rabbits. NRM

Give NRM Rabbit Pellets a try for your furry friends. Designed to fulfil a rabbit’s preference for a high-fibre diet, NRM

of cellulose-to-lignin to improve the Rabbit Pellets also contain highquality soya oil to deliver linoleic acid, a fatty acid which can help to improve coat condition. A comprehensive, rabbit-specific trace element and vitamin pack to support optimum health and vitality is also included, along with a coccidiostat to prevent coccidiosis – a parasite which can be an issue particularly in young kits but can also affect mature rabbits. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

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NUTRITION

Technology delivers practical benefits Rangiora dairy farmer Alastair Robinson loves his cows. He is passionate about breeding and managing cows to their potential. He is a hands-on farmer with a good team and performance, so perhaps not an obvious example of a farm that might be considered in need of technology to help manage cow health and fertility. Experience has shown that a cow monitoring system can deliver real benefits for even the best-run operation. Nearly 12 months on

| Alastair Robinson is passionate about breeding and managing cows to their potential.

from fitting Allflex animal monitoring collars to his cows, Alastair is now a firm believer that the collars have made a real difference. He says they will deliver a return on investment sooner than expected and he “has no hesitation recommending the system to everyone”. The farm has traditional winter milk supply contracts and cows are calving about 10 months of the year to spread milk supply. Collar fitting was staggered to ease the workload and cash flow, as well as to target cows before mating. The system only takes 7-10 days to build up reference data for each cow before unusual behaviour can be flagged up – but it took a little longer for the team to build up confidence in the system. Heat patches were continued for a few months until it became apparent they

time to mate has been a real bonus. Milking has become easier because the pressure to sustain a focus on mating over such an extended period has been removed. More cows than ever before have calved this autumn and recent scanning has confirmed there are 80 less cows not in-calf compared to last season. This may partly reflect a better grass growing season but he believes the collars have undoubtedly helped. The system is very accurate at indicating the best time to breed but also identifying empty cows, which Alastair believes may make pregnancy scanning unnecessary in the future. Alastair has found health alerts to be another key benefit of the system. Again, experience has increased confidence in the system, which can identify cows with acute issues

team who can inseminate the cows,

before they occur – for example, the system generated a text message for a cow at 5.30am that looked fine at 6.30am but then succumbed to milk fever after milking.

the system’s ability to identify the best

The system has also been very effective

were giving false positives when cows were rubbing against trees and failed to identify cows in heat that the collars were detecting. With four people on the

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at identifying cows that might be described as “off-colour” that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. The herd’s veterinarian has created a suite of non-antibiotic treatments for cows not running a temperature and with a Health Index below 80. In the majority of cases, a simple therapy puts them on the road to recovery rather than their condition becoming clinical, which has to be good for animal welfare and performance. As Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 2019 South Island Agricultural Field Days, Alastair found being in charge of the grounds and layout for exhibitors meant he was away from the farm for extended periods. By then he had faith that the system would reliably and simply support his team whilst he was away – further demonstrating that this new technology can work hand-in-hand with farmers with traditional values. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Head Nutritionist.

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NUTRITION

Multi-benefits of milk replacers Milk replacers are increasingly seen as a safer option than untreated whole milk, which carries the risk of transmitting Johne’s, BVD, salmonella and other diseases such as Mycoplasma bovis. Interest is also growing in the use of quality calf milk replacer – beyond providing a safer, more convenient way to rear beefies, or extending stocks of transition milk for dairy replacements (when milk replacer becomes more cost effective than taking milk out of the vat). Fortifying whole milk with milk replacer can help support the growth potential of stock with a high genetic merit while restricting the volume fed. This has both practical implications (in terms of volume of milk that has to be carted around) and health implications (in terms of overloading the abomasum with too much milk per feed). Whilst there is some concern that increased liquid feeding might allow dairy calves to become too fat; adding milk replacer to whole milk is likely to increase the protein-to-fat ratio, which is likely to improve stature and muscle development while decreasing fat deposition. Feeding just two to three litres of milk fortified with 220-300g milk powder is like feeding another 1.5 to 2.4 litres of milk equivalent as milk replacer (depending on the product). Superconcentrated milk should be avoided

