Getting the Basics Right 2016 by Rural News Group

2016

Innovation for Future Profit

PUBLISHED BY RURAL NEWS GROUP

ISSN: 1176-2012

$10.50

1a. Basic

Grass intake

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Improved fertility1

Increased grass intake1

More milk1

1b. Elementary

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1). Data on file.

Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD. LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | EPRINEX速 IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MERIAL. REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 | NOs. A7191 | 息COPYRIGHT 2015 MERIAL NZ LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NZ-15-EPR-156.

2a. Basic

Grass intake

ECLIPSE速 applied

Maximised production

Grass intake

2b. Elementary

ECLIPSE速. NO OTHER POUR-ON IS MORE EFFECTIVE AGAINST PARASITE RESISTANCE.

PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC. Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD. LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | ECLIPSE速 IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MERIAL. REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 | NOs. A9270 | 息COPYRIGHT 2015 MERIAL NZ LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NZ-15-ECL-157.

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FOREWORD

Skilled, motivated team builds top dairy farm MICHAEL SPAANS DAIRYNZ CHAIR

Michael Spaans

HAVING A SKILLED and motivated farm team is the foundation of a successful dairy farm. A team which understands the basic elements of farming and does them well will take a dairy farm far; after all, technology only gives us a helping hand. The fundamentals of farming might be relatively simple and often repeatable, but getting them right, while managing the outside influences of weather and finances, can be challenging. DairyNZ is always looking for areas to innovate, improve and develop new ways to do things onfarm but nothing beats the human eye when it comes to picking up cows on heat, issues with pasture growth or caring for calves. As I’ve often observed onfarm, it’s that keen eye for a change in a cow’s behaviour or the ability to make a quick decision on grass growth that can make a big difference in how well a season goes. This year’s Getting the Basics Right covers all the essential tasks dairy farmers undertake throughout the season – from calving and calf rearing, to mating and managing feed supply.

Other more complex aspects of farming are also becoming vital skills, including nutrient and water management, financial skills and staff management. This means people coming into the industry are, over time, expected to learn more and know more about the now wide scope of farming. Knowledge source Like anything, knowing who to talk to and where to go for help is crucial. DairyNZ invests in all aspects behind the farmgate, undertaking research and developing new tools to help farmers hone their existing skills or learn from the latest science. You can access a wealth of information on our website (dairynz.co.nz) or through our regional consulting officer team. It’s easy to be sidetracked by the bigger issues of farming – compliance, droughts, payouts – but focusing on the basics of good animal care, feed management and successful reproduction can pay off, no matter the circumstances. The DairyNZ website’s animals, feed and milking sections host timeless information on body condition scoring, mastitis

management, pasture and feed options, calving, calf rearing and mating, along with milking tips. In fact, I’m sure it could answer most questions or at least point you in the direction of who can. Other support, training and advice are available through DairyNZ’s training workshops, discussion groups, apps and the primary industry training organisations. Don’t forget those people right beside you – your workmates and employers. They are a great source of knowledge. Industry’s future The dairy industry needs the brightest and best talent – it simply can’t thrive without you. Many of you are the next generation of farmers who will lead us through the challenges which will continue to face the dairy industry as it grows and develops in coming years. There will be new challenges we can’t predict now and we

want you to be geared up for them. So take the opportunities that come your way – attend courses and events, absorb information and talk to your workmates who can share their wisdom to help you master the basics essential to farming. ◗

ABOUT DAIRYNZ DairyNZ is the industry organisation representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers. Our purpose is to secure and enhance the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of New Zealand dairy farming. For more information, visit www.dairynz.co.nz or www.dairyatwork.co.nz.

VET ONLY VET ONLY

VET ONLY

CONTENTS 09 Pasture 10

High quality feed all year

29 Grazing

Planning for winter

Maize

Pasture and silage combo

34 Effluent & Water Management EDITOR Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

Plastic liners keep bugs out Setting up for a great season

54 Mating Management

ADVERTISING MANAGER Ted Darley

PRODUCTION AND DESIGN Dave Ferguson Becky Williams

PUBLISHED BY Rural News Group

48 Calving

PUBLISHER Brian Hight

PRINTED BY PMP

Precision water usage on farm

39 Milk Quality / Cooling

Year-round approach is best recipe

60 Animal Health 67

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

PASTURE // 9

High quality feed all year GEORGE REVELY FARMWISE CONSULTANT STEVE LEE FARMWISE CONSULTANT

PASTURE BASED FARMING

is most profitable when the pastures are managed to provide the highest quality feed at all periods during the season, maximising the amount of pasture grown and eaten. The major problem we farmers face as pasture managers is that often the needs of the livestock are competing with the needs of the pasture. Pasture management should win, but to make profitable decisions we must understand the compromises constantly being made.

For example, if our cows are fed all they can eat, to graze in a relaxed way and without walking far, they could easily produce 600kgMS/cow. But if we try that across a whole farm, pasture quality will become poor and overall pasture quantity harvested very low â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is simply not a profitable system. On the other hand, if we have many cows (high stocking rate) the constant high demand will result in low after-grazing residuals all the time. We will have high quality pasture

but cows using too much of the energy they have eaten to maintain themselves, resulting in low production and a low profit system. Understanding ryegrass pastures is a key to making profitable daily and seasonal decisions, and this can be broken down into five key categories: 1. Grazing residual management is the most important key to profitable pasture production systems.

Correct residuals ensure adequate leaf area to help maximise regrowth while still limiting the formation of clumps in the pastures, which the cows will not graze willingly. The residual left after each grazing should be 1500-1650kgDM/ha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with exceptions in late autumn and winter. If pastures are grazed below the correct level the plants take much longer to recover, with the effect that overall pasture growth is less. If long residuals are left, the

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

10 // PASTURE

Grazing residual management is the most important key to profitable pasture production systems.

feed that was high quality will likely decline in quality and much of it will die off. This feed, if harvested at a following grazing, is lower quality and will produce less milk or liveweight gain and will also reduce appetite which further drives down production. An important thing is for the residuals on a farm to be consistent even if a little higher than ideal. From time to time mistakes will be made, leaving residuals longer than ideal. Strategies will be discussed later in the article to deal with this situation, e.g. mowing. 2. Know the correct range for grazing intervals for a farm and farm system and stick to them. Ryegrass is a 3-leaf plant. When it has grown three leaves after grazing the oldest leaf will begin to die and by the time the fourth leaf is fully grown the

Small surplus

first leaf has died. Grazing to achieve highest yield of quality feed will occur when pastures are approaching the third leaf fully grown stage. In mid spring a new ryegrass leaf will be formed each 5-8 days and leaves will begin to die off at 18-24 days. Therefore grazing rotations should as much as possible match the rate at which fourth leaves are about to appear.

Probable long residuals last week

In early autumn a new leaf will be formed in 10-12 days and leaves begin to die off at 30-35 days, therefore rotation lengths need to be lengthened (to 30-45 days). Maximum grass growth rates are achieved when pasture cover is 2200-2800kg/DM/ha. The ideal pasture cover â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;windowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in which cows should be pre-grazing is 2600-3000kgDM/ha depending

on variety of ryegrass. Where cocksfoot and fescue dominant paddocks are involved, they should be grazed at 2400-2600kgDM/ha when pasture quality is at its highest and to prevent the formation of high crown clumps. Recording and calculating grazing intervals and rotation lengths is a key to understanding the various pastures and areas on a farm.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

12 // PASTURE PREDICTED WEDGE: If the expected growth rate and demand are entered into the wedge prediction tool it becomes much clearer whether the surplus needs to be dealt with. In this case the expected growth rate and demand are well balanced with the predicted wedge being acceptable.

Accurately recording this information, using it to make decisions and storing it for later consideration, are important skills for pasture mangers. There are many good examples of this data sheet process in reports from various monitor and demonstration farms like the Lincoln University Dairy farm. Available at www.siddc. org.nz.

excellent data for decisions about pasture renewal.

3. Estimate the pasture cover and growth rate regularly Take a weekly farm walk (or with a tow-behind or feed reader) to get an estimate of the pre and post grazing dry matter levels and average pasture cover. This information can tell the decisionmaker a lot about what is happening. Tools on the web can take live data from smartphones that help record what the situation is and allow smart predictions about what it will be like in the next week or two, e.g. a pasture wedge; see examples from the LIC Minda Land and Feed software. The wedge is simply the paddocks assembled in the order from the highest to the lowest, to help the pasture manager use the highest paddocks first. The picture that results when the demand line is drawn correctly across the wedge immediately shows surplus or deficit at present or likely in a week or fortnight. The software will also keep a record of annual pasture growth for each paddock, providing

4. Understand the supply demand natural surplus and deficit and what profitable strategies are available.

to ensure there is enough feed to carry the remainder through to the end of the lactation period kk Changing milking interval to 3 times in two days or once a day reduces demand from the cows enabling available feed

An ideal wedge – a week in October – spring calving herd:

Farm size

125ha

Herd size

412 in milk cows

Stocking rate

412/125

Demand per cow producing 2.2kgms

3 cows/ha = 19kgDry matter per cow per day

Calculating the pre grazing feed required

Demand per ha/day

19 x 3.3

Growth rate required

63kgDM/ha/day

63kgDM/hay/day x 21 days rotation

1323kgDM plus 1550kgDM/ha residual = 2873kgDM/ha

Feed demand must be reduced as autumn proceeds – the urgency of this depends on potential winter growth rate and farm policy on the use of supplements (see graph p15). Strategies used to achieve maximum days in milk: kk Culling cows that will not be part of next year’s herd

Pre grazing 2873kgDM/ha

to be used on more days. 5. Know how to manage the round length and residuals In the first part of spring, growth rates are low and feed demand is increasing much more quickly than the supply. Pasture cover in this case is managed by strictly controlling

the length of the first grazing round. The first round is set so that it finishes a little earlier than the date that pastures’ supply and demand will be equal. Rotation lengths following this should be set to match the expected time that 2.5 leaves will take to be generated. Through the grass flowering stages of the pasture – late October until early January – difficult-to-eat stem material often builds in the base of pasture. This is hard for cows to eat because it is tough and is much less digestible and has more endophyte in it than higher up the grass plants. Many pasture managers use a mower to help re-adjust the residual back to 1600kgDM/ha during this period. If the stocking rate, equipment and paddock surface allow it, many farmers will mow each pasture at least once in this period. Re-setting the residual improves the overall quality and palatability of the pasture. Our FarmWise colleague Brent Boyce has a saying – “thump the clumps” – to help farmers think about what this process is meant to achieve. If the mowing is well planned it can be done just before the cows go into the pasture. Mowing in front, if done well, re-sets the residual and helps maintain the appetite of the herd to make good use of the quality pasture that follows the mowing. Any mowing must re-set the residual to below 1650kgDM to be of value and be likely to be a profitable activity. Some farmers talk about topping and pretty much do just that with slashers and flails with blunt

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

14 // PASTURE

Feed Your Pasture With Soil Not Oil!

blades to ‘chew’ off the top of the pasture, but not low enough to reset the residual. Topping like this – not cutting grass off cleanly – damages the plants and will give relatively slow re-growth. The high residual leaves a lot of low quality feed on the paddock. It has little chance of being a profitable thing to do: a waste of time, diesel and machinery wear and tear. Use of other cattle to reset the residual

Non-milking cattle can be useful to re-set pasture residuals. A mob of carryover cows is great for this if there are enough of them and they do not interfere with having adequate feed for the herd. Replacement heifers can be of use but great care must be taken to avoid not achieving targeted liveweight gains in these fast growing young cattle. Having them eat pasture that has been allowed to regrow to, say, 2500kg but has had a high previous residual that needs to be re-set can be an OK strategy.

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As the season progresses toward summer, if the farm is likely to be dry and have a slower growth rate, then the rotation length must be slowed down as the dry sets in (there is no point until it begins to get dry). Round length will be based on previous knowledge about growth rates in summer and attitudes to the current season. This slowing down and avoiding grazing too often has been well proven in research over many years to look after the pasture plants in a better way and enable them to grow much more strongly in the autumn and winter and even next spring. Round lengths that use 1/26th to 1/30th of the farm are typically correct. If the round is too slow the pre-grazing levels get too high, making it difficult to achieve correct residual and adequate cow intake. Quite a balancing act! In the autumn

This can be OK but must be done with great care; avoid being too impatient and reducing the appetite of the herd more than is natural for the time of year.

The grazing interval must be extended so that even at the end of May there is full feed available. To achieve this, the previous grazing may have had to be 45 days earlier or longer if further south. Pasture growth rate and daily demand needs to be part of this budgeting/ planning process.

Rotation lengths mid-summer

The role of supplements in

Doing the residual re-set over two or three herd grazings

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

PASTURE // 15 pasture management

Cows enjoy good quality supplements and will almost always replace some of the pasture they would have eaten with the supplement. When there is a definite shortage of pasture, supplements can fill the gap and are often profitable. The most likely profitable feeding will be to bridge across a dry summer avoiding over grazing pasture, in early spring to avoid under feeding and in autumn extending lactation. Pasture is the cheapest feed on our farms and must be the focus if full advantage of it is to occur. Too many dairy farm managers and owners become focused on per cow production rather than focusing on profit from the whole farm system and especially maximising pasture yield and quality. It is essential that the five basics are achieved. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

16 // PASTURE

How to best manage grazing of pastures DAVID CHAPMAN DAIRYNZ SEAN MCCARTHY DAIRYNZ CATHAL WIMS DAIRYNZ

PASTURE GROWTH AND

utilisation is becoming increasingly important as farm businesses face ongoing environmental and milk price challenges. However, debate continues about how to best manage grazing of dairy pastures. Considering the underlying principles of pasture growth and the effects of grazing on growth and pasture accumulation can be useful. The starting point for understanding plant growth and pasture yield is light capture. Light is used by leaves

for photosynthesis, providing energy for plant growth. In this sense, light is the basic foodstuff of plants. Pasture regrowth after grazing Grazing or harvesting pasture removes leaves and deprives plants of their primary food source – light. Generally, the first leaf after grazing is relatively small because the plant has little energy for growing this leaf and, therefore, leaf size is restricted. However, once grown, the

first leaf adds more energy to the plant, so there is more energy for the next leaf (so it will be a bit bigger). This pattern continues until the plant has regained its full energy status. Leaves have a limited lifespan. Ryegrass is often termed a ‘three leaf’ plant because it generally sustains three live leaves (maximum) on a tiller at any point. So, once the third new leaf has been produced (the ‘three leaf stage’: see figure 1 on p18), the first leaf will start to die. Ultimately, the pasture will

reach ‘ceiling yield’ (shown by x in figure 2 p18) while plants are still producing new leaves, but the amount produced is cancelled out by the rate of leaf death. Dead material will accumulate at the base but no additional leaf material for grazing is accumulated. Optimum time to graze The common ‘s-shaped’ regrowth curve is shown in figure 3 (in blue). This charts the build-up in total pasture cover from the previous grazing. Cover builds up quite slowly initially, but then accelerates before levelling

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

18 // PASTURE

There are times when farmers need to bend ‘the rules’ of pasture growth to improve overall farm system outcomes.

off towards ceiling yield. Figure 3 also shows two other growth curves which help determine the best time to graze to maximise leaf accumulation. ‘Instantaneous growth rate’ is the daily rate of pasture growth that contributes to pasture accumulation. Instantaneous growth increases as new leaves are formed, then declines as leaves start to die, which cancels out the rate of new leaf production. ‘Average growth rate’ is the amount of pasture grown since the last grazing (current yield, less residual at last grazing), divided by the number of days. When the maximum average growth rate is reached (see figure 3), the optimum amount of new leaf is produced and old leaf is dying. This is the best point to graze because the efficiency of conversion of light into additional pasture cover starts to decline thereafter. Leaf stage can indicate the optimal grazing point – generally, maximum average growth rate occurs at approximately the three leaf stage after grazing (figure 1).

Grazing residual impact Pasture residuals impact on pasture dynamics, growth rates and the best timing for grazing. Ensuring post-grazing residuals are managed within a tight range (3.5-4.5cm compressed height) will enable plants to capture as much sunlight as possible and convert this into feed. This will be achieved by: kk minimising the amount of old leaf material left behind after grazing. This leads to the best possible growth rates, allowing tiller size and density to adapt to a consistent light regime after each grazing. allowing light to reach deep into the sward to stimulate new tillers. This keeps tiller density high, allowing the pasture to regain full light interception after grazing. Farm system considerations Implementing the pasture growth principles is complicated by balancing animal requirements and feed supply throughout the year.

