Cutting-edge innovation - ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING MEETS GET TO KNOW LUKE MCKEE - NZ Farm Source
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JUNE 2022 ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING MEETS cutting-edge innovation GET TO KNOW LUKE MCKEE FARM SOURCE CENTRAL DISTRICTS REGIONAL HEAD LOOK OUTSIDE THE MASTITIS BOX NOT REPLACING MILK LINERS IS LIKE DRIVING ON OLD BALD TYRES
ONE MORE LAYER OF CERTAINTY THIS WINTER Few things in farming are certain, but now the Farm Source Certainty Guarantee means that as the temperature drops, we’re keeping the prices low on a wide range of winter clothing and footwear until the end of October 2022. It’s another way we’re working to strengthen your bottom line. *T&Cs apply. See nzfarmsource.co.nz/promotions nzfarmsource.co.nz/certainty
EARN BONUS 10 on every bag of Pioneer® Brand Hybrid Seed Maize transacted between 1 September and 30 November.* *For full details and Terms and Conditions, visit NZFARMSOURCE.CO.NZ/TCS. Fonterra exclusive offer.
Farm Dairy Records
are now open
To meet the Co-operative and Prosperity
achievement, you need to keep full and
accurate Farm Dairy Records and submit
them online by 30 June 2022.
Meeting this achievement contributes to the first level of recognition
of The Co-operative Difference, Te Pūtake and receiving 7c kgMS on all
milk supplied. As well as meeting this achievement, this information is
used to:
• Report on sustainability commitments.
• Advocate on your behalf with communities and regulators.
• Develop better services to support you and your business.
• Ensure we are meeting consumer requirements.
Benefits of submitting online
• Some of the fields will be pre-populated with information you’ve
provided previously before you even start.
• In the Fonterra Nitrogen Risk Scorecard pathway, you’ll have the
flexibility to make changes if you’ve missed something after it’s
been submitted.
• If you’ve used the Dairy Diary app, you will see your fertiliser and
feed information pre-populated into your Farm Dairy Records, so
you won’t have to fill them all in again.
Under the Terms of Supply, you must have submitted your Farm
Dairy Records by 31 July 2022.
30
Go to nzfarmsource.co.nz/farmdairyrecords
or scan QR code with your mobile camera to
complete your records now.
June
ON FARM
Get to know Luke Mckee
2 Central Districts’ new Regional Head, Luke McKee, on keeping our
competitive edge on the dairy world stage.
Look outside the mastitis box
Teat spray automation brings big benefits 4
7
A Milk Quality Support Visit sparked a downwards trend for a
on Northland farm Northland farm’s somatic cell count.
Save time, eliminate mistakes and ultimately find peace of
mind with FIL’s Intelliblend teat spray. Solving staff shortages in time for calving
5 DairyNZ’s new GoDairy Go Now campaign is highlighting the benefits
of working in dairy and the opportunities available to job seekers.
Not replacing milk liners is like driving on old
bald tyres
8 Farm Source and Skellerup Dairy Technical Specialists discussed
key considerations when renewing and checking rubberware in a
recent Live Q&A Session.
Good winter grazing
12 Selecting paddocks early, testing soil and graze paddocks strategically
are a few of the steps to meet the year’s intensive winter grazing rules.
Get ready for calving season
Don’t let water hold back your milk quality 16 Our calving check-list to help make shopping for calving easy.
Blocked delivery lines, choked filters or blocked teat spray
nozzles? Ecolab’s innovation elevates ‘good’ teat care
programmes to ‘great’.
10 Animal health and wellbeing meets cutting-edge
innovation
18 Why animal monitoring technology can be like adding another person
to your team.
Farm Source Seasonal Focus Bag-Bottle-Boost
21 Help prevent milk fever relapse with a three – step treatment regime.
Wednesday 15 June th
Reverse trace element deficiencies well
Join Farm Source Milk Programme Lead Daniel
before mating
Heine and FIL National Sales Manager Colin May as 23 The beginning of the season is a timely reminder to review the trace
they discuss teat hygiene, common misconceptions element and mineral status of your herd.
about somatic cell count and how to set your herd
up for success this season. Register for free at Setting up for a successful calf rearing season
nzfarmsource.co.nz/milkquality
24 Are your stock set up to meet liveweight targets and ensure productivity?
Water medication helps
25 Support your cows pre-calving with magnesium, without upsetting
PIEDAY their water intake.
FRIDAY PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
3rd June
36
Managing the performance of your greatest asset
Take the pain out of weighing your herd for fast data and objective
decisions.
1st July COMMUNITY
Pay us a visit at your local Farm Source store and 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Award
Winner taking all opportunities
enjoy a yarn with the team over a kiwi classic. 32 The Canterbury/ Otago region is celebrating a clean sweep at
Remember to always blow on the pie!
the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
All offers featured in this issue of Enrich magazine are valid from 1 June to 30 June 2022 unless otherwise stated or while stocks last. Prices include 15% GST and are subject to change. Some
products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of RD1 Limited, its staff or related companies. While
RD1 Limited believes the information contained in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by RD1 Limited for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction and no liability (whether
in tort or otherwise) is accepted for any loss of any kind that may arise from actions taken in reliance on the contents of this publication. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the prior written
consent of RD1 Limited and, if applicable, the author of the editorial. The icon and the Farm Source logo are registered Trademarks of Fonterra Co-Operative Group.
GET TO KNOW
Luke McKee
Farm Source Central Districts Regional Head
Luke McKee understands dairy “But even then, I kept a close eye on “We need to maintain our competitive side
farming from top to bottom. New Zealand Dairy for which I have and the passion for dairying.
a passion, and always intended to
Now in his second month as Farm come back.” “We have to change our way of working,
Source Central Districts Regional Head, invest more in the business and become
Luke is directly applying global dairy He’s now waiting for the end of the July sustainable.”
insights to hands-on sustainable and school year when his wife and daughter
profitable farm practices. will join him here from Sweden. That said, New Zealand’s pasture-based
milk production (compared to barn-
He mixes strategic strengths with tactical Luke brings an understanding of what housed cows in Europe and other
on-farm implementation in his role leading customers in global markets want – Northern Hemisphere countries where
the team of +70 Farm Source staff, in the including milk’s numerous nutritional feed makes up 40% of farmer costs) is
area covering from south Whanganui to benefits – matched against key areas a huge advantage, Luke says.