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however, as it may increase the risk of diarrhoea and/or abomasal bloat. Top tips for milk replacers The goal should be to deliver the correct concentration in a drinkable volume, produced hygienically. • Choose a product to suit your calves, feeding system and growth goals. • Ensure it is mixed properly. • F eed at the correct level to meet growth targets. • A void abrupt changes – to reduce stress and nutritional scours. • U se a thermometer to ensure water is added at the correct temperature, as indicated on the bag. • D o not feed milk replacer with a coccidiostat to bobby calves. NRM Calf Milk Replacer is well suited to earlier weaning and can also be used in accelerated feeding programmes using fortified whole milk. It helps keep calves content and robust so is a good choice if rearers are inexperienced or weather conditions are inclement. NRM Calf Milk Finisher incorporates some vegetable proteins so is a great second stage product and is popular with dairy farmers after the transition milk stocks have been exhausted. NRM Power Whey reflects the price competitiveness and consistency of whey fortified with organic acids.

These lower gut pH levels and reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhoea. Whey milk replacers are also less filling so are ideal for calves that can be housed for longer – especially in colder locations. To get the most from your milk replacer, aim to reduce the risk of diarrhoea. An interesting survey of 45 Waikato dairy farms in 2010 (Denholm 2012) which looked at pre-weaning calf disease and mortality found: • Disease risk was lower when hygiene methods such as gloves and footbaths/boot washing was applied in rearing sheds. • Disease decreased with increasing herd size – possibly because bigger units can support dedicated calf rearing staff. • Disease decreased when herds were vaccinated with rotavirus and/or salmonella vaccines. • D isease was decreased when water was offered in calf pens and when bedding was replaced in calf sheds. Anyone wishing to learn more about calf rearing should check out the practical videos on the Farmlands website. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. K Denholm 2012 Risk factors for pre-weaning calf morbidity and mortality due to farmerdiagnosed diarrhoea on 45 New Zealand dairy farms, Massey University, Manawatu. Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Lead Nutritionist.

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NUTRITION

The art of developing rumens The digestive tract of the neonatal calf is dramatically different to that of the adult ruminant. When a calf is first born they have a very small rumen, only a fraction of the size it will eventually need to be when the animal is older and consuming a much higher fibre diet. A key focus of the calf rearing period is to stimulate the rumen of the animals to start growing in preparation for weaning time. All this needs to happen while ensuring calves are hitting growth targets themselves and are as healthy as possible. Nutritious, health-supporting milk and a goodquality starter feed are key components of a successful calf rearing system and can help take some of the stress and risk out of calf rearing. After good colostrum intake has been achieved in the first day of life, milk becomes the most important source of nutrients for a calf. Feeding calves transition milk from the first

milkings and waste milk from treated cows carries the risk of transmitting Johne’s, BVD, salmonella and other diseases such as Mycoplasma bovis. These and other animal health concerns help to justify the use of well formulated calf milk replacer beyond a simple cost-price advantage. Offering a grain-based calf feed in early life is the key to kick starting rumen development in the first few weeks. Although the calves will not eat much, they will start to develop the all-important habit of eating a hard feed and intakes will snowball from there. Top tips for encouraging early hard feed intake • Choose a high-quality starter feed with no palm kernel. A key attribute should be a low-dust feed. It’s all about the mouth feel for a calf and they don’t like eating fines. NRM Moozlee is a great choice as it is high in starch with the added benefit

of a bit of lucerne chaff which is very attractive to young calves. • Hard feed can be offered to calves from very early in life – they will not eat large amounts at first, but it is important to have it available so they start to develop good hard feed eating habits. Remember to increase amounts offered as they increase in appetite. • Always make sure the feed on offer is fresh. Do not put large amounts of feed out and leave it to go mouldy or contaminated by vermin. Little and often is the key. alves maintain a lot of mouth • C activity after a milk feed – hand feeding some hard feed immediately after their milk feed can help get them used to the texture and flavour. • I f calves seem a bit slow to take to the hard feed, double check how much milk you are feeding. Overfeeding milk can depress appetite for other food sources. ome long fibre such as hay or • S straw is important for calves to start practising rumination. However, if calves are overconsuming long fibre it can depress their appetite for the hard feed. Making the long fibre a little harder to get at, such as stuffed inside hay racks, can help to make sure calves just take a little bit each day. • A lways have fresh water available – water is critical for hard feed intake and development of the rumen. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist. Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