Transfer autumn/winter pasture to spring feed A common objective is to transfer autumn/winter pasture into early spring pasture, to achieve target covers at calving and meet the milking herd’s requirements. This is achieved by lengthening the rotation in autumn and winter, beyond the time taken to grow three new leaves. Although this means some leaf death, it allows relatively cheap pasture feed to be transferred to a period of high demand, reducing or avoiding the purchase of more expensive supplements. Late spring – managing surpluses and quality During late spring, pasture growth often exceeds herd demand, resulting in periods of temporary pasture surplus which, if not well-managed, mean reduced pasture quality and animal performance. Removing pasture surpluses (taking paddocks out of the round for silage) can reduce grazing intervals, resulting in grazing some pastures before the 2½-3 leaf stage. Where harvesting surpluses is not desirable, short grazing intervals may reduce pasture growth. However, the benefits of maintaining high pasture

quality can outweigh the loss of yield at this time of year. Managing pasture covers Pre-grazing yield must be managed to optimise pasture utilisation and animal performance, while allowing target residuals to be achieved. The recommended range is 2600-3200kg DM/ha for lactating dairy cows. During periods of rapid growth, for example when pastures respond strongly to nitrogen fertiliser, grazing may need to occur between the 2-2½ leaf stages in order to meet pre-grazing cover targets. ◗

KEY POINTS kk Sunlight provides the basic

food for plants, in the form of energy. kk Graze between the 2½-3 leaf

stages to maximise energy capture, grass growth and long-term yield. kk Allowing growth to continue

beyond 2½-3 leaves means pastures will reach a ceiling yield where no further dry matter will accumulate and pasture quality will decline. kk An even and consistent

grazing residual – between 3.5-4.5cm on a rising plate meter – means pastures quickly re-establish leaf area to capture light energy. kk Principles of pasture

growth should be balanced with overall farm system considerations.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

20 // PASTURE

Select ryegrasses to fit with your systems ALLISTER MOORHEAD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, AGRICOM

WITH THE NUMBER of

few of this type will last into ryegrasses on the market it a second year due to African is essential to understand black beetle and Argentine stem key traits and how these can weevil. Persistence of Italians affect pasture production and can be significantly affected persistence on farm. One of the by pest and moisture stress; key questions to ask yourself however novel endophytes relates to what expectations such AR37 increase persistency you have of pasture longevity? and overall production in areas Selection of ryegrasses should burdened by insects. Asset be based on what fits within AR37 Italian ryegrass is an your systems, with different example of such a grass. types varying in their life span. Known for their rapid growth When selecting and high yields, for a shorter term short rotation or Ultimately, ryegrass, both hybrid grasses are there is a annual and Italian another option ryegrasses can be wide range of to consider. With used effectively. a combination choice within of perennial and Annual ryegrasses have a lifespan of annual genetics the ryegrass six-twelve months they can persist family, all and are known for up to five years of which for their fast depending on establishment and the actual hybrid will have winter activity. nature, summer a fit within These grasses are conditions and most commonly different farm pest pressure. In sown in the areas prone to systems. autumn and used hot dry summers as a winter/spring with significant crop, and are often followed by insect pressure, longevity may a summer crop in summer-dry be reduced to two-three years. areas. In areas with moist Popular uses include use in summer conditions and low finishing systems, providing insect pressure, these grasses extra growth when added to a can produce through to the perennial (in cooler regions) or following autumn but at much for use as a silage crop. reduced summer production. In general, perennial Italians are natural biannuals ryegrasses have a lifespan of that will always try to last at five-plus years and are used least two years. These grasses in most farming systems as have increased winter and permanent pastures. Many early spring growth compared factors should be considered to perennial ryegrasses, but when selecting a perennial as lower summer and autumn a vast range of conditions can production. lead to poor persistence. These In the south of New Zealand include management (over these grasses may last up to grazing), climate (drought/ and beyond three years in soft pugging) and pests. Pests can conditions. In the north of NZ, have a significant impact on

Halo tetraploid perennial ryegrass.

the persistence of perennials so novel endophytes such as AR1 and AR37 are of real benefit. Products such as ONE50 AR37 and Prospect AR37 are good choices; AR37 provides excellent insect protection and minimal animal health issues. Another choice to be made when selecting perennials is whether a diploid or tetraploid should be used. Both can be used successfully in most farming systems. Although tetraploids have been found to be more palatable and can

increase drymatter intake, they require higher levels of management. Diploids are therefore more suited to extensive systems along with farms that have less controlled grazing systems. Ultimately, there is a wide range of choice within the ryegrass family, all of which will have a fit within different farm systems. However an understanding of these basics is essential to ensure product performance will meet end user expectation. â&#x2014;&#x2014;

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

22 // PASTURE

Reducing stocking rate is not a clear-cut solution to dropping N leaching.

Converting nitrogen into grass for cows BRIDGET RAY FARMWISE CONSULTANT

MANY FARMERS AS a result

of regional plans have, or will be required in the future, to reduce the N loss from their farms. This article looks at options farmers have to do this and impacts it will have on the farm. Firstly it is important to understand nitrogen conversion efficiency (NCE). Some of you will have seen this on their Fonterra N reports. NCE is a measure of the amount of N going into a farm that is converted to product taken off farm. This will be milk, meat and even crop that is taken off. The lower the NCE is for a

farm the higher the rate of N loss from leaching, i.e. less is taken off the farm as product so it is not used. The NCE is specific to each farm and each farming sysytem. A farmer that puts on higher rates of N fertiliser but does higher kgMS/ ha production does not necessarily leach more N compared to a farmer using lower rates of N fertiliser and doing lower production. The first farmer is converting more of the N fertiliser into product, so less is left to be leached out into waterways. Whatever steps a farmer takes to reduce N loss, it is also

important to look at what effect it has on farm profitability. The first ideas you may have to reduce N loss would be to reduce the amount of urea you are using. While it does have a strong influence on the amount of N lost, the size of the impact may be surprise you. The size of the response varies from farm to farm depending on you NCE. A 10-year farmlet trial in Hamilton dropped N leaching from 35 to 20kgN/ha/year by reducing N use from 180kg/ha/ yr to none. The main source of N loss is from cow urine, not N fertiliser. If you are applying the right

amount of fertiliser to grow the right amount of grass for use by your cows and are utilising the extra grass grown, dropping rates of N fertiliser used will have little impact on reducing the amount of N lost from your system. Decreasing the use of N fertiliser can have a big impact on farm profitability. Research has shown that for every 1kg/ ha drop in N fertliser use you will get a corresponding drop of 1kgMS if you are using less than 200kgN/ha/year. Currently 1kg N in urea form costs $1.25 plus cartage and spreading. Relative to 1kgMS it is $4.60.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

24 // PASTURE

Increasing stocking rate may actually reduce N loss.

You will have a bigger impact on reducing N loss from fertiliser by being smart about when and how you use it. Some simple guidelines Don’t apply to waterlogged soils where drainage rates are high Don’t apply if heavy rain is forecast Apply when the grass is actively growing, at temperatures 6-17oC soil moisture is adequate No other nutrients are limiting pasture growth Use the extra grass you grow Apply little and often; (20-40kgN/ha) efficiency drops off at application rates above 60kgN Apply using correctly calibrated equipment with GPS tracking and away from waterways. Use of giberrellic acid, e.g. products like ProGibb, allows you to grow the same amount of grass with lower rates of N but it is important that you still use N fertiliser with it.

Reducing stocking rate is not a clear-cut solution to dropping N leaching. It will depend on where you are sitting at the moment. Increasing stocking rate on a low stocked farm may actually reduce N loss as NCE is improved (more grass being converted to product). On a highly stocked farm you will be using more N fertiliser and bringing on more N in the form of supplements. There will be consequences from changing stocking rate on farm profitability so you need to analyse your whole farm system before making changes. Blocks If you look at your block nutrient budgets, most often the blocks leaching the highest N rates are crop blocks and effluent blocks. It makes sense to have the right size effluent block to use you nutrients effectively. On many farms costs are not high, making it possible to irrigate a bigger area of the farm. Obviously how you manage effluent will have an

impact – the timing of application and rate and depth. It is not hard to measure rate and depth of application; DairyNZ has a good tool on their website. If the irrigator is running too slowly, not only will you not get the best use of your nutrients, you may also not be complying with regional council rules. Crops Even though N loss may be high, the impact on the whole farm is not typically high because only a small portion of the farm is in crops, with some possible exception to winter crops in wet areas with cows standing on all day. There are things you can do the reduce N leaching: Direct drill or minimal tillage Select your paddocks carefully: flat, not next to waterways or natural drainage or paddocks with artifical draingae. Timing and placement of fertiliser: put it in the right place and apply at times when the plant will use the fertiliser.

Wintering Wintering cows off farm will reduce N loss and will have other environmental benefits such as less pugging and soil damage; but the effect on farm profitabilty will need to be analysed though. Costs will be significant but there is potential to cover some of those costs by milking longer in the autumn or having a higher pasture cover at calving – it will depend on the milk price. At a low price the extra production doesn’t pay much of the winter grazing bill. Also you have to be confident the cows will be returning at body condition score 5.0 or there will be an extra cost of lower production and poorer 6-week in calf rates. A winter standoff facility may be a better option. If you have decided you want to decrease N leached, make sure you have an accurate and up-to-date nutrient budget. This will enable you to identify any problem areas on the farm. Look at the nitrogen (refer to

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

PASTURE // 25

Don’t apply fertiliser if heavy rain is forecast.

Table 1: Nitrogen report from Overseer Block Name

Total N lost kg N/yr

N lost to water kg N/ha/yr

N in drainage* ppm

N surplus kg N/ha/yr

Added N** kg N/ha/yr

? Effluent ●

733

11.5

467

337

? Lease ●

1333

5.4

231

144

? Bluffs ●

3086

6.0

194

104

Kale/sweedes

796

10.8

239

Kale

216

5.0

255

Other Sources

287

Whole farm

6451

Less N removed in wetland

Farm output

6451

table 1) report and it will show you which areas of the farm are losing the most N. Run Overseer models to see what options you have to reach N leaching targets. These options then need to be analysed as to which option

allows you to farm at a profit level acceptable to you. This could be done using a farm modeling programme such as Farmax. Some may find they can reduce N loss and increase profitability. It may mean some capital investment such as

extending the effluent area or building a standoff pad are the best options in the longer term. At different payouts different options will be more profitable. At a lower payout, wintering cows onfarm may be the more profitable option compared to

grazing cows off. Meeting N leaching targets is a reality that everyone will have to face. This doesn’t mean it’s the end of the days of farming profitabily but it is an opportunity to improve your farming efficiency. ◗

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

26 // NUTRIENTS

Cows graze their way downhill to the last break in the critical source area.

Reducing nutrient losses from wintergrazed crops GRAZED WINTER FORAGE

crops contribute significantly to the risk of nutrient losses to water but, with careful management, sediment and phosphorus (P) losses can be reduced during grazing. DairyNZ developer Maitland Manning says strategic grazing and careful management of wet areas such as gullies and swales in winter forage crops can reduce losses of sediment and P to surface run-off by 80-90%.

“Gullies and swales are where overland flow and seepage converge to form small channels of running water, which may then flow to streams and rivers,” says Maitland. “By minimising stock movements and soil treading damage in these areas, any rainfall and run-off that occurs is more likely to infiltrate the soil, reducing the amount of runoff and loss of sediment and P.

“Simple changes in grazing management of winter crops can result in huge benefits for farmers, as well as the environment.” Strategic grazing involves cows grazing the drier parts of the paddock first and the wetter parts last. This usually means the cows start at the top of the paddock and graze their way downhill towards the gully or swale. The uneaten crop acts as a

buffer to minimise the run-off risk. “If it needs to be grazed at all, the break nearest the gully or swale should be grazed when it’s as dry as possible. “Back fencing as much as possible will minimise soil pugging and compaction damage, and will also help to reduce volumes of surface run-off,” says Maitland. For more information, visit dairynz.co.nz/environment. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

28 // NUTRIENTS

Tips to manage soils, animals and forage crops during winter THESE INITIATIVES CAN help farmers to manage soils, animals and forage crops during the challenging winter season so they can optimise their businesses and reduce environmental footprint. Work out a grazing strategy before putting up fences. Think about stock water sources, i.e. do you need portable troughs? Fence off gullies or swales as early as possible to make life easy and provide a buffer zone. Use a winter crop calculator (dairynz.co.nz/ wintercropcalc) to work out feed requirements to achieve body condition score (BCS) targets at calving. Ensure cows begin grazing the least risky

“Ensure cows begin grazing the least risky parts of the paddock first to minimise the period of run-off risk.” parts of the paddock first to minimise the period of run-off risk. This usually means cows should enter at the top of the paddock and graze their way downhill. On-off graze any crop left in the gully or swale at a time when soil moisture content is not too high. This research was completed through the Pastoral 21 programme. Visit dairynz.co.nz/ p21 for more information. Pastoral 21 Next Generation Dairy Systems is a five-year farm programme that aims to provide proven, profitable, simple adoptionready systems that lift production and reduce nutrient loss. It is a collaborative venture among DairyNZ, Fonterra, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and managed by AgResearch. The Pastoral 21 programme has been set up in four regions to address issues relevant to each area.◗

The last break in a critical source area. Cows should enter at the top of the paddock and graze their way downhill.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

GRAZING // 29

Planning for winter SIMON PONTIN FARMWISE CONSULTANT

IF YOU FAIL to plan, you plan to fail: how many times have we heard this? But how true! Winter feeding is no different. Plan, act and monitor this winter, and set yourself up for success.

Plan Some of the most important factors to consider if you are feeding your cows are: kk Identify the number of cows

to be wintered kk How long will you need to

feed your cows for? kk How much are you intending

to feed each cow per day? kk What will be the composition

of their diet? If you graze your animals off farm, has this been organised? Has the dry matter amount in their diet and has the composition of their diet been discussed? Has the price been agreed? If you are wintering your own cows a good place to start is to do the winter feed budget (indicative). This will identify: kk the number of cows

crops available kk the amounts of supplements

able to be purchased. When this is done this should give a good indication whether there is a shortfall in feed or a surplus of feed for winter. Act By the time you read this article most forage crops should be in the ground and well established. When planting a winter crop of brassicas or beets one would need to consider when the crop is going to be grazed and the length of time taken by the crop to maturity. This will give you the ideal planting time for the crop. In some regions the weather is unsettled at the time of planting. One needs to take advantage when the weather conditions allow. This means paddocks must be organised to be sprayed out in advance. Seed and fertiliser must be on hand to plant. If there is a window of opportunity to plant a paddock and you have no seed you may not be able to plant for a further month or even longer.

kk the amounts of supplements

made, such as silage or balage kk the area and yield of forage

Monitor These forage crops require

monitoring throughout their growth. A lot of money will have been spent establishing these crops. If these crops are not monitored there will be a risk they will not yield as well as they should, increasing cost per kg dry matter as well as the risk of not having sufficient feed for winter. Establishing and measuring the yield of supplementary feed and crops is very important. This can be as simple as counting the number of bales made or measuring the dimensions of a silage clamp in order to establish the amount of silage. Measurement of brassicas and beets can be problematic. The percentage of dry matter may vary quite considerably between species and paddocks. Being able to sample correctly to give a good average yield for a single paddock can be difficult. The estimation of yield for these forage crops should take place later in the season so that more accurate figures can be used in the winter feed budget. Monitoring of cow condition is very important. If cows do not make their target body condition score for June 1, there

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will be serious implications. This could affect the amount of feed required for winter. The average pasture cover on farm needs to be monitored closely towards the end of the season so that the correct cover is present on June 1 in order to have the required average pasture cover at the start of calving. When winter feeding is underway it is critical to plan the transition diets and make sure these are followed. If these transition diets are not monitored carefully the outcomes may lead to fatalities. When animals have transitioned it is important that body condition is managed to ensure the cows calve in the correct condition. It is also important there is minimal wastage of crop for financial and quantitative reasons. If cows are losing condition they probably need to be fed more. If cows are wasting feed they probably need to have a reduced diet. It is also important to compare the budget (winter feed) and actuals so that if a plan has changed it is possible to manage to ensure a successful outcome. â&#x2014;&#x2014;

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

30 // GRAZING

Are your borders protected? VETERINARIAN KRISTEN BAXTER appreciates more

than most how important a quarantine drench can be when sending animals to another farm over summer. While a technical veterinarian for Zoetis Animal Health, she is also a farmer in Southland and recently had animals arrive at her property that had not received the correct drench, putting her farm’s parasite status at risk. It has prompted her to caution other farmers about the risks inherent in not looking after their farm’s biosecurity, and the impacts upon stock health. “Biosecurity is vital to protect New Zealand from unwanted organisms, but it’s just as serious an issue on your farm,” she says. “Animals and the sustainability of the farm, are the most important assets in your business, so ensuring unwanted pests or organisms aren’t infiltrating your herd is a must. Having an adequate biosecurity programme in place is the easiest and most important thing farmers can do to protect the long term productivity of their farm.”