Gisborne, with about 900 dairy farmers. to be addressed on-farm such as
greenhouse gas emissions, animal Sheeting the global consumer preference
The wide geographic scope as well as the welfare, energy use, soil improvement for such milk through milk flow and
variety of farm sizes, soils and farm types and increased biodiversity. processing back to the dairy farm itself
bring their challenges, but his upbringing is a key component of his new role.
on a dairy farm and his inherent customer- He notes other countries are making
focus means Luke is prepared. major commitments to sustainability. “I’m here to support our suppliers to
USA dairying intends on being carbon grow their businesses, and I do that best
Luke never intended on becoming a neutral by 20501 while optimising water by understanding what drives them,”
dairy farmer, but he took an opportunity use and recycling. Meanwhile, the he says.
that was presented and began his journey EU has mandated greenhouse gas
through the industry. Firstly as a herd emissions will reduce by 55% by 20302, “This means we have to be knowledgeable
manager, progressing to sharemilking while improving milk quality, food safety, and provide proactive support.
with 1,000-1,800 cow herds. Taking a step animal welfare and profitability
into the corporate world, he commenced a “Farm Source must continue to build
role as Manager of LIC’s R&D Innovation These issues are close to his heart, and trust, in order to develop and maintain
Farm near Hamilton. he appreciates he has his work cut out in a strong relationship.”
such a widely dispersed region.
Following this, he took up took up a Luke makes the point that Fonterra
role with DeLaval as Product Manager “We have challenges around land use, interacts with farmers in a range of ways,
for New Zealand, Australia and South and a push back on dairying into other from printed articles and social media to
Africa, and five and a half years ago options such as dry stock, cropping and personal interactions.
headed to Sweden where he became horticulture,” Luke says.
Head of Brand.
“I had a very broad remit and it was a
great role,” Luke says. “We want to have engaged farmers achieving their on-farm
goals, and a passionate and motivated Farm Source team.
“It required a good grasp of hands-on
practical farming mixed with a broad We’ll do that by exceeding Fonterra farmer expectations and
understanding of what is happening assisting them with the undoubted challenges coming over
at global levels.” the horizon, ” says Luke McKee.
2
“We have to change our way of
working, invest more in the business
and become sustainable,” Luke says.
“All of those play a strong part, but
more than 50% of our impact is through
personal engagement with our farmers,”
says Luke.
“Face-to-face interaction is hard to beat
as a way to build relationships.”
He describes part of his role to
encourage a ‘flow of understanding’
through the industry. It starts with
a global perspective, that filters to
New Zealand, and down to Fonterra
dairy farmers. Farm Source teams then
play a critical part in supporting those
farmers…while always being mindful
of the global imperative.
Within such a holistic picture, his measures
of success are surprisingly simple.
“We want to have engaged farmers
achieving their on-farm goals, and a
passionate and motivated Farm Source
team,” he says.
“We’ll do that by exceeding Fonterra
farmer expectations and assisting them
with the undoubted challenges coming
over the horizon.
“That means building a strong culture in
the Farm Source teams to underpin our
farmers. That is entirely because if we’re
good together, we’re stronger together.”
1
McComb, L. (2020). U.S. Dairy Advances Journey
To Net Zero Carbon Emissions By 2050, https://
www.usdairy.com/media/press-releases/us-dairy-
advances-journey-to-net-zero-carbon-emissions-
by-2050
2
Climate change: EU to cut CO2 emissions by 55%
by 2030. (2021), https://www.bbc.com/news/world-
europe-56828383
ENRICH | JUNE 2022 3
Look outside the mastitis box
On a 300-cow, 400-hectare (ha) He also completed a short milking time Throughout the visit, Soryn asked a lot
farm in Okaihau, Northland, assessment before putting together of questions allowing him to start adding
owners Soryn Thomas and a report detailing the findings and emollient and incorporating the tips and
Penny May were at their wits’ recommendations to reduce SCC. milking skills into his daily routine.
end with mastitis.
The key advice in Soryn’s report was to “I’m a believer that any idea is a good idea,
use an emollient and this was supported it’s just about taking it all on board and
A high somatic cell count (SCC) has by techniques on removing the cups and then figuring out what does and doesn’t
been an issue on the farm since Soryn trimming tails to lower the risk of bacteria work on your farm.
and Penny took ownership of it, and as build up in close proximity to udder and
someone who admits to learning the teat ends. “I know some things that work for me
ropes since then, Soryn welcomed an won’t work for someone else and vice
independent Milk Quality Support Visit “Emollient contributes up to half the versa. Thankfully Ryan was really insightful
by Farm Source. effectiveness of teat spray,” explains Ryan. and if I run into strife, I now have other
ideas up my sleeve.”
“Before buying the farm, I’d never milked “Conditioning teats with emollient keeps
a cow,” he says. the teat skin smooth and supple reducing A high SCC count isn’t an overnight fix,
the ability for mastitis causing bacterial to but Soryn is pleased to report the changes
“I was a builder by trade before I got into harbour in cracks and sores. he’s made are having a positive impact.
farming and started rearing calves.
“A concentration of 10-15% emollient in “Going into this next season we will
“After two years and a crash in the calf teat spray should be used in higher risk continue to change things and I’m
market, it got to be too much and when I periods or year-round on some farms for looking forward to that downwards
looked at alternatives, switching to dairy best results. trend continuing.”
farming and supplying Fonterra was a
great option.” “I'm surprised by just how much I've
taken away from the visit, even the small
Soryn is glad to have the Farm Source team learnings,” Soryn says.
to call on for support and to his credit, he’s “I’m a believer that any idea is a
eager to learn and picks things up quickly. “For example, there was advice around good idea, it’s just about taking it
milking technique and not milking out all on board and then figuring out
He knows how easy it can be to get stuck completely. It’s great to have a second what does and doesn’t work on your
in a rut and with only one other worker, pair of eyes and a different way of
farm,” Soryn Thomas says.
a fresh perspective has to come from looking at things.”
beyond the farm gate.
“It’s good to have another opinion,” he says.
“You can get so stuck in the day-to-day
and forget to look outside the box.”
For the Milk Quality Support Visit in
February this year, it was Regional Food
Safety and Assurance Manager Ryan Baxter
who provided that fresh perspective.
At the time, the farm’s SCC was averaging
370 with a goal of reducing it to 250.
