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Feed some energy to those there cows

It is becoming increasingly evident that some form of energy feed is essential to not only maintain a healthy cow, but also reduce metabolics given and help her get in calf. The high empty rate of all grass fed cows must send alarm bells ringing in every dairy farmers head. Let's explore some of the well-worn issues around feed utilisation, empty rates etc.: On the Taranaki demonstration farm, they have just completed a study of feeding molasses. An excellent trial was completed, feeding to ...

Have we learned anything from the recent cold snap?

This last cold snap is a graphic reminder to we closeted Kiwis, who have become reliant on electricity and services for everything, to wake up. Some of the families have been without power for 16 days, how have they coped? I have a friend in the South Island (in the snow zone) who has a pellet fire (electricity is needed for the fan), a heat pump and a small chip heater. Needless to say the chip heater was working flat out, but of course the pellet fire and heat pump did not work because of la...

Have you been thinking about those bees?

Bees are an integral part of New Zealand's agriculture and often forgotten. Failure to remember them could bee to your loss. Firstly, let's take a brief look at how the hive works. A hive has a queen bee and she is fed by nurse bees. All the workers bees are out collecting pollen and honey over the summer season. A hive should last indefinitely as the bee-keeper knows he must manually replace the queen bee every 12 – 18 months to keep up the virility and vigour of the hive. A queen bee is ...

Breeding: an investment or a cost?

Many farmers have a great interest in breeding, how the progeny perform and particularly how they look. You only have to go to a Calf Club day and stand by those older farmers who will talk about breed, dairy type, and performance all day long. I know that when I ran my own dairy farm, it was great to talk to them about how they saw our younger stock particularly at Calf Club. You have a number of sources of bull semen in New Zealand. The question always comes up: do you go for the bull of t...

Leakage and wastage

Looking at your businesses, leakage and wastage may be costing you more money than you realise. Economically, companies in New Zealand have been through six good years, however as the economy hardens, we need to take a close look at our businesses to reduce any leakage and wastage. It is the same in farming, the same issues apply. Leakage and wastage areas may include: Too much chemical being purchased and not used, or being left to sit in the shed. Too much, or the wrong dairy detergents...

Could you drink your cows’ water - at a push?

A recent science project completed by an enterprising 15 year old girl from Paeroa found its way to the Tatua Dairy Factory. It was a graphic reminder of how we must care for our water on the farm and keep it clean and safe. Some of the issues that are important are as follows: AT SOURCE: With the advent of submersible pumps, many of the sources of water are well below the surface of the land, and away from contamination. The top of the bore needs to be covered however to stop slugs etc. fr...

Selenium - Could it be a missing link?

In the animal world Selenium is crucial to wellbeing. Let's look at some of the issues and how they might affect the human race. If Selenium is deficient in a foaling mare, approximately 10 days after the birth of the foal, it will invariably die. "What from?" you might ask. White muscle disease, which is basically failure of the heart muscle. We also know that Selenium supplementation to cows prior to calving will improve calving, reduce incidences of afterbirth retention, mastitis and infe...

What can you do on your farm if fuel prices go to $5 - $10 per litre, which they are likely to do?

There is clear evidence that petrol and fuel is just going to keep rising. The days of cheap fuel to run a benefit and growth economy are over. We have basically burnt through 50% of the world's fuel reserves. From here on in it just gets more expensive to find, harvest and process. It is interesting talking to international people, and they advise that they are all back doing exploration, because it is now economic. With that information, that fuel prices will remain high, and if it gets sh...

Feeding out - while you are there spare a thought for your pastures

Utilization of all feeds is a crucial part of any farming business. While you may understand all this yourself, does your team? If they don't you could lose or waste up to 20%, and that's a lot of feed at this crucial time of the year. So what are the issues? You should feed out 2 days ahead onto ungrazed pasture, except in case of maize, silage, which must be fed out daily. It is best to start the break grazing at the back of the paddock and work forward to the gate. Why, because it allows yo...