The classic example is dairy heifer calves leaving the dairy platform in December and returning as two year old heifers to calve the following winter. In many cases, these animals may have been on several properties in this time, compounding their disease risk. For all parties there are many biosecurity issues. The three main ones to manage are parasite resistance, leptospirosis, and bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD). The riskiest period is when animals arrive onto the farm and bring parasites of unknown resistance with them. If quarantine drenching is not done, farms could easily become contaminated with parasites that are not killed by multiple drench families. The effects of drench resistance can be costly. This includes limiting drench choice or forcing a change in stock that can be run on a farm. There are three drench families licensed for cattle in New Zealand; macrocyclic lactones (‘mectins’ or MLs), benzimidazoles (white drench) and Imidathiazoles (levamisole). Not all drenches are effective

against all species of parasite, and there has been documented resistance to each family in New Zealand. “As a farmer and or landowner ask yourself, do you know the resistance status of the farms from which the animals are coming? If the answer is no, a quarantine drench is a must to protect your borders.” The only suitable quarantine drench for cattle is a triple combination, a treatment that contains the three different families. There are two ways to approach this; use either a product that contains all three actives (triple oral combination), or use a pour on or injectable ML (eg Cydectin or Dectomax) and an oral combination of a white and clear drench (e.g. Arrest C or Scanda). All animals should be drenched to their weight or

Vet Kristen Baxter

to the weight of the heaviest animal in the mob to prevent under-dosing. Ideally, they should also be left to ‘clean out’ for 24 hours in the yards with feed and water available before being released. “Following release, the animals should be moved onto ‘contaminated’ pasture for a week. Pasture suitable for this is where other ‘home’ animals have grazed a few weeks before.” An alternative, if holding in yards is not possible, at the very least they should be released onto contaminated pasture following the drench.◗

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MAIZE // 31

Pasture and maize silage combine to deliver profit IAN WILLIAMS PIONEER BRAND PRODUCTS FORAGE SPECIALIST

THE ONLY CERTAINTY in

farming is that no two seasons are ever the same. In recent times it seems farms are subject to even more challenges than in the past. Milk price is more variable, weather patterns seem more unpredictable and environmental regulations are becoming tighter. The challenge for dairy farmers is to build environmentally sustainable systems which can make plenty of profit in the high payout years but are resilient enough to remain financially viable when the milk price falls. While pasture remains the cornerstone of New Zealand dairy systems it has some limitations. Yield is relatively low with an estimated average genetic gain of just 0.5% per year1. While variable costs (including fertiliser and weed control) are relatively low, high dairy land prices and the associated interest cost mean the fixed cost of growing pasture is high. Pasture yields vary between seasons and within seasons. While pasture is generally a

high quality feed, there are times of the year when supply is limited by poor grass growing conditions (e.g. too cold or too dry) and often these cannot be predicted ahead of time. In recent years it has become clear that intensive pasturebased systems, especially where pasture is boosted with nitrogen, can leach high amounts of nitrogen. For much of the year pasture contains more crude protein (or nitrogen) than cows require, and that excess protein is excreted in the urine. When a cow urinates, up to 1000kg N/ ha falls onto an area the size of an A4 piece of paper. Plants cannot take up all the nitrogen the urine contains and the surplus quickly drops below the root zone of pasture (around 60cm) eventually ending up in the groundwater. Farmers looking for solutions to these and many other farming challenges have discovered maize silage. Maize silage is a cost-effective, high quality supplement which can be home-grown on the milking platform or run-off. Maize silage can help build profitable dairy systems by stabilising milk production levels and therefore allowing farmers to dilute fixed costs. The end result is

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

32 // PASTURE

Maise silage can help stabilise milk production levels.

a profitable farm system with plenty of milk produced at a moderate cost per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS). How can maize silage help? A growing number of farmers have built very profitable yet simple systems which incorporate maize silage into their feeding system. Maize silage can help by: Lowering feed costs

Growing and harvesting more home grown feed (pasture and crops) dilutes fixed costs (including interest), reduces total feed costs and increases returns. Maize is a drought tolerant crop that produces reliably high yields. Most dairy farmers can grow maize silage crops yielding 18 – 26tDM/ ha for 11.2 – 16.2c/kgDM in the stack2. Crops grown on repeat cropping ground or in low fertility paddocks will cost around 4c/kgDM more. Maize silage can be used to displace concentrates and other supplements which have a higher cost per kilogram of drymatter and unit of energy. Improving pasture renewal

Maize not only produces high drymatter yields, it can also help you establish higher performing pastures. Fertiliser and lime can be applied and incorporated in the

cultivation process and it’s a great time to address drainage issues. Cropping removes the normal feed source for pasture pests such as black beetle, Argentine stem weevil and pasture nematodes. This interrupts their breeding cycle and reduces insect pressure on seedling plants during the pasture renewal process. Improving pasture control

Because maize silage is a forage, you can vary the amount you feed to control pasture residuals, keeping ryegrass in its most productive growth stage. If pasture cover levels are low, increase the maize silage feeding rate and leave more pasture behind to prevent overgrazing. If you have plenty of grass on hand, reduce the feeding rate and clean up paddocks better. The combination of maize silage and a stand-off pad or a wintering barn allows you to restrict access to pasture minimising pugging without compromising animal welfare. Filling feed deficits

Supplements will deliver the greatest return when they are fed during genuine feed shortages or used to increase days in milk. While many crops such as brassicas must be fed when they are mature, maize silage can be stacked and fed when you are short of feed.

Well compacted and sealed maize can hold its quality for several seasons providing nutritious feed exactly when you need it. Increasing cow condition score

The ideal body condition score (BCS) at calving is 5.5 for first and second calvers and 5.0 for older cows. Cows which calve at the ideal condition score will produce more milk and cycle faster than cows too thin at calving. Maize is the best option to put weight on cows for three key reasons: the energy in maize silage is used 50% more efficiently to put weight on cows than energy in autumn pasture; maize silage can be fed at up to 50% of the drymatter intake allowing faster liveweight gains; and feeding maize silage results in substitution so winter pasture cover targets can be achieved. Delivering more return from your run-off

Many dairy farm run-offs are not farmed to their full potential. Growing maize on your run-off allows you to grow and harvest more drymatter which can be easily transported to the milking platform. Plant a short-to-medium maturity maize hybrid and sow annual ryegrass when it is harvested and this will ensure you have plenty of high quality pasture

for the winter months. Making the most of effluent

Applying dairy shed effluent to pasture often results in a build-up of soil potassium and a higher risk of milk fever. It can also increase the risk of nitrogen leaching. Maize thrives on the nutrients contained in effluent, and the maize plant can mine excess soil nitrogen and potassium, reducing the risk of milk fever and nitrogen loss to water. Reducing nitrogen leaching

Most of the nitrogen leached on dairy farms comes from cow urine. Ryegrass-clover pasture frequently contains more nitrogen (or crude protein) than cows can utilise. The bigger the nitrogen surplus in a cow’s diet, the higher the amount of nitrogen excreted in her urine. Feeding low nitrogen maize silage in conjunction with pasture dilutes dietary protein levels, and this in turn reduces the amount of urinary nitrogen. To learn how maize silage can fit into your farming system or to find out the optimal amount of maize silage for your farm call 0800 PIONEER (0800 746 633). 1 Lee et al, 2012. Perennial ryegrass breeding in New Zealand: a dairy industry perspective. Crop and Pasture Science 63: 107–127. 2 Pioneer® brand Maize for Silage 2015/16 ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

34 // EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT

A valuable resource that needs to be stored well DAIRY EFFLUENT IS a

important to ensure the long term acceptability of dairy farming as a land use.

valuable resource which, when managed well, increases pasture production and reduces fertiliser costs. Having a well-designed and constructed storage facility will save you time and money. The key is good planning and working with the right people. The benefits of a welldesigned storage system kk Peace of mind kk Increased flexibility around

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EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT // 35 kk Regulation and legislation

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SAFETY FIRST Pond safety cannot be over emphasised. In general the Health and Safety in Employment Act (1992) requirements relate to ongoing operation rather than initial construction, and therefore relate more to the pond owner than to the engineering or construction company. The following safety features are recommended for all ponds regardless of size or type of lining: Recommended pond safety features Fencing - All ponds should be fenced off with a netting fence to prevent stock and children from accidentally falling into the pond. Escape ladders - all ponds should have at least one permanently placed ladder or alternative escape means in case a person falls into the pond Anchor Points - pontoons should have anchor points to improve stability Signage and direct personal communication of hazards with farm staff, contractors and visitors.

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36 // EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT

Precision aids move from cropping to dairy SUCCESSFULLY USING PRECISION agriculture

technnology already on two of their cropping centre pivots, it was an easy decision for the Mitchell and Webster Group to invest again; this time on their dairy farm. The group is owned and operated by two families, the Mitchells and the Websters, with 1400ha of cropping land around North Otago. In the last two years they have converted 200ha of cropping land to dairy and have invested in Growsmart Precision VRI technology and electromagnetic maps by Agri Optics NZ Ltd for the two centre

pivots which cover 100ha of the dairy farm. The use of precision agriculture technology on the dairy farm has allowed the Mitchell and Webster Group to irrigate more efficiently through their pivots. They have been able to reduce the amount of water they apply through their pivots while still maintaining soil moisture levels for pasture growth. They now use the water they have saved to irrigate an additional 15ha with K-lines. By irrigating this additional area they are able to increase pasture production by 6 tonnes

EM map of the Webster and Mitchell dairy farm showing the two Growsmart Precision VRI pivots, with a soil moisture sensor under Dog Town pivot.

of DM/ha giving them an additional 90 tonnes DM/ha/

season and resulting in a subsequent increase in milk solids

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT // 37

production. Given a long term payout average of $6/kgMS their expected increase in revenue is $40,000, a 40% return on investment. In addition the Growsmart Precision VRI has meant that the group is able to apply effluent in accordance with consent conditions and avoid application over the drains and environmentally sensitve areas. With an annual rainfall of 400-500mm and a range in summer rainfall from

10mm-240 mm (October-April) irrigation is central to achieving production targets. The group aims to increase cow numbers to 750 cows to attain a total output goal of 300,000kgMS. However water is also expensive and financial returns are dependent on efficient irrigation and minimising the number of irrigation shares required by the operation. The group has been able to increase their irrigation efficiency by creating avoid zones, areas where no irrigation

is applied, over a total of 2.1ha of gates, laneways and troughs across the farm. The group has also been able to decrease application depths across the farm through the use of soil moisture sensors. Responses from their soil moisture sensors (example sensor output shown in graph below) indicate that application is still enough to meet crop requirements with the soil moisture line (purple) remaining above the stress point line (green). The EM map of the property

(Figure 1) defines soil texture zones which can be used to further increase irrigation efficiency on the property. An interesting feature of the farm is the presence of springs that make themselves known through the lime rich, calcareous parent material and mean that the already heavy clay soils become water logged as they shrink and swell. Precision agriculture technology means ongoing farm maintenance costs can be reduced as irrigation is avoided

The Growsmart® Precision VRI system installed on Brian and Jo Bosch’s dairy farm in the South Wairarapa has been saving them precious water and dollars since it was first installed in 2008. The couple use the intelligent system to avoid watering the tracks, ponds and drains underneath their Zimmatic™ centrepivot. The water saved by avoiding these areas is diverted to other areas of the farm, increasing their irrigated land area by approximately 10%. And after over six years of using the technology he’s pretty happy about the low maintenance requirements of the system hardware, “It’s just worked!” The Bosch’s are not alone in the great results achieved using variable rate irrigation. Trials show savings of up to 27% on dairy and cropping farms are realistically achievable. Why? Because Precision VRI controls every individual sprinkler allowing you to irrigate where it is needed.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

38 // EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT

over areas identified as more prone to waterlogging, helping to maintain soil structure and reduce pugging damage. To assist with the problem of waterlogging and try to remedy the presence of springs on the property the group has installed Novaflow drains which they can create avoid zones for on their Growsmart Precision VRI programme. By creating avoid zones for a total of 12.6ha of drains and other sensitive areas across both the pivots, the group is able to apply effluent through their system in accordance with their effluent consent conditions from the Otago Regional Council (ORC). From a nutrient leaching perspective the ORC has defined nitrate leaching limits as 2kgN per hectare per year, for areas surrounding sensitive aquifers, and 30kgN per hectare per year for the rest of Otago. Co-owner Peter Mitchell describes the benefits

Precision agriculture is allowing farmers to reduce irrigation water but maintains soil moisture levels for pasture growth.

of precision agriculture as “savings both environmentally and financially”. He believes that the system will help the group to meet these environmental restrictions on their dairy property. Given the high costs of water in the region

Mitchell notes that “the main driver for precision technology is financial however we also want to do what is best by our land”. Growsmart Precision VRI is compatible with most centre pivot and lateral irrigators, the

technology can be installed on new systems or as a retro-fit to existing systems. For more information contact your local Zimmatic irrigation dealer or visit www.growsmartprecisionvri.co.nz for more information. ◗

REVERSE THE EFFECTS OF SOIL DAMAGE MADE BY COWS WITH 100% NATURAL GYPSUM A soil’s ability to produce pasture can be seriously inhibited by the damage made by cattle traffic.

Ag Research* found that treading damage resulted in up to a 14% reduction in pasture yield and further research quantified a reduction in pasture production between 22% and 40% in the subsequent 3 months. This reduction outstrips the positive effects of annual application of base fertilisers (P, K and S).

Additional applications of gypsum across the entire farm aerates, conditions and improves soil structure promoting an optimum environment for pasture growth, reducing pugging. Gypsum also helps mitigate the flow of nitrates and phosphorus in New Zealand waterways. Visit your local agricultural fertiliser supplier for 100% natural gypsum.

* NZ Journal of AG Research 1994, Vol. 37: 559-567. NZ Journal of AG Research 2001, Vol. 44: 181-190

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MILK QUALITY / COOLING // 39

Shed a good place for plastic liners GARETH GILLATT WRITER RURAL NEWS GROUP

PLASTIC DAIRYFLO LINERS

have helped a Waikato sharemilker produce what Fonterra judges to be some of the finest milk in the country. Last season Tirau 50/50 sharemilkers David Noble and Katy Jones’ milk had an average somatic cell count of 77,000, making it a better quality product than 98% of all other New Zealand Fonterra suppliers. While the couple started off with a young herd with a naturally lower propensity to SCC, Noble attributes the jump in quality to a change in rubberware, from rubber milk liners and tubes to the plastic

Dairyflo alternative. “This reduction in BSCC wouldn’t have been able to be achieved with poor quality milk liners so it was definitely a factor,” says Noble. Noble and Jones milk 150 Jersey and Jersey cross cows on a 57ha mixed contour dairy platform, three minutes north of Tirau in South Waikato. The contract, which is the couple’s first undertaking as sharemilkers, began two seasons ago when they bought the herd off the previous sharemilker as a going concern. They have implemented a few different management practices which have contributed to

Farmer David Noble.

a reduction in BSCC. An important one is using a dry cow teatseal combination at drying off and being meticulous with teatspraying but having a liner product which doesn’t perish or split. He first learnt of the milk liners and tubes in a 2014 Dairy News article and was ultimately interested in the weight reduction and extended life potential of the soft plastic components over their rubber counterparts. “Rubber compounds are

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not used in the food chain anywhere else these days, so why are we still using it.” Noble milks 150 cows through a 10-aside herringbone shed twice a day for three quarters of a season and says the process of putting cups on up to four hours a day resulted in sore arms and wrists, especially in spring, but the lighter new liners have helped. A reduction in time replacing plant components was also a big attraction, he says, with Dairyflo milk liners and tubes

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MILK QUALITY / COOLING // 41

lasting on average a full season, or 6600 milkings last year on his farm. The previous product he used had a recommended replacement every 2500 milkings, meaning that each season the liners would need to be changed two or three times. With no need to change the liners again in a season there was also a financial saving. “I hate changing liners so the fact that I didn’t have to change them so often was a huge bonus.” This comes as no surprise to product developers. Justin Gleeson, New Zealand business manager for Covestro, a company formerly called Bayer Material Science, which has assisted in the development of the Dairyflo line of products, says secrets of this development lie in the soft plastic. Being smoother and less porous than rubber, it reduces the risk of contaminants getting into the milk in its journey from the teat to the vat. “Not only do bacteria enter via the porous rubber, also the milk is exposed to lipids, cleaning and disinfecting agents

and other chemicals.” Noble says company representatives worked with him to make the transition to plastic liners a smooth process although Dairyflo general manager Eddie Crawshaw says changing liners and milk tubes is a process which shouldn’t be taken lightly. “Some companies use compatibility charts to match an existing brand with another brand. We would rather go back to grassroots and measure the equipment and match our liner that best suits the herd.” The length of the shell, the diameter of the hole in the base of the shell and the diameter of the spigot on the claws are all important measurements, as is the diameter of teat orifice on the liner, Crawshaw says. “The most common diameter is 22mm for Jersey and Kiwi cross herds or 23mm for bigger Friesians.” Crawshaw says determining the correct pulse tube is also a factor; 9mm pulse tubes are enough for more modern sheds but some older herringbone sheds requiring a single 12mm

pulse supply tube. However, once this is done other changes need to be made to ensure the correct level of vacuum is used to get the most milk out of cows in the safest and most comfortable way. Dairy plant specialists recommend running a vacuum setting of 38kPa at the cups, a rating Crawshaw says is achievable by matching the vacuum put out by the vacuum pump and the height between the milk line and the cups. Lowline systems – where the distance is less than 1.2m – require pressures around 40-42kPa, and systems where the cup is 1.8m from the milkline require the pump to work at about 48kPa. Noble says making milkings as smooth and easy as possible plays as big a part as vacuum level on somatic cell counts because calmer cows are less likely to produce white blood cells. “I let cows come in on their own and have a quiet, calm environment for them to stand in. Putting The Breeze or Coast on the radio helps.”