Ryan met Soryn on farm to complete
a best practice evaluation to identify
current on-farm practices and make
recommendations on the opportunities
for improvement.
4
Solving staff shortages in time for calving
With calving just around the Coming up with fresh ideas on how to
corner, filling any gaps in improve your workplace – to both attract
Got a dairy vacancy?
your team is likely to be top of new staff and keep the ones you have
mind right now, writes Jane – is a challenge. But I encourage you to Let’s help sort it for you!
Muir, DairyNZ Solutions and explore what you could do to attract, and
keep, good people. If you have an on-farm
Development Lead Advisor.
dairy role available, list it at
DairyNZ has a new webinar on nzfarmsource.co.nz/jobs. You
Unemployment is at a historical low recruitment and retention online that can list a vacancy, even if you’re
and many sectors (including dairy) are has some great tips from other farmers not a Fonterra supplier. The
finding it tough to get staff. Getting both and a rural recruitment specialist. campaign underway now directs
Kiwis and international workers onto Visit www.dairynz.co.nz/ffseries. job applicants to farm positions
dairy farms in time for calving is a advertised on Farm Source.
priority for us all. Where farmers are struggling to fill a
position locally, workers can come into
To help attract Kiwis, DairyNZ’s new New Zealand through the dairy border
GoDairy Go Now campaign is highlighting class exception.
the benefits of working in dairy and the
opportunities available to job seekers. Sustained advocacy by DairyNZ led to
It also points candidates to the latest the Government increasing the number
sector vacancies. of international dairy workers. For 2022,
the number increased from 300 to 800. If you’re having trouble filling
The campaign is helping raise the profile The minimum wage requirement for a role, and want to apply to
of the jobs available and it’s then up to these international workers is $28. bring an international worker
farmers to ensure those are great jobs. into New Zealand, the dairy
The process is much simpler than last class exception visa is a good
In such a competitive job market it’s year – as there are no isolation or MIQ option to consider. The visa is
important that your job ad is accurate requirements. There is also no cap on currently the only pathway to
and appealing. As people increasingly farm assistant numbers. With air travel bring in international workers.
seek work-life balance, there’s a growing opening up again, booking flights is To find out more and apply, visit
expectation that roles will offer good becoming easier too. www.dairynz.co.nz/border
rosters and hours. Adding in factors
like flexible milking, development If you will need an international worker
opportunities and a competitive salary on board this spring, we recommend you
package will make roles more appealing apply now to allow time to work through
and help you attract quality staff. the immigration processes. To find out
more visit www.dairynz.co.nz/border
ENRICH | JUNE 2022 5
IT TAKES
A TEAM IN
YOUR CORNER
When you win, we all win.
Milk quality is a team effort and Farm Source is
backing you. We have you covered for dependable
shed hygiene, teat care and rubberware plus milk
cooling and milk vat monitoring upgrades. And
we’re your technical team, ready to discuss your
farm insights report or take a second look at your
processes - give us a shout when you need.
INTELLIBLEND
SYSTEM
Spend $2000 on teat
care products with us
to be in to win.*
For more information visit
nzfarmsource.co.nz/milk-quality
*Spend $2000 on teat care products between 1 June - 31 August at Farm Source and you will
automatically be placed in the draw to win an FIL Intelliblend teat spray mixing and delivery
system (RRP $6,900) along with $2,100 worth of FIL product.Teat spray automation brings
big benefits on Northland farm
Using an automatic teat products and says using the automatic “Long term, I’m sure we will see cost
spray mixing system has given teat spray system has certainly given savings because too.”
Northland farmer Travis Parry him peace of mind as well as giving him
not only ‘peace of mind’ but has instant benefits. One of the features of the Intelliblend is an
demonstrated that even smaller- audible alarm when teat spray and drum
“It has made things so much easier, as contents are running low and again when
scale farms will see plenty of
you don’t really need to think about it,” the drum is empty.
big benefits.
he says.
Although Travis has not yet experienced
Travis and his family are 50/50 The Intelliblend system is set up to that specific feature, he has been alerted
sharemilking on a 110-hectare (ha) accurately mix “ready-to-use” teat spray to a water pipe blockage by the system,
farm 10 minutes outside Whangarei at set ratios, eliminating product wastage which he was able to manage easily
and had FIL’s Intelliblend teat spray and inconsistencies found with manual and quickly.
unit installed at the beginning of the mixing. The ready-to-use (RTU) teat
year. They were the lucky winners of spray is then delivered to hand-held The system is also easy to programme
the Farm Source Intelliblend giveaway spray guns on droppers in the pit. depending on environmental changes.
in 2021. When conditions change, or a deterioration
“There’s definitely a daily time-saving in teat condition is detected, the system’s
The locally-made system, designed benefit and we’ve been able to eliminate settings can be altered to counter changing
by FIL, is being used up and down the mistakes too,” says Travis, adding that patterns of teat condition.
country, predominately on larger farms. “there’s no more remembering to fill up
However, with a herd of 320 cows, Travis this or that, or what the mixing rates are.” The transition to the Intelliblend system
says the system is just as effective on was extremely straight forward, says
small to medium-sized farms. Not having to leave the pit to refill or mix Travis. FIL’s local Area Manager Brian
has been one of the biggest benefits for Salvigny set up the system on the farm
“Large scale or small scale, the benefits Travis and his team. and has supported Travis along the way.
are all the same,” he says. “We still have
the same challenges as bigger farms, so “You’d be halfway through milking and “We had it put in which took a couple of
by using this system, we’ll be seeing the then need to leave the pit to go mix the hours and it has worked well from the
same benefits.” spray up. Now, I don’t even need to think get-go, it’s been awesome,” says Travis.
about the teat spray,” he says.
Travis and his wife Lisa, alongside a “Brian’s only a phone call away if we need
couple of farmworkers, have been at their Travis says their somatic cell count (SCC) anything or need help with anything, he’s
current farm for nine seasons. Travis is a has been reasonable so it’s hard to say awesome,” he adds.
lifelong dairy farmer and now has a bundle just yet if there are any improvements to
of three school-aged children tagging be seen there, having only been using the Since the Intelliblend system was set up,
alongside him and Lisa on the farm. new system for five months. Brian has been back on farm to check up
on things a couple of times.
He’s been a happy FIL customer for “However, through spring is when we may
several years, using a variety of their start to notice improvements,” he adds. “The support is always welcome and
helpful,” says Travis.