| A key focus of the calf rearing period is to stimulate their rumen to start growing in preparation for weaning.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Change brings real milk production benefits Filling the vat with the best milk you can produce is a financial win-win. Studies have shown significant production gains associated with maintaining good milk quality. For example, halving bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC) from 300,000 to 150,000 cells per millilitre of milk is estimated to increase total season milk solids by 2.1%. In general, the lower your somatic cell count (SCC) and the fewer grades you incur during lactation, the more efficient and thorough your milking process is – that’s better for your staff and your herd, as well as your bottom line. Attention to detail and a preventative approach go a long way towards

improving milk quality and this is

“Milking liners are hidden inside the

the ideal time of year to review your

shells, so you can’t see what happens

system. A key question to ask is:

to them when they wear out,” Perry

when did we last replace the liners?

says. “The first thing you might see

Farmers who change milking liners

instead is a cow kicking the cluster off,

at the recommended lifespan of

damaged teat ends or a surprisingly

2,500 milkings report immediate

high BMSCC on the milk docket.”

reduction in teat end damage as well as better somatic cell count results, according to Skellerup National Manager, Perry Davis. Milking liners are the single part of your dairy plant that comes into direct contact with the cow. Every lactation she typically spends 50-100 hours attached to the machine – via those

That’s because a worn, poor-fitting liner can leave milk in the udder, slip off the teat and/or leave permanent rings at the top of the teat. On top of that, any internal cracks in the rubber are an ideal environment for bacteria. It is easy to find out if your milking liners are due for replacement. All you have

liners – so it’s no wonder they play such

to do is grab a calculator and work out

an important role in milk harvesting.

how many times they’ve been used since they were installed. If the answer comes to 2,500 or more, they’ve reached the end of their lifespan and could soon cost you more than you realise. Visit www.2500change.co.nz or follow these steps: • Step 1 – multiply the number of cows being milked by the number of milkings per day. • Step 2 – divide the number in ‘Step 1’ by the number of milking clusters in the milking plant. • Step 3 – divide 2,500 by the number in ‘Step 2’. This is the number of days between optimum liner changes for your farm. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Skellerup.

| Attention to detail and a preventative approach go a long way towards improving milk quality.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Get your pre-calving nutrition sorted Now is a good time to review your springer cow nutrition programme. Not every pre-calving diet has the same feeds, so it is important to get advice that is specific for your farm. It is also advisable to review what is in your springer cow products, as they can vary significantly. Some things to look out for are: Antioxidants and trace elements: Often, these are not considered but are incredibly important as cow antioxidant demand increases significantly at calving, at the same time as intake of antioxidants from pasture decreases. Examples of vital antioxidants include organic selenium and vitamin E. Melofeed® is the first and only primary antioxidant available in New Zealand. Vitamins: Vitamin D plays a critical role in the mobilisation of calcium from bone stores. Other vitamins (A and E) also play a role in cow health and immunity at calving.

Magnesium: Magnesium is required to help enable calcium mobilisation from bone reserves however, it is not the only nutrient we need to be mindful of in the pre-calving diet. DCAD: Addressing the ‘Dietary Cation Anion Difference’ is required in many situations where the ‘cations’ in the diet such as potassium and sodium from pasture and green feeds outweigh the ‘anions’ such as chlorides and sulphates. Running your specific feeds through a nutrition programme such as Diet CheckTM can help identify the DCAD risk for your situation. Rumen health: The transition from dry to springer to colostrum to milker can involve many dietary changes. Easing diet changes makes a big difference. Recent studies have also shown that Levucell®SC live yeast can improve rumen wall integrity and limit inflammatory status of rumen epithelium during the transition period of lactating cows.