While most cows in the herd let down milk quickly, he says there are one or two slow milkers, which he manages by ensuring they go where they can milk out properly without affecting the flow of the milking. “With such a small herd you get to know which cows will be slow so you make sure they go into the row where they can let their milk out in their own time.” An in-shed feeding system ensures the cows usually get some form of grain during milking. Grains and a summer crop of turnips will become even more important through December, says Noble, because the area can get very dry, limiting the amount of pasture available. Noble plans to milk every 16 hours in the new year. It is a compromise which helps maintain cow health and condition, allows greater milk production than milking once a day, reduces running costs of the shed and allows more time to make the most of summer. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MILK QUALITY / COOLING // 43

The pieces of the puzzle – what’s new in mastitis NATASHA MAGUIRE, FARM MEDIX LTD

MASTITIS REMAINS THE

biggest dairy disease for farmers. Our moderate climate and pastoral farming model gives us a lower mastitis risk than other dairy countries, but DairyNZ still estimates mastitis costs the average farmer a whopping $54,500pa. Mastitis has a massive effect on milk quality, with an impact on the bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) affecting further processing. Some milk buyers around the world are offering bonus payments for low somatic cell count milk - which is an excellent incentive for farmers to ensure their milk is of high

quality. SCC is also an important marker in your general herd health - cows without mastitis produce more milk. Bulk tank somatic cell count is not a reliable indication of mastitis problems on the farm as a lone measurement. For example in a similar size herd one farmer may have a bulk tank SCC of 80,000 with all of the cows milking. His neighbour may have the same count, but with 30 cows under treatment. One farmer is managing his mastitis, the other is preventing new cases of mastitis because he doesn’t have any.

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Could we do better with mastitis? Absolutely we can. Mastitis has no respect for payout prices. How do cows get mastitis? Where do the problems come from and how can you prevent mastitis in your herd? The latest National Mastitis Council conference in Syracuse, New York included both conference lectures from mastitis researchers and professionals from around the world and local farm tours with frank and honest discussions with farmers about where their issues came from. The tours covered two high-tech Lely robotic farms

as well as a large De Laval 100-bale rotary shed. Common to these farms was mastitis, but it is becoming widely realised that mastitis can’t all be categorised as the same - when the causes of the disease can be very different. With information comes knowledge, and identification of the pathogens involved in each case of mastitis is critical in management and prevention of the disease, and treatments used. Like leaving a signature, each pathogen has a unique style, place it hangs out and also weaknesses. So-called emerging pathogens that were discussed

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at the conference may have always been there - but what has changed is that more measurement is done around mastitis, whereas just a few years back little was known about the disease. New Zealand leads the way in many innovations in the dairy industry and we have enviable conditions for dairying in general. Europe, however is leading the charge on reduction of agricultural antibiotic use. Practices like dry cow are under scrutiny and this was a heavy discussion topic at the conference. Studies conducted both in New Zealand and overseas show that cows without pathogens in the udder at dry off have no higher risk of mastitis than cows that are treated with dry cow therapy. Understanding the nature of bacteria helps to reduce the number of new infections. Whilst we can’t see bacteria, they tend to have places they

like to hang out.

loves damaged teats.

Some of the bad guys- if bacteria were people:

Pseudomonas

Slimy creep, hates dry, clean and sunshine. Hides in dark wet places or areas contaminated with splashes from places such as dirty drains, dirty teat salve, dirty teat wipes or dirty wet areas in the shed. Can be spread from water - eg hosing around cups off. Can be serious and sometimes fatal. Very resistant to treatment.

Staph aureus

Like a stalker contagious, sinister, devious, hangs out in noses and on people’s skin. Spread via milking cow-tocow by cross infection, and from workers to cows during milking, rushed teat sealing and dry cow. Control: clean hands, effective post milking teat spraying, identification of infectious cows and milking them last, not feeding milk from these cows to calves. Difficult to cure and to control, be very vigilant - does not always cause clinical mastitis, but causes a lot of udder damage. Most agree that weeding these cows out of the herd is a good move. Often infections are sub-clinical and remain undetected for a long time so staph avoids culls this way.

Strep uberis

Like a messy teenager - loves a mess, always hanging around; environmental - hangs out in muddy and dirty environments in large groups such as feed pads, under trees in summer, dirty raceways and loves cows that have to walk through manure. Dirty cows increase risk of infection. A hard one to control if it’s messy.

Jekyll and Hyde - mild or mean- spread from the gut in manure, may be prevalent in low grade cases all season and around mating times. Means exposure to manure somewhere. Can cause serious mastitis in some cases. Keep teats away from manure to avoid this one.

Strep dysgalactiae

Serratia and Enterobacter

Sneaky opportunist, semi contagious but generally easy to send on its way if discovered;

Hillbilly - Lounges in the sawdust, rotten wood or the barn, loves straw, drains,

E. coli

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MILK QUALITY / COOLING // 45

effluent and is shed from the gut in manure. Can survive and has been found in contaminated diluted teat sprays. Can be contagious from cow to cow during milking. Didn’t mean to cause a problem, but if it gets in can cause long and chronic cases of mastitis. CNS

Mischievous big brother and sometimes possibly protective like a practical joker- from the cow’s own skin, this opportunistic bacteria is thought to be harmless, and transient, not normally requiring treatment. In some studies, including one in NZ, cows with CNS produce more milk. It is now thought that where implicated in mastitis, CNS may be found but is not the agent causing the infection. Control new infections by keeping great teat condition and cracking down on post milking teat spraying. Mastitis symptoms include: Elevated Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

The first symptom as the cow’s immune system activates to fight and to clean up any infection. This elevation will persist for a short time even when the bacteria are eradicated - like cleaning up after a party. Detection methods such as individual cow or quarter in-line conductivity and somatic cell counting systems and herd testing can tell you which cows have an elevated SCC at the time of measurement. This does not tell you, however, what ails the cow or if she needs treatment of any sort. Abnormal milk

(flakes, strings, clots) - NB: this is only present in clinical cases of mastitis or more advanced stages. Many cases of mastitis can be subclinical and go undetected in the herd- but still be infectious. Other symptoms - acute and peracute

may be swelling or hardness in one or more quarters of the

udder. Fever, dehydration, depression or very sick cow. Cows like this can be tested, but should be treated without waiting for results or delay. Treatments for mastitis

Measurement is critical in successful treatments. Like any disease we need to know the cause before we can nail it. Blind treatments of cows at any stage of mastitis other than very sick cows is literally stabbing in the dark. Some pathogens, if not targeted correctly the first time will flare up again and are less likely to resolve, even spreading in the meanwhile. Don’t assume your mastitis is caused by anything you haven’t measured, you could end up chasing your tail and seeing the same cow, and her friends with mastitis again. So how do you know when to treat and when not to treat, or what to use? All drugs have uses and benefits, but the success of such treatments depends on factors which need to be established. The development of protocol around drug use between the farmer and the vet is essential for reducing the incidence of mastitis in your herd, as well as increasing the success of the outcomes when treatments are used. The most expensive treatments are not necessarily the best without knowing what you are dealing with. Where to start

On-farm culture is a piece of the puzzle that hasn’t been available until recently. Most vets realise the need for the identification of the pathogens involved in cases of mastitis, but until recently this meant sending samples off, with even the best turnaround times being three days and many being two weeks. Simply, nobody should or could wait that long. This lead to a common practice of freezing milk samples “in case” so that if the case didn’t resolve, it could be tested. That was in the absence of something better, and now we have something better- on farm culture is a huge step forward and a gold

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46 // MILK QUALITY / COOLING

standard in mastitis identification and management. Available seven days a week and at a reasonable cost without a trip to town or a courier, the results are available in 24 hours. A simple system that involves a level of hygiene comparable to dry cow therapy, even the most inept are likely to improve their mastitis outcomes using on farm culture. Using technologies to identify abnormal milk, cows with high somatic cell counts as well as clinical cows can be found. RMT/CMT can be used to find affected quarter/s. These cows can be cultured using an on-farm culture system like CHECK-UP. Whilst subclinical mastitis may not always be economic to treat, SCC problems can escalate quickly and be frustrating to resolve. Infection risks with pathogens can be controlled and patterns can be established where trends exist, for example teat spraying inadequacies. Work with your vet

Your friendly vet is really trying to help you. Sometimes it is hard for them to know how. With your farm and your pathogens your vet can help establish protocol on farm for treating your mastitis problems. Your vet is the only one that can prescribe drugs for your farm and each farm has its own unique sets of issues. On farm culture gives great information that can be used to generate such protocol. It also assists greatly in identifying where problems are coming from and helping you to reduce risks on your farm to prevent new cases. Your risks can be from infectious bacteria spreading during milk harvesting, a worker milking with cracked and dirty hands, teat spraying that isn’t effective to a dirty feed pad that your cows are lying down on. Measurement of your mastitis bugs gives you the information on where to look, and patterns are important for prevention of further cases. Your vet can adapt your treatment protocol until it is a well-oiled machine, seeing you

Mastitis has a massive effect on milk quality.

saving money, drugs, time and milk. Mastitis prevention

Five years ago this would have evoked thoughts of dry cow therapy. Several studies in NZ and abroad have shown that cows with no major pathogen present at dry off have no increase in risk of developing mastitis than cows that are treated. So how do you know when a cow has a major pathogen present? Herd testing and milk testing in line are great indicators of a cow’s immune response status, and on-farm culture can be used to establish if the pathogen is still present. Herds with Staph aureus problems can also be herd screened to help identify the cows for herd management. Prevention focusing on the weakness and origin of the pathogen is your best chance at winning in reducing your mastitis cases and your bulk tank SCC. Risky behaviour Cracked teats and teat condition

Of course cracked or damaged teats provide a direct line to the udder and an easy path for the bad guys - check your teat spray, and milking machine function if you see spots, misshapen teats and be careful about over or under milking cows. Teat spraying

how are you making up and storing your teat spray? What is your water quality like do you have E. coli and algae in your water? Teat sprays made with poor quality water or stored in open, dirty conditions can become contaminated and infect cows. Lack of effective spraying is also an invitation for bacteria from even your cow’s own skin to take hold whilst the teat canal is open.◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

48 // CALVING

Calf mortality is highest in the hours immediately following birth.

Successful calving sets up farm season GOOD ANIMAL CARE and

management are vital to the welfare of stock, farm profitability and the industry’s reputation. Everyone on-farm needs to understand and adhere to the animal codes of welfare which describe the minimum standards and guidelines for good practice. Knowing the rules and responsibilities for animals in your care is important, particularly those relating to calving cows and calves. To set a dairy cow up for a long, productive life, she needs the best possible start. The information below provides some guidance. Calving in action To help manage calving, there are some key things to keep in mind. Prepare a portable calving kit Having the right tools on hand will help reduce calving related health issues and losses. Check springer mob regularly Checks should be done at

BOBBY CALVES For transport, bobby calves need to be: kk At least four days’ old kk Have a dry navel kk Hard hooves kk Healthy and alert kk Able to stand and bear weight

evenly on all four legs kk Fed a minimum of half a

day’s ration within two hours of pick-up (at least 2L of colostrum). kk Visit dairynz.co.nz/

animalwelfare for further animal welfare resources.

least twice every 24 hours, preferably every six hours, to provide timely assistance to cows having difficulty calving. Quietly check all areas of the paddock and record notes on any cows that have calved or are showing signs of calving. Ideally springers should be checked by experienced team members who are able to provide effective calving assistance, if needed. All staff must be trained to observe calving cows so they can alert someone else onfarm immediately if a cow is having difficulty.

Calve cows in a welldrained paddock Avoid pugged or muddy paddocks to help reduce the risk of mastitis and navel infections. Consider the need for shelter or a contingency plan in adverse weather. Do not use effluent paddocks for springers, where pasture can be high in potassium and predispose cows to metabolic problems.

Assisted calving As a guide, if the calf presentation is normal, heifers should calve within two hours and cows within one hour from when they start active labour (pushing hard). If they take longer, or the presentation is wrong, the animal should be examined and assisted if required. As a rule of thumb, if the cow is making progress and everything is normal, leave her to calve. If you assist too early, the cervix may not have fully dilated and you risk severe trauma to the cow and more difficulty in removing the calf. Use the intervention guide diagram in the DairyNZ Spring

Survival Guide to run through various calving scenarios with the farm team. Have a plan for managing down cows Provide down cows with shelter and water. Seek advice from your vet for any non-responsive downers – especially after 24 hours (or humanely euthanise them). Use hip clamps carefully for short periods (5-10 minutes) and discontinue use if there is no progress or if the cow cannot promptly support her own weight. Staff should know the farm policy on how metabolics will be managed. Use of hip clamps on their own to transport a down cow is not permitted. Using an additional brisket strap with hip clamps to help support the cow’s weight is advised if moving down cows short distances. If transporting longer distances then a carry tray, trailer or front end loader bucket is advised. Care of newborn calves Calf mortality is highest in the hours immediately following birth. Collect calves

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50 // CALVING

Calves must be fed colostrum or a colostrum substitute for at least the first four days of life.

twice a day to give them the best chance of getting fresh ‘gold’ colostrum within the first six hours of life.

CALVING KITS Having a well-stocked calving kit will help reduce stress levels and help staff be prepared, reducing calving-related health issues and losses. It could include: kk metabolics – clearly labelled

metabolic treatments, starter drench

Colostrum amounts for every calf Within first six hours: 2L of gold colostrum (as soon as they are at the shed or sooner). Within first 12 hours: top-up so each calf gets 10% of their body weight in colostrum. Jersey 25kg = 2.5L. Crossbreed 35kg = 3.5L. Friesian 45kg = 4.5L. Golden rules of feeding colostrum: quickly, quality, quantity. Continue to feed colostrum or a colostrum substitute for at least the first four days of life.

kk three calving ropes

When collecting new calves, remember:

kk two litre container of lube

kkMark or tag the calf

kk old towel, soap

kkRecord the date, cow number,

kk bucket with a lid kk notebook and pencil kk ear tags or other calf ID

system kk spray paint – red (for warning)

plus another colour kk pocket knife kk string/bailing twine kk gloves for rectal or other exam kk sustenance – energy bars kk torch/head torch and spare

batteries kk iodine spray kk pocket size laminated

intervention guides.

sex of calf and calf number in yellow pocket book kkSeperate the calf and its mother from the mob – practice safe lifting technique to avoid injury and keep the calf between you and its mother kkTreat navels with iodine in the paddock. Calves must be handled with care and a trailer carrying calves should be clean and disinfected, not overloaded, and driven smoothly. Once at

the calf shed, re-treat the navel, record at-risk calves and inform the calf rearer. Bobby calves It is important that all calves are treated well. Bobby calves need to receive the same care as replacement heifers. Bobby calves going to slaughter must: kk Be at least four days old kk Be healthy, with no visible

disease (e.g. scours), deformity, injury, blindness or disability kk Have bright eyes and upright ears kk Be strong, able to rise from a lying position unassisted, move freely around the pen and bear weight on all four limbs kk Have firm hooves on which the soles show wear (indicating that they have been mobile)

kk Have a dry and withered

navel. Make it easy for the truck driver kk Calves should be individ-

ually assessed for fitness to transport. Unfit animals must be withheld until fit or humanely destroyed: visit dairynz.co.nz/humaneslaughter. kk The pen should provide shade and shelter from the weather. kk Ideally the pen should be built at truck-bed height and the staff should be available to assist the truck driver with loading the animals. Not only does it make the job easier, it lets you see that the animals are loaded correctly with minimum stress. kk Calves should be fed as close to transport as possible and no more than two hours before pick up. ◗

FOR MORE INFORMATION kk Calf rearing – dairynz.co.nz/calves kk Bobby calves – dairynz.co.nz/bobbycalves kk Animal welfare resources – dairynz.co.nz/animalwelfare kk MPI – mpi.govt.nz kk Humane slaughter – dairynz.co.nz/humaneslaughter

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

CALVING // 51

Prepare well to reduce stress, ensure smooth calving season JUDE O’NEILL LIC REPRODUCTION SOLUTIONS ADVISOR

CALVING IS PROBABLY the

busiest, most hectic time on a farm. Add to that poor weather, new or inexperienced staff and it can be a stressful few weeks. The key to minimising stress and ensuring a smooth, efficient calving season is preparation. The future of your herd begins with the calves born. Through the calving period it’s about getting right the factors that will influence the calves’ fertility, milk production, longevity and therefore herd improvement. Set the cows up