For more information visit fil.co.nz,
get in touch with your local FIL
Area Manager or head to
nzfarmsource.co.nz/milkquality
◄ Travis Parry with his FIL Intelliblend teat spray
mixing and delivery system.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY FIL ENRICH | JUNE 2022 7Not replacing milk liners is
like driving on old bald tyres
In a recent Farm Source Seasonal Focus Series Q&A, Farm Source and Skellerup
Dairy Technical Specialists discussed key considerations when renewing and checking
rubberware to support milk quality and animal health.
It is risky to drive around in a vehicle even 4,500 milkings according to “One of the key things the liner does
with bald tyres. Peter Lindsay, Skellerup Dairy Technical is it massages the cow’s teat, which
Specialist in the South Island. On the has blood valves in it,” Peter says.
The same analogy can be made for other hand, he does report some farmers
milk liners. Given milking liners are the religiously change their liners after 2,500 “And the blood needs to keep being
direct link between the plant and the cow, millkings, and see the benefits of doing so. pumped through these valves, otherwise
persisting with worn-out liners is a recipe there can be a risk of oedema. You get teat
for decreased milk production and quality, Christchurch-based Skellerup is one swelling which makes milking longer, as
and for lowered animal health status. of the largest manufacturers of dairy well as potential teat damage problems.”
rubberware, all made in their Canterbury
The coming off-season is the perfect factory. They know that changing If a liner has not been changed by 3,500
time to replace liners and enables a liners outside the industry standard milkings it's operating at approximately
herd to get off to the best possible does a disservice to your herd, as the 10% efficiency, something Peter can't
start when the new season begins. properties of the rubber will no longer stress enough in terms of efficiency and
be as efficient. quality of milk out.
The New Zealand industry standard is
that milking liners should be changed
after 2,500 milkings.
It's possible that the average At 2,500 milkings, a liner is operating at 50% efficiency
New Zealand dairy farmer doesn't compared to when it was new.
change their liners until 4,000 or
8Regular milk liner replacement
produces multiple benefits
On top of this, ill-fitting liners can cause
teat damage while the incorrect liner can Independent studies show farmers could
cause cup slip. “The milk you send to the factory lose up to 5% of production through not
has your name on it, so we do really changing milk liners regularly.
“It’s very important to get the right liner recommend starting the season with
for your herd,” Peter says. A rise in somatic cell count (SCC)
your best foot forward and making
is a contributor to this, with every
For reference as to when key pieces sure your rubberware is performing 100,000 rise in count causing a
of rubberware should be replaced, 100%,” Grant Rudman says. 2.1% production loss.
look to your Food Safety Practices
and Procedures maintenance schedule, Peter Lindsay, Skellerup Dairy Technical
completed at the start of the season Specialist in the South Island says a 5%
either in the Dairy Diary or online. your best foot forward and making sure calculation across a herd can be quite
your rubberware is performing 100%.” daunting, so he prefers to illustrate the
Farm Source Regional Food Safety potential loss (and therefore benefits) of
and Assurance Manager Grant Rudman Skellerup representatives and your local a half-a-percent gain through timely
acknowledges that those who’ve moved Farm Source Food Safety and Assurance liner replacement.
farm for the new season may not have Manager are available for free on-farm
the history of the plant’s rubberware. advice about rubberware, contact your His example is of 500 cows milked twice
In this instance, he says: “If in doubt, local Farm Source TSR or Skellerup rep a day through a 36-bale shed. Instead of
switch it out.” to find out more. changing liners three times a season,
they are changed twice, accumulating
“The milk you send to the factory Tune in to the full session of 4,000 milkings.
has your name on it, so we do really Farm Source Seasonal Focus:
recommend starting the season with Renewing Rubberware at The cost of a third set of liners would
www.nzfarmsource.co.nz/milkquality be about $900.
Five hundred cows, at 400 kilograms
(kg) of milksolids (MS) per cow with a $9/
kgMS payout is about $1.8 million
in total revenue. Half a percent gain
(i.e. not lost production) equates to
$9,000. The $900 liner cost makes for
a pretty good return in the books.
“It’s really a no brainer,” Peter says.
At the same time, this doesn’t
include benefits in improved milk
quality, less time in the shed and
improved animal health.
He emphasises that the off-season is the
perfect time to replace milk liners, as well
as other rubberware in the dairy shed.
Ensuring your system is right now easily
Farm Source Seasonal Focus: Milk Quality pays off in the long run.
This season we’re talking milk quality with our internal
experts and vendor partners – tune in to our next
session on Wednesday 15th June where Farm Source
Milk Programme Lead Daniel Heine and FIL National
Sales Manager Colin May will discuss teat hygiene,
common misconceptions about somatic cell count
and how to set your herd up for success this season.
Register for free at nzfarmsource.co.nz/milkquality
ENRICH | JUNE 2022 9Don’t let water
hold back your milk quality
Firdale Farm’s drive to produce often undiagnosed, it can present itself care programmes. Darren explains
excellent milk quality was in blocked delivery lines, choked filters where there are known on-farm water
bolstered by the turn of the tap. and blocked teat spray nozzles. quality issues, farmers have been limited
up till now in their choice of teat spray.
Brendon Clarke, of Firdale Farm in To improve Firdale’s water quality, Darren The introduction of RO filtration technology
Wyndham, is proud to deliver Excellence- installed Ecolab’s new innovative Reverse and permeated water to their programmes,
standard milk on 98% of days, putting Osmosis (RO) filtration technology to broadens their choice of teat spray, to
him at the top of the rung of Fonterra’s improve Firdale’s on-farm water. any of Ecolab’s Hibitane 2 branded
Co-Operative Difference Framework – chlorohexidine-based or Teatguard 2
Te Tihi – this season. The filtration technology removes 90-95% branded Iodine teat spray range.
of mineralised hardness from the water
He has long been delivering high-quality to produce permeated water – or “pure “No two farms are the same and while
milk, but his recent achievement is H2O,” Darren explains. Ecolab can provide a quality teat care
through the support of Ecolab to push range, unique farm traits may impact
optimal animal health and reduce his Hardness of any type in water decreases performance,” Darren explains.
somatic cell count (SCC). the effectiveness of any teat spray. This is
typically because mineral elements in the Motivated to see the best outcomes
“It’s important to us to have a low cell water may cause chlorhexidine to fall out for farmers, he explains Ecolab’s team of
count mainly for our animal health and of suspension and crystalise. 32 territory managers across New Zealand
if you keep it low, there are plenty of consider themselves business partners
benefits,” says Brendon, who was “The water from our reverse osmosis when it comes to milk quality.
visited by Ecolab District Manager filtration unit is soft and almost every part
Darren Stenning on farm. of hardness has been removed. We now “We come from dairy farming backgrounds
blend our Ecolab Hibitane 2 Plus teat ourselves and understand that when you
He had a well-established teat care spray with almost laboratory-grade think you’re doing well, you have no need
programme utilising Ecolab’s quality water,” Darren says. to improve your systems,” Darren says.
teat care range through Farm Source
but was experiencing challenges in While Brendon’s permeated water feeds “However, there is huge value in getting
delivering it through the sprayer. directly into his Ecolab teat spray mixer, a fresh perspective, and in this case,
that water can also be taken directly fresher water.