Additives to help reduce the effect of prolonged insulin resistance: This is particularly important for cows wintered on high-energy diets such as fodder beet. Examples include chromium and Nexulin® which can improve cow responsiveness to glucose and prevent excessive weight loss post-calving. Total diet balance: Protein, energy, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous all need to be present in sufficient quantities, but not over-supplied either. This is where a holistic view of pre-calving nutrition is important. The whole picture needs to be looked at to not just reduce the incidence of milk fever, but also to enable cow health, productivity and fertility. Pre-calving nutrition is more than just milk fever prevention. A healthy transition flows onto significant production and fertility benefits. Nutrimin® Springer Cow range provides comprehensive pre-calving nutrition support that contains a very effective negative DCAD, vitamins A, D and E, trace minerals including Alkosel® organic selenium, Melofeed® primary antioxidant, magnesium, calcium and chromium. Rumensin, Levucell®SC and Nexulin® options are available. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. 1. Bach, A. et al, (2018). Changes in gene expression in the rumen and colon epithelia during the dry period through lactation of dairy cows and effects of live yeast supplementation, Journal of Dairy Science, 101 (3). 2. Oh, J. et al, (2017). Effects of rumen-protected Capsicum oleoresin on productivity and responses to a glucose tolerance test in lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science, 100. Article supplied by Nutritech.

| Now is a good time to review your springer cow nutrition programme.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Avoiding collateral damage from rodent control Successful farming has always been all about strategic risk management and now farmers face a more complex range of risks than ever before. With the widespread development of chemical resistance and increased environmental concerns, the whole industry has felt the need to diversify control programmes and introduce softer chemistry wherever possible. While other farm programmes have moved away from over-reliance on a single solution, rodent control programmes have some catching up to do. Most of them are still limited to repeated use of the same, or very similar, anticoagulants. Now, the introduction of different chemistry in a new formulation makes it much easier to rotate through different modes of action and formulation types. Cholecalciferol is a natural, nonanticoagulant active ingredient, which has been recognised as a very efficient rodenticide for decades. Its first big advantage is its speed of control. Rodents that consume a bait stop feeding within 24 hours. That allows more of them to feed on the available baits in a short time and the whole population can be controlled after as few as two bait applications. Conventional anticoagulant baits may require up to six applications to deliver similar results. Cholecalciferol’s second big advantage is a substantially reduced risk of secondary poisoning. Anticoagulant rodenticides are only metabolised slowly and residues

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| Rodents that consume a bait stop feeding within 24 hours.

accumulate in the liver, kidneys and stomach, which means dogs, cats, birds or livestock such as pigs can potentially consume a lethal dose from the carcasses of affected rodents. Cholecalciferol is rapidly metabolised, so rodent carcasses pose minimal risk to other animals.

and over 13 times more palatable than

The only obstacle to cholecalciferol jumping straight to the top of the rodenticide charts way back in the 1980s was the taste – and researchers couldn’t make it palatable enough to attract rodents as strongly as other baits.

effectiveness of anticoagulants.

The BASF scientists who developed new Selontra® Soft Bait went much further than simply overcoming that historical problem. They created a formulation that has been assessed in trial work as four times more palatable to rodents than typical rodenticides

maize silage. So, suddenly the chemical that had been the least attractive has become almost irresistible. All of which means building a product rotation around Selontra has much greater advantages than simply protecting the Adopting a rotational approach to rodenticide, with the introduction of Selontra’s advanced mode of action, will enable rodent control to be managed as efficiently and sustainably as other onfarm protection programmes. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by BASF.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Take a step forward with safer farm footwear No matter what kind of farm you have, where it is, or how experienced you are, chances are most days involve routine jobs that can quite literally see you hit the ground. From working at height, working on uneven or slippery surfaces and using ladders, to getting on and off tractors, working in the milking shed, or working with livestock, it’s not easy for farmers and growers to avoid the risk of slips, trips or falls. This risk becomes even more likely in wet or icy winter conditions, which can create unexpected changes in surfaces. In fact, WorkSafe New Zealand has even published a good practice guideline dedicated solely to preventing slips and trips on farm, which can be found on its website. Coming in at number two on its list of top five key points? “Use footwear with good tread.” The Guide advises: “Footwear should have a large heel-to-surface contact area, rubber soles and heels. Replace boots before the tread wears out.” If your current gumboots are looking worse for wear in this regard – or if you’re looking to improve overall Health and Safety right across your farm business – there’s a few key details that can provide protection without sacrificing on comfort. “Most agri workers know to choose steel toecaps, to minimise the risk of crush injuries. Consumers should also look out for important features such as penetration-resistant steel midsoles and a rubber sole that is way more than just slip-resistant,” Skellerup

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| The new Quatro’s fully clad rubber uppers are formulated to stand up to tough environmental challenges.