Preparing the cows for calving is key and this should be done towards the end of the season before and through winter. Make sure the cows are dried-off the previous season according to appropriate body condition score and their expected calving date. By doing

this, the cows already at target can simply maintain condition over winter, while those below target should have sufficient time and feed allocation to ensure they remain healthy and calve down at the correct BCS (5.0 for cows and 5.5 for heifers). In accordance with your animal health plan the cows should be monitored regularly for ill-health and treated promptly, trace elements tested and topped up to the necessary levels and vaccinations to help protect against calf scours given at the appropriate time. Cows should be transitioned smoothly onto and off winter feed so their digestive system is able to cope with the high demands of calving and starting lactation. Remember your heifers: they should be brought back to the farm early and transitioned into the herd smoothly so they

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become used to the farm and the changes in feed in order for them to start their adult milking life in the best possible way. Set up your feed plan

Nutritional requirements are different for cows when they are dry, springing, calving and milking. You’ll need to have a good feed budget and feed allocation plan in place and a process to make sure staff keep track of the numbers of cows in each mob as calving progresses. Set this up with your farm advisors, and monitor feed supplies and demand as you go and adjust it if necessary. Maintaining appropriate nutrition over calving is important for the cow’s health and subsequent production and reproductive performance. Set the records up

Make sure the records

have been completed from the following season and cow numbers are all set up with no queries prior to calving. This means it’s easier to enter calvings and there is no confusion over records at the most stressful time of year. Keeping your records up to date through the calving period means you can keep tabs on how your calving is going as well as easily review the process once calving is finished. Set the scene up

Having everything in place and ready to go makes everything much easier and no-one is scrambling around looking for equipment or trying to stock-up once calving has started. Have the spring first aid kit stocked with vet supplies sitting in a well-defined place. Ask a staff member to be in charge of restocking this regularly so in an emergency there is always

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

52 // CALVING

Maintaining appropriate nutrition over calving is important for cows’ health.

the necessary supply there. Identify where the calving jack and ropes will stay and make sure these are washed after every assisted calving so they are ready to use immediately when needed. Make sure there are posters on the wall of important phone numbers, and drugs prescribed for that farm including dose rates and methods of delivery. Any other posters that will be useful to staff and make their jobs easier are great to have on the wall, such as flow diagrams to assist with decision making in an animal health scenario. Ask your vet to help you with these. Set the staff up

Everyone knows that a good employee makes the calving season seem much easier. Have

your staff on the ground well before calving starts so you can find out how much training they need. Make sure they have had a break and are coming into this busy period fresh and ready to go. Take the time to define their roles to them and ensure they understand what’s going to happen and why. (If you are a new employee make sure you ask these questions.) If you train them and make sure they are up to the challenge it’s more likely to be a good job done right from the start. If you don’t have time to train staff or are unsure how to, you may be able to access training from local providers such as vet practices, DairyNZ and other industry bodies running winter workshops and employee calving season training (from

spring first aid, to calf rearing). Follow protocols from the start to the end of calving and don’t drop the ball

This is vital. It’s easy to do it right at the beginning and then as the stress continues and tiredness creeps in shortcuts happen and things don’t go to plan. Make sure protocol is being followed, things are being put back where they belong, the cows are treated exactly the same towards the end of calving as they were at the start and hygiene doesn’t become a problem. With this in mind, it would be nice to get through the calving period with no slip-ups and with high-fives at the end of it. Review and revise for next year

After calving has finished and before the stress of mating occurs take time to review how the calving period has gone. This can be done by you, you and your team or you may invite your rural professional to get involved. The more you learn, the better you can perform in subsequent years. A review will cover all the above, assess how it was performed and the outcome -- good or bad. With this information try to collect as much data as possible, then you can make plans for next year based on experiences and outcomes this season. Keep this review as a written record and by building up data and information over the years you can fine tune your farming practices to get the maximum outputs possible. ◗

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

CALVING / CALF REARING // 53

Let’s cut the crap: Scours is a shitty issue JO WRIGLEY DR LES SANDLES

HOW THE HECK did that

happen? I spent days cleaning the sheds, replacing the bedding and sterilising the feeding equipment, and the calves are still dropping like flies with scours. We all know the basic rules for calf rearing and do our best, but often that is not enough. Having a clean environment and clean gear, even with the most vigilant staff, we can still get caught with scouring calves. That first feed of newborn calves is more than critical: it’s life and death. We know it’s important that calves get good quality colostrum as soon as possible, but it doesn’t happen often enough. And sometimes it does but the calves still get crook, so what’s going on? The “3 Qs of colostrum” management answer that question. Calves need an appropriate quantity (15% of birth weight) high quality (thick, gooey and a rich yellow) colostrum from the very first milking of the cow quickly (within an hour of birth) to have the best start to life. Dairy Australia has an excellent manual on colostrum harvesting that you can download for free. For further information look up colostrum management in www.dairyaustralia.com.au under animal management/calves. Of course, bugs that cause scours can be introduced to calves from all sorts of sources. Staff must wash their hands frequently and in

between handling of calves, particularly sick calves. But the fact remains, E.coli. is everywhere (Hmmm… didn’t you the know the E meant everywhere?) and they get a dose of this from mum during birth. Most people use colostrum just to wash this down. While staff should arrive at the calf shed in clean clothes and footwear each time they enter, or have a disinfectant footbath (that is changed regularly) and disinfectant spray that they can mist onto their clothes, it is far more important they diligently apply the three Qs. This means mum’s antibodies can get into the calf’s gut fast enough and in sufficient numbers to plug the holes in the newborn’s gut (called fenestra) and prevent pathogens setting up camp. Using a broad spectrum disinfectant like Virkon is a good way to minimise introducing bugs, but it won’t touch scours if the colostrum is not sorted. Hygiene around newborn calves is a non-negotiable, but make it really clear to your people that colostrum management trumps that. I’ve done, that but I still have sick calves… Even with attention to detail on colostrum feeding and hygiene, it’s almost inevitable that at least one calf every season will still get sick. If you are absolutely certain you have perfectly managed colostrum

management, identifying the cause of pathogens is always useful because it’s relatively rare that something other than E.coli is the primary cause. When it is, you need to know. Knowing the foreigner can help identify the source and treat it appropriately. Testing kits can be bought through your vet or rural supplies store, or for more information or advice on testing kits and what types of bugs can be tested, you could contact Ngaio Diagnostics in Nelson directly. Scours kills through dehydration and acidosis. It is essential you have restocked with fresh electrolyte prior to calving. At first sign of scours, the calf must have electrolytes. Always read the label before you buy your electrolyte and make sure it has bicarb, dextrose and salt at minimum. Some vitamin and minerals can be useful too. Tube 2 litres of at least the recommended dose straight in, but make sure there is a gap of at least two hours since milk. Never, ever mix electrolyte with milk. The calf needs the milk to continue for food, and electrolytes to replace the fluids it squirts out. Increase the number of feeds to three of electrolytes and two feeds of two litres of milk each day, alternating between milk and electrolyte feeding. Remember that electrolytes are just salts, and that the calf still needs the carbohydrate and protein in milk or milk replacer in order to have the energy to fight and grow. Withholding

milk, even for just one feed severely compromises the calf’s recovery, starving the calf of vital nutrients. Probiotics, prebiotics, natural remedies, antibiotics and literally hundreds of products are on the market are all interesting, but won’t replace colostrum, food and electrolytes. In saying that, one product has recently grabbed our attention. No-Scour Calf’s active ingredient mops up bacterial toxins of pretty much any flavour preventing them from running amuck in the calf’s intestine. This effectively disempowers the bug while still allowing an immune response to be generated. Since trials began on farm (and over 900 farms have had the opportunity to trial it), 72% of calves have recovered without antibiotics or further treatment. Of the rest, most had endured previous treatments and antibiotics before the No-Scour Calf was used. It certainly warrants a try on your farm. Choosing products that will help your scouring calves is often more complex than first glance, and no product will ever beat that first good feed of colostrum. However, before calving is a perfect time to contact your vet, review your systems and be sure you are on top of the game before calving starts. For more information, contact the authors or your vet.◗

en ce

at.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

54 // MATING MANAGEMENT

Year-round approach best recipe for mating success on farm KATE GOOD LIC REPRODUCTION SOLUTIONS ADVISOR

GETTING COWS IN calf well

takes a year-round approach. The results achieved in the mating period are impacted by many factors earlier in the season or even in seasons gone by. Managing a successful mating relies on achieving key mating targets throughout the year. There are eight key management areas that will need to be considered to achieve a successful mating. These are well described in the DairyNZ InCalf programme. Four of these factors are within your direct control at mating time and the others will need to be managed throughout the year. Heat detection, non-cycler strategies, AB and genetics and service bull management are controlled within the mating period. Calving pattern, heifer management, body condition score and nutrition and cow health need to be managed well at other times of the year as they will also impact on the success of mating. Mating Time Heat Detection:

The art of picking cows on heat and deciding when to submit them for insemination. Training: staff need to know the signs of heat and the process for dealing with the bulling cows well before the season starts. Make use of industry training days and the pre-mating period to ensure

everyone is up to speed with heat detection skills. One important thing to consider when assessing heat detection performance is whether the right cows are being submitted at the right time. The ‘right cow’ is any cow that is on heat. The ‘right time’ is when she truly is on heat. Effective heat detection requires prolonged focus and attention to detail, making sure you don’t miss any cows on heat and making sure you are not ‘inventing’ heats either. After mating has passed it is important to review these two figures to decide how to manage the rest of mating. The question to ask is ‘Have I put enough cows up and were they the right ones?’ Nationally, submission rates average 80%; the industry target is 90%. Submission rate is a key driver of in-calf rate; without submitting cows to AB or the bull they can’t possibly get in calf. Review your submission rate; if you haven’t reached 90% ask yourself ‘Which are the cows that didn’t get submitted and why?’ Were they early or late calvers, old or young, healthy or unwell, at body condition score target? Once you’ve identified the cows that missed being mated you can start to uncover why and set solutions in place to address issues. You can measure your performance on your herd recording software: look at the 3-week submission rate graph for submission rates of the herd and sub-groups within it and the return intervals analysis graph to check when they returned to service and

see if you were inventing heats. Average or normal return length for a cow is 18-24 days: most returns should be within this range. If there is a high percentage of 2-17 day returns the first thing to do is review heat detection policy. Heat detection performance is extremely important, is measurable and is estimated to have room for significant improvement on 25% of New Zealand dairy farms. Consult your rural professional for more advice. Non-cycling /Anoestrous cows:

While the treatment of non-cycling cows is the focus at mating time, other farm factors influence the rate of non-cyclers in the herd. The most important part of addressing non-cycling issues is to identify and address the underlying causes. The cows most at risk of being non-cyclers are young cows, thin cows, late calvers and cows that have been sick. Reducing the percentage of these in the herd should result in fewer non-cyclers. Aim to have 85% of your herd cycling by mating start date. There are two types of non-cyclers: cows whose heat has gone undetected and cows that have not started ovulating since calving so have not had a heat. Treatment of both groups will be beneficial to lifting the herd’s 3-week submission rate. Conceiving early in the mating period is the ultimate aim so any intervention that needs to be done should be as

early as practicably possible. Depending on when the cows that have been treated return, check that there is a strategy in place to manage these. For example if you CIDR a large number of cows, clearly identify which these cows are by recording them on your herd records so you can analyse their performance. At the time of returns make sure your AB technician is aware of likely numbers of returns or that there is sufficient bull power in the herd on those days. Further information is in the InCalf book on page 181. Non cycling management is important to get right at this time of the year, however be aware of the farm factors that influence intervention rate. Analyse which are your non-cyclers, treat them early and set about changing management policies to avoid future high intervention rates. Bull management:

Managing bull mating is not only important when the bulls are in with the herd but before they actually arrive onfarm. Important things to consider: age, breed, health, numbers, arrival date on farm, plus a contingency plan in case issues arise. Good bull management will ensure your successful mating performance continues into the natural mating period. If possible bulls should arrive on farm two-three months before they are required for work, with a certificate of health, fully vaccinated and free from BVD, lepto and other ailments. If bulls become sick and run a fever semen quality is affected and it takes 60 days

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

56 // MATING MANAGEMENT

for the semen to rejuvenate and for the bull to become fertile again. It may turn up looking healthy, however his recent past history is unknown. Arriving onfarm early has other benefits: it gives the mob of bulls time to establish their pecking order and for you to observe behaviour and rid the mob of overly dominant or dangerous bulls. There are several things to consider when managing the bull mating period including bull power and bull health. To estimate bull numbers refer to the table on page 129 of the InCalf book. For example, a herd of 400 cows with a likely in-calf rate of 50-70% will need 5-6 bulls running with them at any time. It is very important to rotate bull teams to keep them refreshed and their semen viable. Your vet can check testicular size and shape as this is highly correlated to semen functionality and fertility. Bull management is important to minimise final empty rates. Know your bulls, know their performance. AB & Genetics:

As long as you are using NZ genetics the herd’s inherent fertility is unlikely to be a problem, as fertility is included in BW and NZ genetics rank highly for reproductive performance internationally. AB practices should be best practice and include appropriate semen handling and storage, correct pipette placement when performing AB and accurate recording practices. AB companies have internal semen quality monitoring processes to ensure the semen delivered is fit for purpose and they have software to alert to inbreeding issues. DIY has a recognised risk factor, so DIY inseminators are encouraged to regularly attend refresher courses to refine their practices. Australian research found that at least 40% of DIY inseminators could achieve higher conception rates by improving insemination practices (InCalf book pg 111)

Diseases like lameness can also impact mating outcome.

Outside the Mating Period:

Cow health must be maintained in an optimal state for good cow performance all year, including at mating time. Have a robust animal health plan in place for your herd. The size of the impact of individual illness on herd reproductive performance is determined by the percentage of cows affected and the degree of the impact on their fertility. Good recording and management of health events will allow you to assess disease incidence and impact and make a plan to avoid the issue in future years. Ensure all your cow health events are recorded on your herd records. This gives you an insight into their impact on performance. While uterine disease often has a significant impact in affected cows, mastitis and lameness can also impact mating outcomes. Remember to implement prevention strategies if: more than 2% of herd has retained membranes, 1% have vaginal discharge two weeks after calving, 10% have clinical mastitis or 5% in one month or 5% of cows are treated for lameness issues. By using prevention strategies you will minimise the impact on in-calf rates so seek veterinary advice. Calving pattern has a very strong influence on subsequent in-calf rates. Having more than 13% of your herd calving

after week 6 of calving (ie.late calvers) is a drag on your subsequent mating performance. Late calvers have less time to get in calf, and usually have reduced submission and conception rates compared to their early calving herd mates. On top of that they have fewer days in milk, and fewer milk solids produced compared to early calvers. Herds with less than 13% late calvers are more likely to find achieving a compact calving easier than those with a high percentage of late calvers. Ensuring first calvers calve down quickly into the herd and minimising calving pattern slippage in subsequent lactations is a fundamental principle of achieving sustainable herd fertility in seasonal systems. Body condition score: meeting body condition targets at calving is a key driver of production and reproduction in the season that follows. It is largely determined by decisions made at dry off time, and over the winter period. There is little you can do to change this at mating time. Manage feed quantity and quality at mating time but consider drying off based on body condition score and calving pattern in the months to come. This will ensure cows calve down at the required 5.0 for mature aged cows and 5.5 for heifers. Body condition score loss between

calving and mating is also important; ensure cows don’t lose more than 1.0 BCS post calving. Cows that don’t calve at the required BCS target and lose too much post calving produce less milk solids and take longer to cycle. Heifers are the future of your herd. Well grown and managed heifers are likely to produce more, have better reproductive performance and survive in the herd than poorly grown animals. Make sure your heifers are regularly weighed, monitored and managed to meet their liveweight BV based targets once they calve down in the herd. Monitor heifer weights and pre-mating cycling activity so you can intervene if necessary to address issues with undergrown heifers. Options include hormonal intervention, putting heifers on once a day, preferential feeding and running them in a separate mob to reduce competition from the older cows. There are many factors to consider when managing mating, but these eight areas are key. Measure your herd’s performance. Find the areas of improvement and make a plan to maximise your performance not just for this season but for seasons to come. For specialist help, consult a rural professional.◗

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MATING MANAGEMENT // 57

Lift mating performance by feeding cows right DEAN EDWARDS FARMWISE CONSULTANT

MORE DAYS IN milk and increased milk production at the start of the season may equal more profit. A compact calving spread means fewer late calving cows and therefore fewer empty cows. A tight calving pattern will mean that, in subsequent seasons, more cows get in calf to AB (artificial breeding) resulting in lower empty rates, more heifer replacements and greater culling selection because farmers can identify the genuine non-performers. Every animal on the farm has to pay for itself, and a tight calving pattern means fewer cows standing around waiting to calve. Improving mating performance and establishing a more compact calving isn’t going to happen overnight. It will happen, but only if farmers are diligent at every mating and set realistic targets. In order to reach this goal, now is the time when farmers should be monitoring their

Dropping milksolids is directly linked to energy intake.

mating programme. Four weeks before the planned start of mating farmers should be looking at pre-mating heats. This practice allows farmers to check their cows are

still cycling before they start AB and through AB if mating has already begun. For example, cows cycling in the first week of pre-mating heats should be cycling three

weeks later; if they are not, then there’s a problem. Farmers need to look at the body condition of their cows, if they are not cycling it could be because they are either

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

58 // MATING MANAGEMENT

Visual observation can also alert farmers to a feed problem.

too thin or losing weight and struggling to meet their energy requirements; the worst hit are generally the two- and three year olds. Two key factors that may cause a drop in the milk protein percentage are feed quality and poor pasture utilisation due to changeable weather conditions. It’s a double edged sword if farmers are faced with energy deficient pasture and unsavory weather conditions. Also when conditions are wet cows are less inclined to graze, instead they stand with their backs to the weather resulting in poor pasture utilisation. Quantity or quality? Environmental conditions can cause a cow to exhibit a less vigorous heat, however if it is a warm sunny spring day and a farmer is not seeing lots of cows bulling, then he/she should consider whether they have a feed problem: it’s generally either quality or quantity. If it’s a quantity problem this equates to underfeeding; if it’s a quality issue then the feed is not providing adequate energy; either way, residuals are critical. If cows have shut down, farmers must first establish if it is a feed quantity, or feed quality problem, and then act on that

knowledge to implement simple strategies to improve their herd’s health and therefore its mating performance. If cows are over-grazing the paddock so residuals are less than 1450kg DM/ha, this is a quantity issue; the cows are hungry and a high energy supplement should be added. If residuals are left too high it can reduce pasture quality, cow energy intakes, milk production, liveweight gain and cycling activity in the subsequent grazing. These indicators, in partnership with milksolids being sent and test components, are the clues or pieces of information to solving the puzzle and establishing if there is a quality problem. Dropping milksolids is directly linked to energy intake. If it is dropping daily there is definitely a problem with what the cows are eating; potentially they are now starting to lose weight, drawing internal energy to achieve their current production. Protein percentage is linked to energy intakes: compare the protein % now with 7-10 days ago and with the same time last year. They can do this by looking at their 10-day product and quality information/records on for example, Farm Source or tanker dockets.

