Dairy News 21 April 2020

Go early, go hard. PAGE 5

HOME DELIVERIES RISE Lockdown lifts demand PAGE 9

APRIL 21, 2020 ISSUE 444 // www.dairynews.co.nz

COVID-19’S SILVER LINING

Mark Townshend says post-Covid-19 the sector should be able to grow production, lure people back to rural areas and attract new staff. PAGE 3

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R O F G N I K R O W S R E M R A F Y NZ DAIR DAIRYNZ: SUPPORTING NZ DAIRY FARMERS TO CONTINUE TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD creating local and specialist events for sharing knowledge aiding farmer-led groups supporting local research and monitor farms providing tools and insight for you to make your own decisions

In May, you will be asked to vote on whether you want to continue the levy on milksolids, enabling DairyNZ to continue industry good activities. Your vote is an important one for the whole industry. For more information about how we support the dairy sector and everything else your levy covers, visit dairynz.co.nz/vote

YOUR LEVY, YOUR FUTURE

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

NEWS  // 3

Use crisis to grow SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

A DAIRY industry leader says the

Milk production flat. PG.10

Tips for milking during lockdown. PG.14

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NEWS �������������������������������������������������������3-9 AGRIBUSINESS ������������������������������������10 OPINION �����������������������������������������������12-13 MANAGEMENT �������������������������������� 14-15 ANIMAL HEALTH �����������������������������17-18 MATING ����������������������������������������������� 19-23

Covid-19 interruption should bring positive changes to farming in New Zealand. Mark Townshend, Ngatea, says the main positive changes for dairying will be the ability to grow NZ dairy production, lure more people to rural communities and improve the talent pool of farm staff. With money earners like tourism and international student education kneecapped for the medium term, food production will be crucial for NZ’s economy. “If NZ wants the affluence to provide first world health, education and social services, growing NZ’s home-base of food production is not a choice, it is a necessity,” Towns­ hend told Dairy News. To have the social license to grow, farmers may have to take further steps to protect water quality but Townshend says increased production of food under NZ’s world class

carbon efficient methods should not be an issue. “While more food production here would be increasing NZ’s own carbon emissions, there would be improvement in total global emission efficiency as we produce more and the less carbon efficient elsewhere producing less.” Townshend says the postCovid-19 landscape should be better for logical and responsible discussions around responsible genetic modification (GM) opportunities. “Obvious ones which come to mind include carbon efficient and drought resistant pasture species, and removing the animal welfare and cost implications by breeding cattle without horns.” Townshend says most importantly, farmers will come out of the crisis with greater recognition and respect for their efforts. “Many dairy farmers have had their confidence and pride severely dented as they have been portrayed as polluters, animal abusers, a poor banking risk and less relevant to the NZ economy: this should now

reverse,” he says. “I try to commit at least one day per week to try and help others grow in the farming sector. But personally, I feel tired from trying to constantly lift the spirits of many of those which I touch in my daily farming life.” Farmers should also face a more receptive banking sector. “Agri-banking should be comparatively easier than over the last couple of years: although all banking is likely to be challenging,” he says. However, Townshend cautions farmers not to oversell the importance of agriculture to NZ. “We need to be humble and reserved on the matter, and we do not need to tell

people because for those with reasonable intelligence, it is so obvious,” he says. Townshend says Rural Support Trust chairman and an old mate Neil Bateup talks about people in rural communities supporting each other in these trying times. “It might be a good time to reflect on the hardship of farming in recent years and work out from our experiences how we can personally support people we know who will be going through hell in other sectors in the wake of Covid19,” he says.

OPENING FOR FONTERRA MARK TOWNSHEND, a former Fonterra director, says the co-op is ideally placed to be a world class provider of high value, high quality dairy-based food. “Fonterra’s expertise in milk collection and milk processing is world class: probably best in the world,” he says. “Over the last few years, there has been a tendency for niche players to identify out segments of the dairy cabinet and extract very good margins on products with a “story”, even if the story has little nutritional

or scientific backing. “Affluent mums have bought these products for their families and been prepared to pay well. The new economic normal will somewhat curb this trend.” He says Fonterra and NZ dairying are very well placed to trade on its excellent farming practices.

Mark Townshend

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

4 //  NEWS

Bumper maize crop despite drought PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

WAIKATO OWNER

operated farmers Nacre and Anthony Maiden says

the “stars aligned” this year to give them a particularly bumper maize crop despite the drought and their sandy loam soils. However being flexible with their planting timing,

good communication and use of their Herd Homes effluent all helped with their maize crop. “We were impressed with their maize this year considering the soils we

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farm,” Nacre told Dairy News. “On other farms we have farmed with peat soil we would get a better crop. “But for our current

Bumper maize crop being harvested on Nacre and Anthony Maiden’s farm in Waikato.

soil type, this is the best crop we have ever had. In this particular season

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that is impressive because there have been a lot of poor crops around, particularly in the Waikato. “It has been dry, many crops didn’t get rain when needed and there have been some disappointing yields around so we were pleased to have a record year for us this season. “It is often stressed about getting the maize in the ground early but this year we got it in a bit later because of the weather. “So one of our take outs would be don’t stress about getting it in early. If the weather is poor it is probably best to hold off. We have had other years when we have planted early to hit that target date and had to replant the paddock because it was too wet and the seed rotted. “Another take out was good use of our Herd Home effluent to help grow our maize crop.” That is their usual practice but this year “the stars aligned”. “We have just been particular fortunate for

everything to align well between the weather and getting the effluent on when we did. It is a challenge. You are coming towards maize planting time and on a lot of farms you have spring cows that are finishing calving or are starting mating so people are tired and worn out before you start the cropping process. “It is easy for things to get overlooked or to be too busy to get things done in a timely manner and you rely too much on other people to get things done for you. We had a particularly good well organised run of communicating well with the contractors and being firm with them if it is too wet. “It was a good combination of being well organised, good communication and having those stars align.” Their cow housing is authentic Herd Homes brand with a clear plastic roof, slatted floor and effluent collected underneath.