For Darren, those challenges were from the RO plant’s reservoir when
an indicator of an undiagnosed water hand-mixing Ecolab teat spray. “By contacting your Ecolab territory
quality issue on farm. manager, we can assess what is
Beyond Firdale, the Ecolab RO plant happening in your teat care programme
Darren explains water quality plays a is not only improving water quality, with the opportunity to be able to make
role in the performance of any teat care but also opening up opportunities for great, of good things already happening.”
programme and while poor quality is farmers to enhance their existing teat
Find out more about Ecolab at
nzfarmsource.co.nz/milkquality.
To become an Ecolab Customer
“It’s important to us to have a low cell count mainly for our talk to your local Farm Source TSR,
animal health and if you keep it low, there are plenty of contact Ecolab on 0508 732 733 or
benefits,” says Brendon Clarke. email agriANZ@ecolab.com
10 ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY ECOLABBe in to win Be in to win your own Ecolab Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System worth $1,500 – just submit your Food Safety Practices & Procedures online before 31st July 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
Good winter grazing
What can you do to manage the risk of nutrient and soil loss from winter Grazing management
crops, and help meet the intensive winter grazing practices due to come
into effect this year? • Record what you will be doing
and where. This can be shared
with staff so everyone has the same
Select paddocks Best practice fertiliser understanding of how grazing will
be managed.
Select paddocks early, and consider: management • Graze paddocks strategically. On
• Soil type – which can impact sloping paddocks, fence across the
• Test soil using the Brassica Test at
nutrient and sediment loss and slope and start grazing at the top
least six, but ideally 12 months before
animal welfare. Lighter, well-drained of the slope, so the crop acts as a
sowing. This allows time to adjust soil
soils are generally the most suitable filter. If there is a waterway in the
pH and correct nutrient levels with a
for intensive winter grazing but can paddock, start grazing at the far
suitable base fertiliser if necessary.
present a greater risk of nitrogen (N) end of the paddock.
The test includes a measure of the
leaching. Heavier soils are typically amount of available N in the top 150 • Measure feed accurately to ensure
more prone to structural damage millimetres (mm) of soil, which is used the total quantity grown will meet
(pugging and compaction) and to calculate the amount of N required winter animal requirements and allow
sediment and phosphorus (P) loss. to meet crop demand. extra feed for poor weather events.
• Critical source areas – identify • Use a starter fertiliser at sowing. • Long, narrow breaks can help to
critical source areas (such as Drill with the seed (in a separate box) utilise the crop more efficiently.
swales and gullies that can channel or broadcast then incorporate it into
overland flow directly to waterways), the soil just before sowing. Putting • Back fencing off grazed breaks helps
and leave an ungrazed, uncropped N and P close to the seed gets the to minimise pugging and runoff risk.
buffer zone within and around these crop off to a good start and helps to • Place portable troughs and
areas, to slow overland flow and trap optimise yield. supplementary feed in drier parts
suspended sediments and nutrients. of the paddock, well away from
• Once the crop is growing vigorously,
• Slope – as increasing slope test herbage to check the nutritional waterways or critical source areas.
increases the risk of sediment and status and apply post-emergence • Exclude stock from critical source
P loss. Consider how the paddock N for: areas, ideally keeping them out for
will be grazed and the class of stock the duration of the winter period.
grazing in relation to the slope. • Fodder beet just before or at
canopy closure. Review soil • Exclude stock from waterways with
• Stock type – consider the stock test results to check reserves an ungrazed buffer zone of ideally
class best suited to the environment. of available N. If high – >200 kg at least five metres (m), but more
Some paddocks may be suitable of N per hectare (ha) – post- on sloping ground. Check if your
for younger or lighter animals, emergence N will likely not be regional council has rules on buffer
for example. required, as long as N has been zones and winter grazing.
• Animal welfare – where possible, applied in the starter fertiliser.
For more information contact
plant crops in paddocks with access • Brassicas at six and 12 weeks your local Farm Source TSR or
to shelter. Alternatively, allow a feed after sowing. If very high amounts Ballance Nutrient specialist.
buffer in your budget to account for – >100kg N/ha – are required,
feeding extra during adverse winter split the applications. As a rule,
weather events. the first application should go on
at canopy closure.
12 ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTSMaize has become an increasingly important part of the New Zealand dairy farm system. Lock in next season’s feed supply now and reap the rewards next season. Find out more about the benefits of using maize on your farm. nzfarmsource.co.nz/maize
PREPARE FOR
CALVING WITH
CERTAINTY
With all of the complexities and busyness that
come with calving, you want to be as prepared as
you can, as soon as you can.
Your local Technical Sales Rep and store team are
there for you to bounce ideas off and to provide
seasonal tips, calf rearing insights and to make sure
you’ve got the best mix of products in time for the
months ahead.
We’ve also locked in pricing between now and the
end of October on a wide range of metabolics,
animal tags, calf milk replacer and feeding supplies.
Visit nzfarmsource.co.nz/calving
for more info or to shop online.GIVING YOUR HERD THE BEST START, FROM THE START. Ancalf™ is as mother nature intended, with high levels of casein for better curding and ease of digestion, while providing the fatty acid butyrate to assist with young calves rumen development. It means that your calves fully utilise all the nutrition from every feed and you get the best results too. Help your calves achieve their full genetic potential, today. Start with Ancalf. Finish with Ancalf Finisher. NZAGBIZ LIMITED | 0800 809 011 | NZAGBIZ.CO.NZ
Get ready for
calving season!