If the protein percentage is dropping, or has dropped, and is less than 0.2% compared to the same time last year the problem comes back to either quantity or quality of feed. Equally so, if it is increasing then the energy intakes are lifting. Protein % is a great indicator as to how the cow is being fed. Fat percentage can indicate dietary problems. When fat percentage is increasing in early spring it indicates cows are being underfed and are losing condition. To establish this, farmers can compare their fat test now, with the previous week and with the same time last year. If it is more than 0.2% below, levels of fibre in the diet may be inadequate. Having said this, look at total MS and protein percentage to make sure there aren’t any other dietary/nutritional limitations. When comparing the fat and protein percentage with the same time last year, make sure you are comparing apples with apples: are the milk yields similar and has the herd’s calving pattern changed? Check your paddocks Visual observation can also quickly alert farmers to a problem.

If farmers are seeing these indicators, they should go and look at their paddocks. They need to take note of what the paddock looks like when the cows go into it. Is it nice green leaf down to the base of the plant? Or has it got a stalky base? The third leaf should be seen on the plant, not the fourth with the first leaf dying or only 1.5 leaves. This should be monitored before mating, so the problem can be fixed, and during mating to ensure a problem doesn’t arise. If there is a problem, find out what it is and be decisive in your actions; don’t wait. You may need to take more care over supplements (stop grazing paddocks with far too much cover), mow in front of the cows to guarantee residuals for quality feed in that critical next round, introduce a high energy supplement if required, or check with your vet whether you should give your cows a Vitamin B12 prior to mating to aid cow appetite). The success of your mating does not depend only on heat detection, just as being a dairy farmer is not just about milking cows. If you can pick up on the clues your cows give you and act, then you can ensure success in the coming seasons. ◗

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

60 // ANIMAL HEALTH

A big picture view of your herd’s health The following table shows current per cow costs compared to 2004-2005 season. CRAIG PURCELL FARMWISE CONSULTANT

EVERY YEAR NEW Zealand

dairy farmers spend at least $400 million on animal health. This value encompasses all costs – from antibiotic treatment, through to drenches and minerals. Many of these costs are essential; as farmers we have a responsibility to ensure our stock are in good health and we are following good animal husbandry techniques. In addition to these are the costs associated with reduced productivity and increased culling and/or wastage. The NZ dairy cow is one of the most efficient in the world at converting pasture to milk and its maintenance requirements. However, because we rely so heavily on pasture as a main form of intake, there are times when the cow may have to buffer intakes and or nutritive levels. This may leave the cow more susceptible to illness. Often we can be reactive to individual animal health issues, whereas in some cases having simple policies and procedures in place will lower the stress levels of farmer and cows by detecting problems early, treating those issues and minimising financial costs and wastage. This article outlines some of the procedures, to help you apply a big picture view your herd’s health Have a plan There are several stages through the year when animal health issues are generally guaranteed, e.g. calving, bloat, facial eczema, etc. Make a plan

OWNER OPERATOR

50/50 SHAREMILKER

$ Cost per cow (2004-2005)

$ Cost per cow (2013-2014)

Average $ cost per cow over last 10 years

% increase over 10 years 2013-2014 annual cost at 400 cows

36%

44%

$35,600

$37,600

Reference: DairyNZ Economical Survey 2013-2014.

with your vet for these times – they are your health professionals – and encourage staff to attend vet days/workshops. Ensure all staff show empathy with stock. If they don’t feel cows are valued the results will always be the same – poor. Cows store minerals in

can help you spot health issues. Look for the cow by herself either in the paddock or on the way to the shed. Know which cows are usually last on the raceway or in the shed; an unusual late cow is generally an early sign of something not right. Spend time actually looking

The NZ dairy cow is one of the most efficient in the world at converting pasture to milk and its maintenance requirements. different ways for different periods of time, so make sure you know the details/requirements. As an example, cows cannot store magnesium well pre-calving, so ensure uptake is adequate every day. Through calving, death rates and poor animal health will account for about 75% of your total health issues. Unfortunately this period is when we are most busy on farm, so have a plan.

at your stock – driving past the herd at 30km/h doesn’t count. You may spend countless hours in the shed milking but how much time do you spend observing and noting individual cows in the paddock environment? Also remember that in most cases of a general ‘outbreak’ e.g. milk fever or facial eczema, one clinical case is usually accompanied by 6-10 sub-clinical cases.

Observation Cows are a great gauge of potential animal health issues, which is why it is so important to know your stock. This may not always be easy in a large herd situation, but keeping an eye on any changes in behaviour

Train your staff Junior staff may not necessarily need to know all treatments but it is essential for your business and the farming future that they have the visual capability to assess any animal health issues and notify those

managing the operation. Teach your staff to look for simple signs: Reduction in milk production How the cow moves/walks Attitude in the paddock and cowshed Obvious ill thrift symptoms – weight loss, appearance. Protect your investment Is your spending in the right area? Beware the snake oil sales. After the cost of land, the next largest asset in the balance sheet is stock. Look after them and they will look after you. It costs about $1500 to rear an animal from birth to first calving. For an average herd of 400 cows at 25% replacements this equates to $150,000. This is a large investment in time and money and any major health issues or deaths increase those costs. The table above shows current per cow costs compared to 2004-05 season. The current financial situation will dictate spending to a large degree. Look to trim the fat, not the muscle, out of your animal health costs; remember we still want to be milking the best cows in the best health next year. Most importantly we have a responsibility as farmers to ensure the animals are in good health and give them the ability to meet our targets. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

62 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Submission rates key to mating FARMERS HAVE A major detection skills on your farm: influence on submission rate, Pre-mating heat detection does everyone know exactly which is a key driver of the Heat detection four-five what to look for when detecting six-week in-calf rate. Each 10% weeks before the herd’s cows on heat? increase in the three-week planned start of mating can help Two errors can occur during submission rate translates into improve submission rates. heat detection: missing a cow a 2-7% increase in the six-week Recording pre-mating that is actually on heat or in-calf rate. heats and assessing the herd’s misinterpreting the signs and Farmers with great heat cycling rate provides options thinking she’s on heat when detection skills will achieve a if a problem is noticed as she’s not. three-week submission rate of mating approaches. Without If a lot of heats are missed, 90%. pre-mating heats farmers may the submission rate will be low. To achieve this submission not be aware of a non-cycling The submission rate determines rate means detecting an issue until several weeks into the numbers of cows detected average of 17 cycling cows a day and submitting them to AB (in a 400 Farmers with the best heat detection use cow herd). Nationally a combination of observation and heat there is much room for detection aids. No one method is perfect. improvement, with the average submission rate Test several combinations to identify the almost 10% below target at most suitable options for the herd. around 80%.

So how can the submission rate be maximised? Accurate heat detection and identifying non-cycling cows before mating hugely influences submission rates. Heat detection is the most important farm task during mating. Each missed heat represents the loss of a complete oestrus cycle of about 21 days, which has a financial consequence – at least $200 a time. Check heat detection skills on the farm by reviewing the three-week submission rate for early-calved, mature cows in the InCalf Fertility Focus Report. A submission rate less than 85% means there could be a heat detection problem. Remember that a large number of non-cycling cows can also result in a submission rate less than 85%. Another heat detection indicator is the return intervals analysis report which helps assess the risk that too many cows may have been inseminated when not on heat.

mating. Pre-mating heat detection also refreshes everyone’s knowledge of the signs of heat and they gain confidence before mating. Heat detection The best heat detection starts with careful timing, good observation and the effective use of detection aids. Being able to interpret cow behaviour and other signs is critical; so is good recordkeeping and training everyone in heat detection. Once calved, cows are expected to be detected on heat about six weeks later. For most cows, resumption of cycling occurs well before AB starts. Cows at risk of being classified and treated as non-cycling include late calvers, first calvers, thin cows and cows with abnormal calvings and uterine infections. Heat detection skills Firstly, review the heat

on heat and inseminated. The aim is for high submission rates, but not by inseminating cows not on heat. Secondly, give one or two experienced people responsibility for observation. Others may be involved in detection, but they should report their observations on a specific form or to those responsible. Thirdly, determine which aids to use. Farmers with the best heat detection use a combination of observation and heat detection aids. No one method is perfect. Test several combinations to identify the most suitable options for the herd. Finally, keep an eye on the detail. Schedule specific times each day to check cows and regularly monitor the programme’s success. This information is critical to spot trends early. Successful heat detection relies on monitoring and fine-tuning all through the mating period. False inseminations and

lost pregnancies Inseminating cows not truly in heat becomes more costly after the first three weeks of AB (artificial breeding), because inseminating cows that are already pregnant can result in a loss of that pregnancy. Cows with a strong return heat obviously require insemination, but those with nothing more than one or two secondary signs need to be evaluated carefully before putting them up for AB. Secondary signs of heat might include dirt on the flanks or withholding milk, and there could be other reasons for these signs. AB insemination How do you know whether AB insemination of pregnant cows is a problem? The easiest assessment might be to examine the prevalence of cows with two or more AB matings that are confirmed pregnant to the first AB mating date. This can be assessed either by early pregnancy testing or the subsequent calving date. The best way to minimise the incidence of inseminating pregnant cows is to ensure heat detection is accurate. This requires the correct use of detection aids and visual observation, as well as minimising stress (nutritional or social) on the milking herd during the period of return heats to AB. Staff training All staff members play an important role in the overall reproductive performance of the herd, whether it’s performing inseminations, drafting cows with activated heat detection aids during milking or spotting cows in heat. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

64 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Southland farmer Peter Copeland uses Tru-Test’s walk over weighing module to closely weigh and maintain peak cow performance.

Kicking out lameness MEGAN FOWLIE, MARKETING/ COMMUNICATION EXECUTIVE WITH TRU-TEST GROUP

COW LAMENESS IS a painful

condition. As farm systems change, farm sizes grow and herd numbers expand, lameness is an increasing concern on New Zealand farms. In 2014, DairyNZ estimated the cost to a farmer of one lameness incident for one cow would be around $500. DairyNZ animal husbandry extension specialist Anna Irwin says the actual cost of lameness is more difficult to measure than mastitis or other animal health issues because it is not routinely recorded and a

number of different treatments exist. To understand the true prevalence of lameness in New Zealand Massey University examined animal and human behaviour on nearly 100 farms. Surprisingly findings showed farmers recognised only a quarter of the cows having difficulty moving about. Regardless of herd size nearly three-quarters of the cows with mobility issues went unnoticed. A second Massey study investigated the relationship between weight and lameness

using automated Walk Over Weigh scales. Interestingly researchers discovered cows lost weight sharply about three weeks before any physical sign of lameness was picked up by eye and once lame cows were identified, they continued to lose weight for another month. From treatment to recovery the average cow lost 60kg. These studies tell us a few things. Firstly, detecting lameness by eye is difficult and we are far from successful most of the time. Secondly, when we don’t pick up lameness

early the recovery period to a cow’s healthy starting weight is likely to be lengthy. Ultimately, depending on the season, animals may not fully recover to their original body condition. Fortunately physical and financial costs can be reduced by keeping a close eye on incremental weight changes, specifically that sharp weight change before visible lameness signs appear. Ongoing monitoring of liveweight in dairy herds via Walk Over Weighing is an extremely useful way to give farmers, herd managers and

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

66 // ANIMAL HEALTH

The system gives the extra edge in weight management.

staff a heads-up on which animals should be checked for health concerns. Weighing coupled with routine inspection mean staff in the shed can identify lameness, mastitis or feed issues early and act to remedy them. Walk Over Weighing picks up those incremental weight changes before anything is visible by eye and provides accurate weight reporting. With in-shed information, cows can be tagged for automated alerts and individual cow data can be on hand whether in the shed or online to discuss with staff, managers or the vet. When treatments are necessary they can be administered early for a speedier recovery reducing the likelihood of lost milk production from illness or withholding constraints. Farmers can have the benefits of walk over weighing without buying an entire automation system. Modular systems are available such as the New Zealand designed and manufac-

tured Walk Over Weighing by Tru-Test. This simple solution weighs every animal at every milking without interfering with good cow flow and is easily integrated into farm routines. It is supported by MiHub, a full herd management system, for viewing and manipulating the cow data. Walk Over Weighing hardware is built into the exit race of the dairy shed, even sheds with challenging exits can be accommodated. When looking for a dairy walk over weighing system, consider one that provides the information you need where you want it in a way that is easy to understand and easy to use. Ideally a set-up should be easy to see in the shed so staff can act quickly. A definite advantage is real-time information accessible from anywhere (office PC, phone or tablet) so off-site managers and owners can see trends, track events, see herd and individual animal information and make decisions in real time.◗

CASE STUDY: BREEDING AND PRODUCTION GAINS THROUGH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT ROUTINE Sitting at the top end of high producers in NZ for their 580 crossbreed herd, Pete and Charlie Copeland, from Tuatapere, are keen to stay ahead of the game. The father-and-son team installed Walk Over Weighing from Tru-Test’s dairy automation solutions. The system gives them the extra edge in weight management. It helps them accurately keep track of each animal in their herd and assess their cows early. Says Pete, “You think by looking at your cows every day that you know what’s happening. But with Walk Over Weighing you can know an animal is losing weight a couple of weeks before you notice anything visually. It’s a step ahead.” Cow weights are monitored every milking. Alerts can be set by Pete and Charlie so if any cow drops by a nominated amount she can be identified and automatically drafted ready for checking after milking has finished. It means the pair can make quick decisions about what to do next. “We are noticing a big trend in the high-producing cows. They are the ones losing the most weight from day one. They peel the condition off, milking it straight off their backs,” says Pete. Walk Over Weighing also brings greater value to herd testing results. Pete and Charlie send their live weight data into Minda directly from the MiHub online herd management system to help identify their high producing and efficient cows. “Herd testing can tell you the lowest PW cows in the herd. By adding weights to the milk results it is even more accurate when identifying your poorer producing cows” says Charlie. “A big 550kg cow might produce the same milk as your 450kg. The 450kg cow is eating less grass and is a more efficient cow. Now, the animal evaluation people in charge of the genetics in NZ say having body weight there with your herd tests gives you much more accuracy.” Tru-Test’s Walk Over Weighing can be integrated with most other automation systems available in NZ.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MACHINERY // 67

She’ll be right – yeah right! MARK DANIEL MACHINERY EDITOR, RURAL NEWS GROUP

TRACTORS, LUV ‘EM OR hate

them, one thing is for sure - life on the farm would be hard without them. Many of us are probably guilty of jumping on and turning the key, and really only worrying about routine servicing when the solenoid clicks, and she won’t go. Perhaps as we start a New Year we should be making a resolution to give the old gal a little TLC, by way of a routine service. Whether you’re running an old grey Fergie or one of todays’ hi- tech honeys, the same rules apply. Broadly speaking the tractor can be broken down into three key areas; the engine, the transmission and the rear transaxle. To the extremities we bolt a wheel to each corner, and a three point linkage and a drawbar to the rear. Starting at the front of the tractor take the time to check the cooling system. First and

foremost check the coolant level, when the engine is cold.

sure that it is clean and none of the fins are bent or broken.