National Manager Perry Davis says.

The new Quatro Safety Non-Insulated

“A hard-working rubber sole needs to be capable of resisting the effects from acid or heat, releasing mud easily and providing maximum surface area grip,” Perry explains.

gumboot, from Skellerup, has been

Other prime features to look for in a high-quality working gumboot:

protected to keep them on their toes.

• Functionality built into specific areas of the boot, where extra protection is needed.

cushioned innersole, developed with

• Raised ribbing across the front of the boot for enhanced forefoot protection. • High grip on uneven ground, mud and grass. • A rubber compound that has excellent resistance across the board. • Fast-dry, anti-microbial and anti-fungal linings that wick moisture away from the feet. • Excellent cushioning, arch support, shock-absorbing heel and ankle support.

designed to incorporate all of these benefits; while also featuring its special Quatro ComfortFoam. This all-in-one boot means farmers are supported and This hand-made boot has a special a podiatrist, that reduces impact on farmers’ knees and back as well as helping to minimise foot roll. On the outside, the new Quatro’s fully clad rubber uppers are formulated to stand up to tough environmental challenges, including New Zealand’s high UV levels, animal waste and chemicals, while remaining easy to clean. For further information about the new Quatro Safety Non-Insulated gumboot, contact the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Skellerup.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Shearing shed safety With safety at the forefront of all farm activity, there is no better time than now to assess the safety in your shearing shed. Due to the busy nature of activity undertaken in and around shearing sheds, the opportunity for an accident to happen is high. You can minimise the risk of accidents in your shearing shed by reviewing the current safeguards your shearing machinery offers. • Does my shearing plant offer safety cut-out in case of lock-up? • Is my shearing plant isolated from electric shock? • Does my woolpress have a safety guard? • Is my woolpress operator safe? Injuries that are preventable cost farmers, contractors and the wool and shearing industries money. Due to technology advances, shearing machinery now incorporates more safety features than before. The extra cost of an upgrade to a higher quality machine is a small price to pay for superior safety in a busy, high-stress work environment. Heiniger’s New Zealand National Sales Manager, Kevin Thirkell, articulates what the risks look like in a real-world context. “Shearers, contractors and farmers increasingly demand tools that provide them with function but do not compromise on safety. For example, in the past when there has been a lock-up, the hand piece can spin around at approximately 3,500rpm – making it an incredibly dangerous

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and life-threatening weapon – leading to the possibility of serious injuries. A safe and light shearing machine, with the advantage of a downtube isolated from all electrified components, reduces any risk of electric shock,” advises Kevin. The Heiniger Evo Shearing Plant has fast become a market-leader as it was the first shearing plant in the world to be manufactured with an electronic safety switch stopping the machine in case of dangerous handpiece “lock-ups”. It is also extremely light, at only 7.8kg (machine only). A safe, fast, efficient woolpress is also vital for shearers. Key features to look for when upgrading or checking your machine is: • Safety: A fully fitted and approved mechanical safety screen and safety device for operator safety. • Toughness and durability: For intensive use season after season and ensuring expensive servicing is reduced.

| Workplace injuries place a significant financial impost on the wool and shearing industries.

been proven as the fastest press on the market, with a cycle time of

• Speed: To ensure high yield and efficiency when pressing bales.

12-16 seconds in high yielding wools

• Ergonomics: Such as a low filling height to avoid stress and strain on an operator’s back.

Heiniger offers innovative, safer

• Robotics: High-tech machines offer a fully automatic bale ejection system to help your shearing operation. The TPW Xpress Woolpress is widely used by farmers, shearing contractors and many woolstores where the above requirements are demanded. This machine has long been renowned for its speed and toughness. It has

when pressing bales up to 200kg. solutions for your shearing shed. With the Evo Shearing Plant and TPW Xpress Woolpress on the market, there are now few excuses for farmers not to be able to better protect themselves and their staff. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Heiniger.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