CALVING CHECKLIST
Calving season is just around the corner and we’ve been working closely with our vendors to
ensure you have what you need, when you need it – and at a great price. Below is a check-list
to help you prepare your farm and team for the busy months ahead. If you want to discuss your
farm needs with anyone give us a call or pop in-store.
Online we’ve created a pre-populated list of calving products so you can easily add to your cart.
To access, just login to nzfarmsource.co.nz and head to the My Supplies section (under your
account name drop-down).
NEED IT
DESCRIPTION GOT IT
BRAND COLOUR/SIZE ARTICLE # QTY NOTES
Feeders
EQUIPMENT
Milk Warmers
REPAIRS
Parts
Cow Cover
Calf Puller
Cow Lifter
EQUIPMENT Calving Chain/ Rope
Calf Trailer & Tailer Mat
Lubricant
CALVING
Vaccination Gun
Metabolics
ANIMAL HEALTH Vaccines & B12
Energy Drench
Headlight
ELECTRIC
Torch
SUPPLIES
Batteries
Wet Weather Gear
CLOTHING Gumboots
Safety Vests
GLOVES Examination
16NEED IT
DESCRIPTION GOT IT
BRAND COLOUR/SIZE ARTICLE # QTY NOTES
CLEANUP Chloride of Lime
Alkaline Cleaner – Shed
SHED CHEMICALS Detergents, Acid
Alkaline Cleaners – Plant
Brush – Scrub
Brush – Dairy
DAIRY
Broom
BRUSHWARE
Scourer Pad
Pit Mitt
Test Bucket and Seals
BUCKETS Bucket
Measuring Jug
Sml Teat Sprayer/Nozzles
SPRAYERS/
DISPENSERS Ambic Teat Sprayer/
Nozzles
SHED SUPPLIES
Dairy Thermometer
Dairy Cylinder
DAIRY HARDWARE CIP Nozzle
O-Rings
Heater Element and/or Tap
Liners
Filter Sleeves
RUBBERWARE
Jetter Cups
New Line Hose/Tubing
Washdown Hose
IRRIGATION
Nozzle
Milking Aprons
CLOTHING Milking Sleeves
Overalls
Milking Latex
Milking Nitrile
GLOVES
Milking Nitrile/Long Cuff
Milking Hi-Risk
ELECTRIC SUPPLIES Light Bulbs
ENRICH | JUNE 2022 17Animal health and wellbeing
meets cutting-edge innovation
Animal monitoring is an The first partnership is with Connecterra, “We’re interested in how Ida’s intelligent
evolving category and the the team that created Ida – an intelligent insights can benefit New Zealand farms by
Co-op’s partnership with dairy assistant. improving animal care, farm profitability,
Connecterra is the first cab and reducing pain points for farmers.”
off the rank in bringing cutting- While animal monitors are not a new
concept, the category is evolving, and it Ida collects behavioural data from
edge, vetted solutions for
was Connecterra’s use of artificial sensors on cow collars, which can be
animal health and wellbeing.
intelligence (AI) that piqued Farm combined with data from other sources
Source’s interest during a Mobiletech – such as herd management software,
Ahead of calving, where do the conference in ~2017. digitally connected farm equipment, the
opportunities lie for you to improve weather and the farmer’s feedback
efficiencies or even take a job off “It was the first time we’d seen AI provided in the app.
the list? applied to cow monitoring, separating
Connecterra from other vendors with The data informs the ‘Ask Ida’ question-
Animal monitoring, as an indicator of similar products,” says Fonterra Agritech and-answer tool that’s unique to Ida.
impending calving or animal distress, Manager Ben Smith. It gives farmers an understanding of
gives you another set of eyes during how changes they make affect the herd’s
this busy period. “Connecterra don’t consider themselves behaviour, ultimately making for improved
a ‘cow collar company’. Rather they are decision making and improved fertility,
Similarly, at the time of insemination, an AI company creating a smart health and productivity outcomes.
animal monitors can show when each assistant for farmers and the collar is
cow is coming into heat, an assessment simply part of that. The beauty of this AI
that when manually completed can be a is that farmers have the option to share
massive pain point. information about their cows and farm
practices back into the Ida app, which “Ultimately these new tools make it
Farm Source recognises the benefits of helps it to learn and continue improving easier, generate efficiencies and can
animal monitoring to support your animal over time. This also enables farmers to
lead to greater profitability,” says
health and wellbeing, and is partnering see the impacts of farm system changes
with market-leading vendors to bring you on their cows.” Stephen Alexander.
the best deals and expertise.
18Ida can also integrate with select Connecterra CEO Yasir Khokhar believes In saying this, he acknowledges farmers
auto-drafting gates (e.g. Protrack and this is due to the amount of dry matter have tried and tested ways of working
HerdMan), which makes life easier for (DM) in each bite. and, in some cases, it can take some
the farmer when mating through artificial time for them to uncover the relevance
insemination (the other AI!). “The average total mixed ration is around and opportunities of new technologies.
50% DM for our US customers which
While Ida is hard at work, your herd will contrasts with about 20% DM for our Stephen often refers to a quote from Ford
be none the wiser. It’s a passive form of New Zealand customers. The cow needs Motor Company Founder Henry Ford that
animal monitoring, in that it measures a more bites to become full.” he believes sums up the challenges with
cow’s movements without providing any the adoption of new technology on farms
feedback or stimuli to the cow. Broadening horizons and is still relevant today:
Ben calls Ida an “early alert system”, Farm Source isn’t stopping at its “If I had asked people what they wanted,
as it learns how the herd and individual partnership with Connecterra and in they would have said faster horses.”
cows behave and indicates any the long term, it hopes to see a variety
abnormalities. of animal monitoring partners to meet Stephen says that “not knowing what you
the different needs of farms across don’t know” is what makes on-farm trials
“It’s important we enable our farmers to New Zealand. so valuable and why Farm Source and
pick up and act on issues early and see its trusted vendor partners are here.
better outcomes – that’s a win for the “Connecterra’s Ida is the first cab off
cow, the farmer, and Fonterra.” the rank and we understand it might “We want to make life easier for our
not be the solution for every farmer,” farmers with innovation, which ties into
Before Farm Source committed to a says Category Strategy Manager Fonterra’s Good Together aim ‘to create
partnership, the R&D and Category Stephen Alexander. greater value for our farmers, customers,
teams’ due diligence included an on-farm consumers and our communities’.”
trial to understand Ida and its potential. “There is no one-size-fits-all animal
monitoring offer and different vendors will
“Our key metric of success was: ‘Is the bring their own ways of working, benefits To learn more about how Ida can
farmer really happy with this product, and prices.” benefit your animal’s health and
confident enough to abandon their wellbeing, contact your local TSR,
existing heat detection method, and rely Stephen says when the right animal scan the below QR code or visit
solely on this product going forward?’.” monitoring solution is set up on farm, “it’s nzfarmsource.co.nz/animalmonitoring
like having another person in your team,
“In this case, the farmer fully embraced whilst affording your existing team the
Ida,” Ben says. opportunities to focus on other tasks.”