Photo 1

(See photo 1). Try to top up with a proper coolant/anti-freeze mix, normally at a 30-50% ratio. This ensures the system stays clean and free of any deposits and has a chance of operating at maximum efficiency. With the radiator itself, make

Finally make sure that the drive belt that runs the radiator fan, and most likely the water pump is correctly tensioned, and free from cracks. If it isn’t, then replace it. Moving rearwards to the engine itself consider an oil change. Oil is the lifeblood of

the engine and does a number of jobs. As one who’s been in the industry for more years than I care to remember, I can remember the pneumonic I was taught at uni - London County Council Cleansing Dept. Oil lubricates, cools, cleans, is corrosion preventative and dispersant. Whilst the farmyard hack may not clock up the high hours it’s important to ensure that it gets a fresh charge of oil on an annual basis. It’s real easy. Get the engine up to operating temperature, find a suitable receptacle and remove the drain plug from the engine sump. Let the old oil drain out fully, then remove the filter cartridge being mindful that its contents may be hot. (See photo 2). Once everything has drained away, the most important point is to replace the drain plug in the sump. If you don’t you may be surprised how much fresh oil it takes to come up to the

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

68 // MACHINERY

Photo 2

mark on the dipstick. Next step is to pre-charge the replacement filter with oil -remembering to lubricate the sealing gasket on the end of the filter. Install the filter and tighten, only hand tight. Then add oil up to the mark on the dipstick. (See photo 3). Now start the engine. Check that the oil light on the dashboard goes out within a few seconds. Once this happens, stop the engine, add a little more oil to bring it up to the correct mark on the dipstick; then restart the engine. Allow it warm up before use whilst checking around the engine for any leaks. Whilst we are at the front end it’s also a good time to give the air cleaner a check.(See photo 4). This will normally be a cartridge type, which is normally accessed by undoing a number of clips and removing the filter element. If it’s very heavily soiled, treat the tractor

Photo 4

to a replacement, but if it’s not too bad, blow the filter out with an air-line to remove most of the dust. (See photo 5). Once she’s spotless pop it back in.

point it’s worth mentioning that a tractor doesn’t like water in the fuel, particularly when using modern fuels with ultra-low sulphur content, that have very limited lubrication properties. To change the fuel filter, firstly make sure that the area around the filter head is nice and clean, then undo the bleed screw at the bottom of the filter housing and drain off any water. Now remove the filter element and discard safely. Then replace the seals on the filter housing and replace with a new filter element. Now the system needs priming, so firstly ensure the fuel tank is full and the tap is turned on. (See photo 6). Use the hand primer pump to fill the filter housing. Once the housing is full, open the

Photo 3

Also in the engine department we need to ensure the tractor is receiving a fresh supply of clean fuel. At this

bleed screw on the top of the filter housing to eliminate any trapped air. Keep pumping until all air bubbles have

Photo 5

stopped. Now start the tractor whilst keeping an eye out for any leaks. In some cases you may have to just crack open an injector to get the last of the air out of the system, but only do this as a last resort. Moving back down the tractor we now need to look at the area of the gearbox/transmission. This area converts the output of the engine into useable power that can be transmitted to the ground. Inside is normally a selection of shafts gears and clutches that need a regular supply of fresh clean oil. The service schedule will say change every 1000 hours, but some tractors in lifestyle situations may only run up 150 hours a year - so the transmission oil should be changed on an annual basis. To change the oil, firstly run the tractor for about 15 minutes and get it up to operating temperature. Remove the drain plug at the rear of the tractor, and if the tractor is a 4WD, look out for a second drain plug in the area of the 4WD transfer box. Once everything stops draining replace all drain plugs. If the tractor has the correct hours change the hydraulic filter, and top up the transmission to the correct level. This may be indicated by a dipstick, sight-glass or even a level plug. Run the tractor for a couple of minutes, then switch off, and top up to the correct level. (See photo 7). If the tractor is a 4WD unit, drain the oil in the front diff casing, then replace the drain

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

MACHINERY // 69

Photo 7

Photo 6

plug. Remove the level plug, and top up with the correct specification oil until a slight trickle comes from the level hole. Carry out the same procedure with both final drives. Jack up each of the front wheels in turn and rotate until the drain plug is in the 6 o’clock position, remove the plug and drain. Now rotate the wheel to the 9 o’clock position and fill to the level. Replace the drain plug. (See photo 8).

While all this draining and dripping has been going on, walk around the tractor with a loaded grease gun and give every grease nipple a couple of shots. Pay particular attention to the front axle and steering, and the thee-point linkage at the rear of the machine. This small investment of a couple of hours of your time, a fresh filter or two, and a few litres of oil might seem like a chore, but the old gal will love you for it. ◗

Photo 8

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

70 // MACHINERY

Tyre wear can be caused by a number of issues.

Tyres need a little TLC MARK DANIEL MACHINERY EDITOR RURAL NEWS GROUP

THOSE BIG BLACK lumps at each corner of your tractor are the contact with the ground, and as such they ultimately convert the power delivered by the engine into traction, and allow the farmer to carry out a multiplicity of tasks. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise to understand that a little TLC can reap benefits in the long run. Tyre wear can be caused by a number of issues, but the most likely causes are running

at incorrect tyre pressures, operating in poor or arduous conditions that accelerate wear, or having incorrect alignment. With tractor front tyres costing anywhere between $1000 and $3000 each, acting quickly to investigate uneven wear is good policy and can result in serious financial savings Front tyre alignment, or indeed lack of, is probably one of the biggest causes or

irregular tyre wear and, besides the capital cost of replacement, can result in poor operating efficiencies in terms of traction and fuel consumption. The wear problem as a result of misalignment can also be masked by the enduring problem of New Zealand rural roads having no kerbs, resulting in the nearside wheels running on the broken edges and at strange operating angles. First indications of poor

set up can be irregular wear patterns on tyre treads, so after confirming that pressures are correct and sizes are compatible, particularly with four wheel drive units, the next area to take a look at is alignment. This task is normally well within the realms of the average on-farm spanner man, but akin to the carpenter who measures twice and cuts once, the same rules apply. Take the time to

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

72 // MACHINERY

measure accurately, and only make small adjustments. With that in mind acquire an accurate measuring device - a telescopic pole is best, but a good tape measure with a willing helper on the other end will suffice. Alignment is ultimately a function of track width, whilst ensuring that both front wheels run parallel to one other, and also to the direction of travel. By measuring the distance between the front wheels at the 9 o’clock and the 3 o’clock position when viewed from the side, it is possible to ascertain whether the wheels are indeed ‘pointing’ straight ahead. Whilst straight ahead would be the ideal, the ‘real world’ tells us that a small amount of ‘toe-out’ is acceptable, as dynamic forces on the tyres during use, such as braking actually create a small

amount of ‘toe-in’ and balance the static tractor settings. So to carry out an alignment check firstly place the tractor on some level ground, and go and find the helper with the tape measure. Measure the distance between the wheel rims (not the tyre) across the front of the tractor at around the centre point of the wheel hub. Now move to the rear of the tyre and take same measurement, again parallel to the centre of the wheel hub. Comparing the two measurements will give an indication of the alignment. The same measurement shows that the wheels are ‘parallel’, whilst a wider measurement at the front indicates ‘toe-out’ and a greater measurement at the rear shows ‘toe-in’.

If required adjustment can be carried out by firstly by loosening the nut on the track control rod end, and after such using a soft hammer or punch to free the bolt from its taper. It’s also good practice to discard the locking nut at this point and source a new item for replacement. Now the track rod can be adjusted to the desired length to achieve the alignment required, whilst remembering that we are looking at figures in millimetres, so accuracy is vitally important. A little trial and error may be required at this point to get the job right. Now reposition the wheel and re-insert the track rod into its location, using a smear of grease before reassembly, and tightening the new lock nut to pull everything into position. At this

point it is good practice to take a re-measure to ensure all is well. Now run the tractor forward around 20m and then do the same in reverse, and with all being well the job is done, so sit back and relax. In closing remember that although it is tempting to squeeze every last penny from your tyres, badly worn rubber is a false economy. Not only can they be illegal and prone to blowouts, but they can end up costing you more in lost performance, particularly traction and handling. Rubber is perishable and can degrade, so you should consider replacing tyres that are over five years old, even if they have tread remaining. Think carefully before considering used tyres. Modern tyres are a complex series of components and layers and although the tread may seem sound, you will not know the condition of the structure and carcass and whether it has been subject to abuse or damage. ◗ Rubber is perishable and can degrade so consider replacing tyres that are over 5 years old.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

74 // TECHNOLOGY / AUTOMATION

A new herringbone shed.

Sharpen your focus on a new farm dairy CLARE BAYLY

THE FARM DAIRY is literally

the heart of the farm and the need to replace, renovate or build new is a significant event in the life of any farmer and any farm. This article looks at the key decision points which will sharpen your focus on the most appropriate type of dairy for your farming business. Waikato Milking Systems has been designing and building dairy systems and technology for more than 30 years. When we first started, back in the 1980s, the average herd was 130 cows. Since then the average New Zealand herd has tripled in size to a new high of 413 cows in the 2013-2014 season. In the 1980s, the most popular shed was a herringbone but, as farms amalgamated and herds grew, it become more difficult to find and retain skilled staff, and as the

frequency and duration of milkings changed, farmers increasingly opted for rotary systems. The good news is that if you are considering replacing, renovating or building a new farm dairy you now have more choice than ever before, of the type of farm dairy right for your farm and the design and composition of that dairy. This article simplifies what at first glance can be a complex proposition into key decision points which, when answered, will provide clarity on your new farm dairy. Herd size The new dairy needs to stand the test of time and still be performing optimally in 25 years, so how big will the herd be then? Choosing the right farm dairy today will futureproof your business. Milking time How long do you or your

team want to be in the farm dairy? Most farmers, regardless of the number of milkings per day, agree that 2.5 hours is the optimum time, ensuring the herd spends most of each day eating grass – not walking to or from the dairy or waiting to be milked. Staff How many people do you want in the farm dairy? Herringbones – depending on the length of the pit – often require two or more staff to milk efficiently whereas with automation one person can efficiently milk 1000 cows in a 60-bail rotary. Technology/automation What technology do you want to include in the build? You also want a milking system which is technologically advanced, robust and easy to operate so every member of your team, and relief milkers, can fully utilise it. Waikato

Milking Systems keeps complexity out of its systems and uses technology to ensure they are easy to use and result in an uncluttered milking environment. Components – design and robustness The components in your new dairy need to be able to withstand heavy use. Claw clusters are exposed to continual impact and the highest risk of damage. The claw bowl is designed and manufactured to withstand the toughest use, backed up with a five year warranty. Local dealer Most farmers will have a relationship with a local dealer which has built up over years. Choosing the right platform and machine is one thing, but ongoing support is another and vital for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your business.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

76 // TECHNOLOGY / AUTOMATION The type of dairy you choose is strongly influenced by farm size and budget.

Pivo the

Waikato Milking Systems says the fact that its platforms and technologies are designed and manufactured in NZ provides you with a unique reassurance of back-up support and service across the country. Total cost of ownership It is easy to get side-tracked by the up-front cost of renovating or building a new farm dairy but it is important to consider the total cost of ownership over the life of the building, system and technology. You want to know that the investment you make today is future-proofed so it can easily be updated over the years to keep pace with advances in technology. You also want a system which is reliable, with reduced maintenance costs. Choosing the right system The type of dairy you choose

The higher capital outlay involved in building a rotary compared to an equivalent herringbone is justified by greatly increased labour efficiency, the opportunity for more automation and a better milking environment. is strongly influenced by farm size and budget. The decision to choose a herringbone over a rotary is closely related to cow numbers, milking time expectation and budget limitations. Location When choosing the location of your new farm dairy you may want to consider the correlation of the new milking platform to your paddock layout. Proximity to essential services is critical, e.g. distance to power, tanker track and effluent ponds. You also need to consider the potential for future expansion,

i.e. will the new dairy be in an optimal location if you add another block of land? Herringbone or rotary? The general rule of thumb is herringbone for herds up to 400 cows, and above that rotary is the preferred system. Dairies run most efficiently when the capacity of the equipment to milk the cows matches the capacity of the labour to milk the cows. This means your staff wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be waiting for the equipment to finish, and you can rest assured your system is being fully

utilised, not idle and waiting for milkers to catch up. The higher capital outlay involved in building a rotary compared to an equivalent herringbone is justified by greatly increased labour efficiency, the opportunity for more automation and a better milking environment. Centrus Composite Rotary Platforms Until recently, the choice of construction of rotary platforms was limited to concrete and steel. However, Waikato Milking Systems several years ago launched Centrus Composite platforms, the first rotary platforms in the world built specifically to resolve the issues faced by large-scale farmers with operations that often run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The extreme lightness and strength of the platforms is also finding favour

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

TECHNOLOGY / AUTOMATION // 77

with farmers because the total cost of ownership is less than with traditional platforms. The composite platforms, available in 60- and 84-bail configurations, are 80% lighter and up to seven times stronger than concrete equivalents, the lightness and strength reducing wear and tear on running gear, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. The difference in weight and its impact on wear, tear and maintenance is obvious when you consider that an 84-bail concrete rotary platform, without cows, weighs around 45 tonnes while a Centrus 84 weighs eight tonnes. Add 67 tonnes of cows to either deck and you can appreciate that the enormous weight of concrete platforms exerts more wear and tear on the support and turning Pivot rollers maintain perfect alignment with the platform’s support structure.

The decks of the Centrus platforms completely cover and protect the milking machine, and the surface is impervious to milk and wash chemicals, so they look like new for life. Rubber mats in the deck surfaces provide new levels of cow comfort and an extremely quiet milking environment. structures, requiring a higher degree of maintenance than the composite alternative. The decks of the Centrus platforms completely cover and protect the milking machine, and the surface is impervious to milk and wash chemicals, so they look like new for life. Rubber mats in the deck surfaces provide new levels of

cow comfort and an extremely quiet milking environment. Orbit and Revolution Concrete Rotary Platforms The Orbit (2.7m wide platform) and Revolution (1.8m wide platform) concrete rotary platforms are available in a wide range of bail configurations.

The decks are 100mm thick and bails are hot dipped galvanised. The Orbit has an automatic oiling system and the deck ports allow the best cluster alignment on the market today. Pivot Rollers – exclusively available on rotary platforms Another world-first features in the driving mechanism of the new rotary platforms. Pivot rollers maintain perfect alignment with the platform’s support structure (the ‘I’ beam) even under 24-hour milking conditions and/or in the event of ground subsidence. The resulting 100% contact enhances the performance and decreases wear and tear on the platform. The pivot roller is engineered as a sacrificial component,

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

78 // TECHNOLOGY / AUTOMATION

Rubber mats on WMS rotary platforms.

with any contact surface wear factored into the roller itself. This means that if significant wear occurs, the rollers can be simply swapped out between milkings without the need for other engineering repairs. Herringbone dairy systems Waikato Milking Systems offer three in-line system options –Supa4, Loopline and Lowline. Known for its fast, clean

milking characteristics, the Supa4 has out-performed and out-sold all others in its class. A single 100mm milk pipe drains into a receiver at one end of the pit so flooding never happens and milking is fast and uninterrupted. The Loopline milking system is designed for Midline swingover and low-line herringbone installations. The name stems from the looping of two milk pipes which feed into one receiver,

effectively spreading the load/ volume during milking and maintaining constant and stable milking vacuum. A Lowline Herringbone provides a stable milking environment. The milk travels downwards as in a rotary, rather than upwards as in a typical mid-line swing-over herringbone, and the milk pipes are mounted in the pit below the cow platform. The milk therefore travels straight down from the cups

into the receiver, contributing to exceptional vacuum stability which speeds the milking process. Milking systems for every farm type Waikato Milking Systems’ has won worldwide regard for its expertise in designing and manufacturing dairy systems for any farming type – from small family based farming to intensive 24 hour milking operations. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION // 79

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Is it time to upgrade the dairy shed?

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

80 // TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION

A new dairy shed can be a significant investment.

working well i.e. the milker is idle or flat out, dairy is too cramped, or it takes too long to milk. In this case it is possible that the extra capacity released by the increased efficiency of a new set up could be used to help generate funds to pay for the investment. Sometimes the motivation for change may be a combination of both - for example, milking may be taking too long and extra income may be needed to cover increasing expenses. Other reasons for seeking changes include the desire to improve the working environment to get benefits like: Reduced OSH risks. Improved attitudes to the milking job and farming in general. More time to spend on management tasks or being able to attract (and keep) high calibre staff to take over the day-to-day operational tasks.

