ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENTS
“Doing what’s right” for the whole farm wins awards An holistic approach to dairying that involves the health of soils, waterways, bush, wetlands, stock, staff and themselves has won accolades for Bay of Plenty farmers. Elaine Fisher reports. Photos by Troy Baker.
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ffording cows the same respect and consideration they would like to receive themselves is part of Fraser and Katherine McGougan’s animal management policy. It fits exactly with their mission statement; “Do What’s Right”, which the couple applies to all aspects of their farming business. “This year we have introduced a no-dog policy and encourage people not to follow cows or use anything but their voice and 62
presence to move cattle, and as a result we have had very little lameness,” says Fraser, who is the fourth generation of his family to farm Willowvale Farm at Taneatua. “Treating cows as you would like to be treated is not airy fairy. It is about good stockmanship and there are economic benefits. Lameness can affect a cow’s milk production, fertility, and overall health.” Technipharm Batt-Latch timers used to open gates allow cows to walk to the cowshed or between paddocks themselves,
leaving staff to check paddocks, shut gates, and set up the next paddock for grazing. Fraser has also paid attention to the maintenance of and material used on races. “A DairyNZ consultant once told me if I didn’t mind walking on the race in bare feet then the cows won’t either.” An underpass in the road that divides the farm has been installed to improve ease of movement for cows and the local community. “There was no direct financial
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | August 2020