“If a farmer takes a punt in trying a “Ultimately these new tools make it
new product and it fails, it can be easier, generate efficiencies and can
devastating. There’s always going to lead to greater profitability.”
be a leap of faith when introducing
something to the farm system.”
Since the trial, a number of farms in the
Waikato, Bay of Plenty and West Coast
have taken up the partnership offer to
be assisted by Ida.
Waikato farmer Chris Poole, of
Cloverlea Farm, reported a 5%
improvement in six-week in-calf rate
after adopting Ida and found it beneficial
having more flexibility around culling to
improve the quality of his herd.
From a behaviour perspective, Ida’s
always-learning AI has observed
New Zealand cows spend more
time eating than cows overseas.
ENRICH | JUNE 2022 19NZ’S DAIRY RUBBERWARE SPECIALISTS Designed and manufactured in our Christchurch To learn more, visit your local factory for over 60 years, the Skellerup range of Farm Source store or book a rubberware offers a national footprint and can free dairy shed rubberware supply parts and accessories for the vast majority review by scanning the QR code. of New Zealand milking sheds. Our products are made specifically for New Zealand conditions and deliver consistent performance and durability that farmers need to maximise their returns.
Bag-Bottle-Boost
You can’t always prevent a cow going down, but with the right treatment plan, the risk of
relapse and associated costs of labour, time and reduced milk production can be minimised.
To help give down cows the best chance of returning to health and production, consider
a three-step regime.
1
Bag
1
Bag
1 2
Bag Bottle
2 2 3
Bottle Bottle Boost
3 3
Boost Boost
Injectable metabolic solution Oral supplement Liquid energy boost
Initial Injectable
milk fever treatment withInjectable
Injectable Oral supplement
Oral supplement
for sustainable forOral supplement
support for energy
Liquid for
Liquidfor
energy
aLiquid
quicker energy
recovery
an injectable calcium
metabolic solution metabolic
solution
metabolic is solution
sustained
solutionsupport
sustained sustained
support support
boost for a boost forboost
a for a
typically fast and immediately Once the cow is up and walkingquicker recoveryAdminister
quicker recoverypropylene
quicker glycol
recovery
effective. However, the chance of following initial treatment, and (Ketol) for that essential energy
relapse remains a risk, extending has gained enough muscle boost for a quicker metabolic
recovery time, increasing labour, control to swallow normally, recovery, and a positive influence
and reducing milk in the vat. orally administered calcuim on the post-calving energy gap.
(Oral-Cal) or oral calcuim with Administer 240 millilitres twice
Relapse affects at least 30-35% added energy (Oral-max) daily as a drench, or Ketol can be
of cows offered only first line provides a continued level of mixed into drinking water or feed.
treatment¹. support. Studies have shown
that using oral calcuim in this
way can help to prevent relapse
by up to 60%¹.
Always read the label before use.
References 1. Thilsing-Hansen T, Jorgensen RJ, Ostergaard S: Milk fever control principles; A review. Actc vet.Scand.2002, 43, 1-19. ID 6293_144584
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY ELANCO ENRICH | JUNE 2022 21Calving Brands You Can Trust
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Advertised pricing is valid for the month of June, 2022 only.Reverse trace element deficiencies
well before mating
Calving challenges the immune As a result of these water medication An anti-shock dose at calving followed
system of dairy cows, so they strategies, IntenSE trace elements by a daily dose of Nutrimol 4n1 until the
are more likely to get sick and Nutrimol 4n1 were created with end of mating will assist in securing more
around calving. Coupled formulations to address deficiencies of days in milk. With there being no value in
with adverse environmental elements like selenium (Se), copper (Cu), carryovers or empty cows, the investment
cobalt (Co), and iodine zinc (I, Zn) to to support cows during the calving period
conditions affecting pasture
assist in preparing cows for reproduction. to gain even a two-point improvement
quality between drying off and
in the empty rate is worth $8,000 for a
calving, cows can arrive at Highly soluble and stable, IntenSE 240 400-cow herd.
herd entry with trace element provides significant levels of active
and mineral deficiencies. ingredients when dispensed at label Nutrimol 4n1 cofunctions with IntenSE 240
Cows suffering from calving- rates. It is available in 20-kilogram (kg) to provide a comprehensive animal health
related issues, metabolics bags as a water-soluble powder for programme to support cows' wellbeing.
and other diseases during dispensing via a water trough or orally, Many components in the formulations
this period can have a harder and in a mono form suitable for feed out encourage immune system function and
time getting in-calf. wagon or in-shed feeding systems. produce antioxidants to help with repair
after high-stress periods like calving.
IntenSE 240 PKE is formulated without Animal health best practices involve
With the beginning of the new dairy copper for herds fed palm kernel, and providing key trace elements, minerals
season, it is a timely reminder to review IntenSE 240 Organic for Bio-gro and vitamins before the animal suffers
the trace element and mineral status registered farms. from a deficiency and becomes unwell.
of the herd and heifers about to enter
the herd. Trace element nutrition is Nutrimol 4n1 formulation contains Healthier cows are more productive and
an essential part of a cow's diet and six fertility compounds, firstly driving more likely to get in-calf, therefore more
should be reviewed throughout the heat strength so target submission likely to stay in the herd longer.
season to prevent their blood levels rates can be achieved. The preparation
from diminishing. must start before or at calving to For more information on rectifying
improve reproductive performance. trace element and mineral deficiencies
When considering a suitable trace With iodine uptake via pasture often talk to your local TSR or visit your
element programme, ensure the low, supplementation is required if Farm Source Store.
essential compounds at the correct cows are to return to heat and produce
levels are provided daily to support milk multiple heats before the planned
production. Testing blood and/or the liver start of mating.
is valuable to conduct before the start of
the new season.