How much are your ewes worth? How valuable are your ewes this year? $160, $190, $220 or more? And that is without lambs on board. Now that ewes are pregnant, they are worth even more. These valuable animals need to be looked after and vaccinating them against preventable diseases is good insurance for a positive lambing. All ewes should be vaccinated against clostridial diseases. These diseases are common and deadly. They can occur sporadically, affecting a small number of animals or striking down a large group at once. For example, tetanus can occur after tailing, or blackleg after yarding. Most clostridial diseases are very difficult to diagnose and largely untreatable. Where it is unknown why a ewe (or ram or lamb) died, its death may have been preventable. Ewes are most at risk at lambing, as conditions are generally less than ideal – often being muddy, wet and cold. Bruising and abrasions from lambing can allow bacteria to establish, which then multiply in the tissue producing a toxin which kills the ewe. If the ewe dies, so will her lamb(s), compounding your loss. If ewes have not previously been vaccinated, they need to be vaccinated twice prior to lambing. Give 1ml of Lifeguard® 5-in-1 now with the second injection within 4 weeks of lambing. This not only protects the ewe but allows her to pass on immunity to the lambs through her colostrum, protecting them for their first few months of life.

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| All ewes should be vaccinated against clostridial diseases. These diseases are common and deadly.

If your ewes are to receive a prelamb drench, Eweguard® offers the convenience of a combination 5-in-1 clostridial vaccine with a medium-acting drench to protect against worms over the critical lambing period. It is a great option when time or labour is limited. Eweguard will also help reduce dags and has a 49-day meat withholding period, so cull ewes can leave the farm earlier than if they received a longer acting treatment.

“priming dose” stimulates the immune system, and a second “booster” 4 weeks later is needed to provide longterm protection against disease. Do not delay the second shot until after you have identified replacements, or until autumn with prime lambs still on farm, as this creates a lengthy period of unnecessary risk. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Lambs should be vaccinated at

Lifeguard and Eweguard are registered trademarks of Zoetis. ACVM Nos A7302, A9122, A11146 and A11147.

tailing and again at weaning. The first

Article supplied by Zoetis.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

The need for nutrients Just like their larger counterparts, lifestyle farms need nutrients replaced to ensure healthy land, plants and animals, and your own enjoyment of your piece of paradise. Using land to grow plants, whether it’s grass for stock or for a perfect sweep of lawn, removes nutrients from the soil. In some cases, and to varying degrees, nutrients are returned to the soil, but this depends on how the land is being used. For example, land used for grazing removes nutrients in the form of meat, wool and so on, but some nutrients are returned in the form of animal urine and dung. Mowing the lawn with the grass catcher on, or selling pasture as hay or baleage, removes nutrients from the land altogether.

limited, despite all other nutrients being present in sufficient quantities.

sulphate for immediate uptake by

What is missing?

and selenium, to prevent the trace

Soil testing pinpoints exactly what is missing in the soil. Some soils are naturally low in certain nutrients, even before plants use them to grow.

element deficiencies most commonly

Taking soil samples is fairly straightforward, and your Farmlands store can help with advice and equipment. You can also check guidelines on a soil testing laboratory website, such as Hill Laboratories. Soil on small blocks should be tested every 3 years, at least 3 months after applying fertiliser (or lime). Trends over time are important, so keep good records.

farm removes potassium from the

Feeding pasture To replace nutrients in pasture on lifestyle farms, the Nutrigro range of products are a good option. They are designed specifically for that purpose, and come in 20kg bags. Nutrigro contains nitrogen for growth, soluble phosphorus and

As a result, soil nutrients decline over time, leading to plant growth decline and potentially animal health suffering. If just one of the nutrients required by plants is lacking, growth will be

plants and small amounts of cobalt

found on New Zealand farms. Growing crops such as hay and baleage and taking them off the soil. Plants, especially clovers, require potassium for health. If the soil needs potassium, the product “Nutrigro 13K” combines the full range of nutrients and trace elements of Nutrigro with potassium. Feeding lawn If it is lawn, not pasture, you are growing, the right nutrients get it off to a good start. Phosphate close to the seed helps grass seeds quickly develop roots and shoots, and calcium is important for developing roots and tips. A product such as YaraMila Complex provides a good amount of both phosphate and calcium, along with other nutrients. It can also be used for growing fruit, vegetables and ornamentals. Once your lawn is underway, the focus is on replacing soil nutrients removed by mowing and reducing competing plants. The nutrients in Ballance’s Lawn Fertiliser with Moss Killer make your grass greener and iron sulphate helps to get rid of moss. Both products come in 20kg bags. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

| Using land to grow plants removes nutrients from the soil.

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