Upgrading goals

It is important to be very clear about what is motivating the desire for a change and to have a focused picture of the farm goals. If the primary goal is to increase disposable income there may be other ways to achieve this without undertaking a major building project. Not all of a farmer’s goals will be financially motivated but every decision made on the farm has a financial implication. The implications of building a new dairy need to be analysed from many different angles so the risks of financial failure are kept to a minimum and financial targets are reached. General considerations Will the change be an upgrade or a whole new dairy? Will more cows be required to make an investment in a new dairy feasible? If extra cows are required, what will the impact be on the herd, feed, management, labour,

infrastructure and debt? Make sure that all additional costs associated with a new dairy are taken into consideration when doing budgets and plans. These costs can have a major impact on the financial viability of a project e.g. will the existing infrastructure meet requirements of an expanded herd (effluent, fencing, laneways and water)? Infrastructure checklist Checking that all necessary elements have been included before seeking quotes will mean quotes need be sought once only. Sending a single set of requirements to all suppliers also ensures they are all quoting on the same job, allowing meaningful comparisons to be made between quotes. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and your milk company have strict requirements around dairy infrastructure relating to milk quality and collection. Before

beginning any construction or changes, consult your milk company. The ‘Infrastructure Checklist’ document is a spreadsheet checklist for making changes to milking infrastructure. The checklist may be used as a guide to work through during the design stage, helping you to determine infrastructure requirements for your farm business. Space has been provided to indicate that each item has been considered. It is a good idea to use ticks and crosses to indicate those items that are okay and those needing fixing or upgrading. Space is also provided for a brief description of the problem or upgrade required, and the anticipated cost or funds available to complete the upgrade. Keep in mind that while the checklist attempts to address all aspects when planning changes, it is does not consider every detail. ◗

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION // 81

SUMMARY All dairy farmers should base their decisions on clearly defined personal and business goals. If you haven’t already defined goals for your farm business, make it a priority. DairyNZ’s Mark and Measure courses are a way to upskill yourself in financial management and goal setting for your business. When planning a new dairy it makes sense to draw up a wish list first. This initial planning is the first step in sorting out priorities. Once the ‘must have’ priorities have emerged, financial analysis of the cost implications can begin. Decisions on upgrades need to be analysed in terms of the impact proposed changes will make to milker and cow comfort - some things may be worth paying more for. Building a new dairy is a big undertaking. Most farmers are not project engineers and have plenty of other work to do on the farm. A project manager is a valuable asset on many dairy construction projects, however it is important to ensure yours is reputable and experienced in all aspects of dairy builds. It is their responsibility to make sure that things happen on time and the desired result is achieved. Also make sure you employ a builder with experience in dairy construction. Visit other farmers’ dairies, preferably during milking, for ideas and feedback on the performance of different products.

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

82 // AGRIBUSINESS

Leasing dairy support land can be expensive.

Points to consider when leasing dairy support land ERIC JACOMB FARMWISE CONSULTANT CANTERBURY

LEASING SUPPORT LAND

can work very well, however it commonly involves a big investment of time and money. Risks and benefits need to be assessed before commitments are made, to ensure the proposal fits with the purpose of the farming business. Leasing provides control over the support feed, allowing more efficient use of that feed, and

owners can ensure that stock and supplements sourced from the lease meet targets. For these reasons the net profit from leasing support land is often quite low, as a lessee (or tenant) will be prepared to pay for the benefit of having control. Environmental regulations must be investigated more rigorously than in the past. And there is a relatively

standard expectation that the property will be returned in at least the state it was at the commencement of the lease, so careful consideration of the risks, benefits and foreseeable costs to achieve this are essential before entering into an agreement. To help weigh up the risks and benefits, the following questions could be considered

before entering into a lease agreement. Does the lease proposal fit the purpose of the farming business? Determine a purpose statement first, describing what the farming businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; purpose is, then any investment considered needs to be aligned with that purpose.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

84 // AGRIBUSINESS

Does the lease proposal fit the needs of the lessor? Ensuring that the lease fits the needs of both parties requires full and open discussions before entering into an agreement. Knowing what is likely to upset the lessor, or landlord, is essential to minimise the risk of disputes and increase the probability of obtaining further terms. Make sure you are comfortable with meeting these expectations; they may be unrealistic. How reasonable is the lessor to deal with? The lessor is in a business relationship with the lessee so both parties need to be comfortable that they can work through issues as they arise. Emotions come into play when dealing with land; common sense can go out the window! What is the impact of the lease proposal on the cost structure of the overall business? All costs of the lease need to be included, including a contingency for dispute resolution as these occur and can be costly. The repairs and maintenance provision needs to be adequate. Often there can be a

big investment in getting a lease up and running; is this costed properly? Has a full property inspection been carried out? Commonly issues with soil fertility, poor fertiliser history, weeds and poor maintenance occur on lease land; the effect of these issues needs to be budgeted for. Digitally dated photos of areas likely to be requiring work over the lease term are useful to record the prior condition. For both parties’ protection, having a professional inspect the property prior to the commencement can be worthwhile. Ultimately the higher the quality of evidence provided the better the result in a dispute resolution process. Consider the significance of the benefits from the lease proposal: is it worthwhile for a minor benefit or would the owner’s time be better focussed on another investment? What time commitment from owner/dairy farm management team will be required? Consider the impact on management of the dairy farm. Will the time involved result

in the dairy farm getting less management input than it requires? Larger scale operations have the ability to lease larger support operations and fully staff them with full time managers to minimise this risk. Many farms that lease runoffs end up having to either work more or employ more staff. Will the proposal work under environmental rules? In Canterbury, for example, a lessee will need to ensure that the proposal will meet Environment Canterbury rules. If the property is irrigated under an irrigation scheme, the lessee will need to ensure that the proposal will be allowed by the irrigation scheme rules. An example of environmental rules that may need to be considered is stock exclusion from riverbeds. In Canterbury the maps defining the riverbed lines currently include a lot of intensively farmed land. Very little of this land is consented under the new rules; there is risk to the lessee if this land is leased. What risks are there with environmental rules changing? Do you understand the environmental risks of the

property, and what proposed rule changes are being considered? Assess the environmental risks: are they low, moderate or high as this will impact on the value proposition. Generally changes to environmental rules are well signalled; the information on these changes will be publicly available and can be considered. Lease agreement fit for purpose? There are a number of standard lease agreements available; before signing it is essential that a lessee understands the clauses and ensures they are comfortable with what they are committing to. Many of the clauses can be negotiated and additional clauses inserted to fit the needs of both parties. Understanding of terms such as “fair wear and tear” needs to be clear. At a minimum seek legal advice before signing; consider engaging a farm consultant to help obtain a lease agreement fit for purpose. To sum up, leasing can be worthwhile; the requirements of both parties need to be determined and met and the risks of the proposal must be investigated, mitigated and considered properly before entering into an agreement. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

86 // EMPLOYMENT

Avoid turning your farm into a disrupted workplace MIKE BAILEY FARMWISE CONSULTANT

THERE ARE MANY aspects of employment in which farm owners or those responsible for hiring staff often feel they don’t get it right – time after time. The end result is unhappy owners, disgruntled workmates and generally a disrupted work place. It’s not always easy to get the right people applying but you are in complete control of conveying, in an advertisement, who you are and what you want, so spend time thinking about your business and how best to convey it. If you have a vision and mission statement this will give you an idea of your objectives and perhaps the values you have for your farm and the type of people you want working in your business. Create a detailed description of how you operate and then think about the role required. With all this at hand you should be able to create an advertisement that will attract the right people. Once you start receiving CVs make sure you send a standard email reply stating you have received their application and will be back in touch. This is good practice and good manners. Establish likely candidates then get busy ringing around. It’s quite telling what you can find out by simply talking to a candidate; some rule themselves out at this stage. Questions like ‘how much money?’ and ‘how big is the house?’ are not great opening exchanges! Once you have three or four good candidates, contact a couple of referees to help establish whether a candidate is suitable for an interview. Get yourself

Farm owners should get it right when hiring staff.

well prepared with checksheets of questions and use them with referees and candidates. Once you get to the interview stage, again a standard set of questions and some straightforward calculations (e.g. on allocating pasture, spreading rates of nitrogen, mixing drenches and sprays) are useful in defining what level of numeracy and literacy you are dealing with, despite what a referee might tell you. It also allows you to compare candidates. Have at least two of you in the interview asking questions: have someone asking questions on grass management and stock management, and someone else asking about goals; this

allows you to be more thorough and consider answers better and it simply provides a different perspective to your own. Visiting a prospective employee’s home is also a good strategy, especially at the manager, contract milker and sharemilker level. Once you decide on your preferred candidate you need to provide an offer of employment along with a detailed job description that should outline responsibilities, conditions of employment such as housing, salary, time off and any associated perks of the job. Before the new employee starts, you must have a signed employment contract and acknowledgement one

way or another whether the 90-day rule is to be used. If your employee starts before they sign the contract you cannot apply the 90-day rule retrospectively. A detailed description of your farm system is also useful as it highlights how you want your property run and sets out the values under which you farm. This can be tucked into the employment contract and signed as well. If your new recruit has all the above and is ready to go, then the work begins with regard to how successful your human resources strategy will be. Putting in the effort at the outset is important, but the effort required does not stop with getting someone on the

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

EMPLOYMENT // 87

ground. Managing human resources is important: someone must take ownership of this aspect of the business and devote time and effort to working through well tested processes. DairyNZ’s ‘Quickstart People Productivity kit’ describes this aspect of managing performance as the performance management cycle: plan, observe, feedback, train and coach, review. You can call it what you like but it’s essentially all about setting and implementing plans, monitoring actions and the ability to follow that plan, then assessing and acting on any needs that may be required to fulfil your plan to a satisfactory standard or outcome. An induction for a new recruit is vitally important in getting staff comfortable with where everything is located, procedures in the shed, farm implements, tools and transport. This is a perfect time

to go over your worksafe policy as well, along with expectations of team meetings and their purpose and frequency. Now your new staff member, armed with the job description and a detailed system description, and having completed an induction and knowing what is expected, can confidently play their role in supporting your business. Observing employee performance on the job and giving constructive feedback allows for tweaking of performance to suit your particular standards. At this point it will come to light where some targeted training or coaching will help develop the new staff member. After a suitable time a formal review should take place. There are many examples of this available to employers but the nature of a review is to get the staff member to ascertain how they feel they have performed against where the employer believes they are. When this is

done correctly it provides great opportunity for discussion and provides pathways for future learning or training requirements, as well as satisfaction as achievement milestones are passed. I would encourage reviews for all levels of staff, right through to 50/50 sharemilkers and equity managers; it’s good policy in human resources. Other general aspects of being a good employer are to treat all staff with dignity and respect and treat everyone the same without showing undue favouritism, be inclusive at team meetings and get everyone’s opinion. You can’t necessarily run the farm by consensus but getting everyone’s opinion helps everyone to feel valued and important. Go the extra mile with non-cash benefits, dinner at the pub, movies, sleep-in on birthdays; these go a long way to developing a devoted and loyal workforce. On the other side of the

fence, for those looking to find that perfect job, consider how you are presenting yourself. Photos on a CV should not be important but often in reality they are. Get rid of the dopey hat and singlet when turning up for an interview and make sure your voice message on your mobile is not offensive. Spellcheck your covering letter with your CV and get your grammar correct. Make sure the font is not too small. In reality you are trying to stand out to people most likely of your parents’ or even grandparents’ age. Lastly, when sending a CV by email make sure your covering letter is specific and not generic to a bunch of other adverts you might have applied for that day. In summary, on both sides of the employment spectrum there are challenges; getting the right staff and retaining them takes some effort. But getting the ideal job or the ideal employee will be rewarding all-round. ◗

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

88 // EMPLOYMENT

Employees must know their entitlements ROSE MCVEAGH DAIRYNZ DEVELOPER

AT WORK, DAIRY employees have rights and responsibilities. Some are law, some are commonsense and some are because you work on a farm. It’s important to know what you are entitled to, because good people are needed in farming and the industry is keen to keep the

good sorts. So, here are the basics of employment. Getting paid Let’s cover the important one first. If you’re working, you want to get paid. Plus it’s reasonable to be paid fairly for your work, depending on your skills, work experience and the tasks you have to do. This means: kk You

should get paid minimum wage or above for all the hours you work kk You don’t normally get paid for unpaid meal breaks like breakfast and lunch kk You have a formal agreement for accommodation, if it’s provided, and the accommodation is in good condition kk You may also have other benefits (e.g. free firewood) as part of your employment agreement. Note that in the dairy industry it’s common to calculate

pay based on ‘seasonal averaging’. This means some employers average out pay across a 12 month period, because traditionally more hours are worked during calving than in the low season. This is fine, provided you are not paid less than the minimum wage in any given pay period or fortnight. For example, on your timesheet if you worked 120 hours over a two-week period and your salary is $45,000 you are entitled to a top-up payment so you earn at least

Southland farmer Matthew Richards with his team Sarah Cobb and Raymund Ramel.

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

EMPLOYMENT // 89

minimum wage during this time. This is because a $45,000 salary ÷ 26 weeks ÷ 120 hours per fortnight is an hourly rate of $14.42 per hour. The minimum wage is currently $14.75 per hour so you should be topped up $39.60 ($14.75 - $14.42 = $0.33 and $0.33 x 120 hours = $39.60). Keep up-to-date with the current minimum wage by visiting http://employment.govt. nz/er/pay/minimumwage/ Accommodation If provided with a place to live on the farm, you will normally enter into a ‘service tenancy’ agreement. This basically means you are renting that house only because of your work. A lot of employers now separate accommodation from pay, to make it easy. This is done in two steps: kk fair pay (at market rate) is salary or wages provided for

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If employed on a casual agreement, you should only be asked to work as required and should not expect any regular work. When asked to work, you have the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the work, depending on whether or not you are available.

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calculated.

kk fair rent (at market rate) is

payment for the accommodation. In this case, the only way your pay and accommodation are linked is if you allow your employer to deduct rent directly from your pay (and because of the service tenancy agreement). If your accommodation arrangement is done differently and you aren’t sure of the maths, ask your employer to talk you through it so that you understand how your pay is

Employment agreements You should have signed a written contract (an employment agreement) before you started the job. This sets out in writing what the agreement is between you and the employer. It tells you what hours you need to work, what jobs you have to do, what leave you can take, etc. Keep it somewhere safe so you can look up anything you’re not sure of in future. If you are employed on a

fixed term agreement, this means you are only employed for a set amount of time (e.g. due to a project or parental leave cover). You should expect this work to end on the date it says in your agreement. If employed on a casual agreement, you should only be asked to work as required and should not expect any regular work. When asked to work, you have the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the work, depending on whether or not you are available. If you have any questions about your employment agreement or there are things you don’t understand, ask your employer or visit www.ers.dol. govt.nz. Timesheets To get paid, you normally need to record the hours you work on a timesheet. Be honest! You should only record the

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GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT 2016

90 // EMPLOYMENT

It is important to keep safe at work and this is the employee’s responsiblity.

actual hours you work. Take off any hours you don’t work, such as lunchtime. The timesheets are normally given to your employer and it’s a good idea to keep a record of the hours you work on a calendar, in a diary or on your phone. Your employer should also be keeping records of all the hours you work, your pay and your leave/holidays. Leave Check your employment agreement for the leave you are allowed to take. You should be entitled to a minimum of: Four weeks annual leave each year (after 12 months continuous service) Five days sick leave each year (after six months continuous service) Up to 11 public holidays (depending on your roster) Bereavement leave (after six months continuous service). More information about leave is available at www.dairynz.co.nz or http://employment.govt.nz/er/ holidaysandleave/index.asp

Keeping safe It’s important to keep safe at work and this is your responsibility. You also have a responsibility to make sure you don’t injure other people at your work. It’s all about being safe rather than sorry! To keep safe at work, you must: kk Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer (e.g. helmets) kk Not use drugs or alcohol at work kk Report any hazards that could injure someone (e.g. dangerous equipment, slippery surfaces, chemicals without lids, damaged electrical leads, broken fences at the effluent pond, etc.) kk Report any ‘incidents’ or ‘close-calls’ to your employer kk Be constantly aware of dangers in your work environment kk Stick to the safety rules on the farm kk Contribute to planning for safety and wellbeing in the team. Your employer also has responsibilities to ensure

the farm is generally a safe workplace. In general, you must do what your employer tells you to do as they will normally have your safety in mind. However, you should also speak up if you don’t want to do something because you think it’s unsafe. To find out more about safety on farms, visit www.saferfarms. org.nz. Rosters Because of the different seasons in dairy work, you will sometimes need to work long hours and work hard. However, the best farms to work on offer a range of tasks, allow reasonable time off for your personal life and know the dangers of exhausted staff. A well-designed farm roster means that you are normally: kk Not likely to work more than 50 hours a week kk Not likely to work more than 10 hours a day kk Not likely to work more than four hours in any day before a break is taken kk Given regular days off (at least two days in a row).

Planning for your future If you’re keen to work in the dairy industry for a while, ask your employer for advice on what jobs you could do in future and start thinking about building your career. Traditionally, farming has been a job where you start at the bottom and work up. Even if farm ownership isn’t possible, a good career in dairying could turn out to be just the right thing for you. ◗

MORE INFORMATION If you have any questions or concerns about the set-up of your employment, raise the query with your employer in the first instance. More information about employment basics is available at www.dairynz.co.nz. You can also join the Workplace Action Plan which is a project designed to improve dairy farms so they are great places to work. You can find more information, show your support and contribute by visiting www.dairynz.co.nz/ wap. Become a friend of the Workplace Action Plan.

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