Utilising the learnings from the Dosatron JUNE
inline dispenser investigation several OFFER
years ago, the 'little and often' approach
addressed the cow's needs throughout
the season and helped prevent costly
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ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BELL-BOOTH LTD ENRICH | JUNE 2022 23Setting up for a Successful
Calf Rearing Season
The future production of the herd it will have on her reproductive
lies in the success of calves and performance going forward.
young stock meeting liveweight
(LW) targets. Meeting these Meeting weight targets
targets has a direct impact on the
Target weights are measured as a
amount of milk in the vat in the
percent of mature body weight. This
first three seasons of lactation.
allows comparison between herds/
Prior to calving is the ideal time breeds. Knowing the mature body
to review the calf and young stock weight of the herd is the first step to
rearing programme and ensure establishing individual farm goals.
they are set up for success.
Table 1 below shows the LW targets at
It’s good to plan and prepare before the different ages2:
new season kicks off. Understanding the
impacts of what we do today and how it Mature Weight Age Liveweight (kg)
influences the future, aids in making 100% 6 - 8 yrs 420 465 500 550 600
effective decisions.
20% 3 months 84 93 100 110 120
Rearing calves is part and parcel of 30% 6 months 126 140 150 165 180
bringing through the next generation of
milking cows. How we grow those calves 40% 9 months 168 186 200 220 240
and young stock has a direct impact on 50% 12 months 210 232 250 275 300
how they will perform for years to come.
60% 15 months 252 279 300 330 360
Impact on production 80% 19 months 336 372 400 440 480
90% 22 months 378 419 450 495 540
Having a plan in place and having set
time frames to achieve them ensures
everyone is working towards the same Gold standard is weighing animals to have The dehydrated molasses boosts the
goal, a lifetime of productivity. The a true and accurate record. When scales rumen bug population, increasing
industry target is for heifers to reach are not an option, particularly for calves, digestion of feed and forage.
60% and then 90% of mature LW at measuring the wither or hip height in the
15 and 22 months for puberty and early stages as they grow can also be a The Zinpro Avalia® Zinc supports the
calving. It is the LW not the age of the useful guide. strength of the gut lining, reducing the
animal that impacts on the puberty risk of leaky gut, while Dimond V XPC,
and subsequently calving date. Weighing regularly helps to keep on track. a fortified yeast, increases epithelial
When the average daily LW gain is less tissue and enhances the papillae.
The LW at first calving has a direct impact than what we target, certain things can Doing so, increases the rumen surface
on the amount of milk a cow will produce be done to support growth. area and supports nutrient absorption.
in the first three lactations1. Studies have
shown 34 kilograms of milksolids (kgMS), Boost LW gains Maxx Calf Health balances the diet and
30kgMS, and 29kgMS in their first, second enables calves and young stock to meet
and third year of lactation as lost production Seales Winslow’s Maxx Calf Health their LW targets and set them up as the
when heifers were 50kgLW below the dehydrated molasses block is packed future generation in our herds.
target weight at their first calving. full of vitamins, minerals, and specific
additives such as ZinPro Avalia Zinc, For more information visit
At a $9/kgMS payout, that equates to Diamond V XPC and menthol. All are www.sealeswinslow.co.nz or
$306, $270 and $261 of lost income for uniquely formulated to optimise rumen contact your local Farm Source
the first three years, totalling $837. production to boost a calf’s health and or SealesWinslow TSR.
improve LW gain.
This doesn’t factor in the feed and
energy needed for her to also try gain 1
H Archbold et al (2012). Influence of age, body weight and body condition score before mating start date on the
pubertal rate of maiden Holstein-Friesian heifers and implications for subsequent cow performance and profitability.
weight while milking – or the impact 2
DairyNZ Liveweight Targets - DairyNZ.
24 ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY SEALESWINSLOWWater medication helps
The dosing of magnesium Dosing Mg via a
(Mg) during the transition
period is critical to prevent the Dosatron Inline Dispenser
suppression of the cow’s appetite
and help to maintain blood Mg, unfortunately, is unpalatable, and
if not disguised in stock drinking water,
calcium (Ca) levels. In addition, Time to retire your old
it can quickly reduce the daily water
preventative health strategies
intake in our lactating cows. Reduced Dosatron inline dispenser?
will help prepare cows for water intake will also reduce the amount
calving, drive milk production, of daily Mg intake, increasing the risk of
and enhance reproduction. There are many Dosatron units
ill-health and restricting the cow's ability
over a decade old still in operation.
to produce milk.
These hard-working Dosatrons
Water medicating is one of the most
deserve to retire and be replaced
common methods of supplying critical Caramillo Masking and Flavouring
with the new generation D9
medications like magnesium (Mg), Agent is a unique product that sweetens
dispenser.
selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and cobalt stock drinking water. Caramillo disguises
(Co), to name a few. At this time of the the smell and bitter taste of Mg. Simply The D9 features are impressive:
year, it is necessary to start dosing Mg add 30 millilitres (mL) of Caramillo
three to four weeks pre-calving to help per kilogram (kg) of Mg. For example: • New technology with reinforced
prevent metabolic issues like grass for every 25kg of Mg dosed per day, reliability
staggers (hypomagnesemia) and add 750mL of Caramillo Masking and
• Advances in newly designed
milk fever. There are also benefits in Flavouring Agent to your Dosatron
motor with 75% fewer parts
continuing Mg dosing during lactation solution tank.
at lower rates to support milk production. • Simplified maintenance allowing
Caramillo allows higher Mg dose rates to servicing to be completed
Best practices encourage farmers be administered during winter without on-farm
to address their herd requirements upsetting the cow's water intake.
before sub-clinical issues are a risk. • D9 service kits will enable you to
Preventative health strategies will For more do your own maintenance
help keep our herds healthy – information on • Simple to integrate the new D9
therefore productive – and assist water medication into an existing Dosatron set-up
in reducing wastage. talk to your local
TSR or visit your • Suitable for up to 650 cows
Consider a two-prong approach to Fonterra Farm • Planning now to start your Mg
supplying Mg during the cold and Source store. water medication program will
wet months. First, water medication help prevent ill-health issues,
supported by pasture dusting or in take the pressure off the staff
the feed will help achieve the daily during a hectic time and provide
Mg levels required post-calving and a positive pathway to mating.
for early to mid-lactation.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BELL-BOOTH LTD ENRICH | JUNE 2022 25You can also read