LOW COST SYSTEM WITH PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT The desire to retain the purity of his family swimming and fishing holes drove Lindsay Lewis to develop a method of protecting the natural waters of the Mataura river not just for himself, but for his children and future generations. This protection was also a high priority for his client. During the process of developing an ultra-low distribution system, the concept of environmentally friendly dairy effluent management was born. The Clean Green Effluent System came to fruition initially at an ex neighbour’s farm at Gorge Road in Southland. From that first prototype the system has successfully been employed on dairy farms around New Zealand for 12 years. This unique ultra-low application depth and ultra-low rate application system is based on applying farm dairy effluent at levels that fall well below pasture uptake. The system starts with a unique patented weeping wall encased in a concrete lined

bunker. The weeping wall removes the solids and allows the liquid to flow into a pump chamber. Green water is then pumped to a tank for recycling. External yarding can then be automatically cleaned with greenwater via floodwash or backing gate nozzles, effectively cleaning yards without the use of fresh water. This reduces the water take from the standard 50 to 70lt/cow to 20 to 25lt/cow. The Clean Green Effluent System’s patented automated distribution system allows liquid to be dispersed over large areas at a super low rate of 1/4mm application depth, and effluent can be safely dispersed nearly every day of the year meaning there is no nitrogen leaching and the pasture retains all nutrients provided, thus increasing pasture growth by up to 35%. Recent independent scientific tests have indicated that with this system a lower level of nitrate leaching can be achieved even in the winter; better than most other systems can achieve during

the summer months. Due to the 1/4mm application depth and being able to distribute all year round, no mega ponds need to be constructed and therefore minimal storage is now required. The Clean Green Effluent System utilises as little as two 30,000 litre water tanks to provide storage for greenwash and effluent dispersed. The advantage of the water tanks is they are guaranteed not to leak and have no rainwater catchment. Rainwater catchment in mega ponds equates to doubling the amount of effluent being stored and having to be dispersed by pump to land. Given the current amount of focus on New Zealand’s primary industry needing to improve its reputation, the Clean Green Effluent System is the obvious option for farmers and industry to adopt, to ensure our diary industry continues to thrive; we can remove dairying as an easy scapegoat for the state of our waterways.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

NEWS  // 5

Go early with on-farm calls PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FOLLOW THE Govern-

ment and go early with your on-farm decisions, says Sharon Morrell the head of DairyNZ’s consulting officers in upper North Island. She says like the government’s decision to go early on Covid-19, farmers should go early to get the best outcome: particularly in areas badly affected by drought and where feed supplies are tight. Morrell told Dairy News that the biggest issue at the moment for farmers is putting in place practices required to manage safety on farms and maintaining the ethos of not spreading Covid-19. For some farmers there are employment questions, for example, how do they manage if someone has to be at home or if they are vulnerable, she says. “And how do they manage if they have got staff who have gone home, for example, to the Philippines and not able

JOB OPPORTUNITIES SHARON MORRELL hopes that the dairy industry can emulate the horticulture sector: providing employment opportunities for people who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19. She says the dairy industry is looking at ways to interest people and equip them to join the sector. The outlook for dairy is positive with Sharon Morrell the export revenue expected to be up by 6% on the previous year and looking positive for next season as well. “The sector has a bright future, although the way we do some of the

to get back? “There have been a few immigration and employment issues. “But the biggest impact the Covid-19 restrictions have had is on feed supply and also on processing capacity. “So on the back of a drought it has complicated things in the way that farmers would normally be managing their feed planning,” she says.

things in the future will change,” she says. One of these changes is the use of technology. Morrell says DairyNZ has been preparing a lot of resources and looking to connect farmers through technology. Recently DairyNZ’s Waikato team ran a webinar seminar in the evening and about 30 farmers participated. “Running an on-line format is challenging – especially getting people to engage, but as time goes by and if this situation continues for some time I believe more people will engage in that way.”

Morrell says getting rid of cull cows when feed is tight is a problem. She says ironically Northland, the region most affected by the drought, is probably the best off in this regard because they have destocked earlier than normal. “But as you go southwards, this is the time that farmers are traditionally getting rid of culls and this has coincided

templates and resources to help farmers: one of these is called ‘safe on dairy farms’ which is a series of questions which farmers can work through

with their teams. “It includes things like managing vehicles, what to do about spaces in the dairy, like how do we keep two metres apart when

we are milking the cows and other related issues. Communication is the biggest part of actually applying those things,” she says.

with the new Covid-19 protocols being introduced into the meat processing plants and they are operating at a significantly slower rate than they normally would. But again a lot will depend on individual companies,” she says. Communication in the current environment is very important, says Morrell. DairyNZ has developed

PLANNING FOR GYPSY DAY DAIRY INDUSTRY stakeholders are setting up a series of plans to deal with Gypsy Day, June 1, in the light of the Covid-19 restrictions. Federated Farmers, Dairy Women’s Network DairyNZ, Beef+LambNZ, the NZ Veterinarian Association and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) have been working together on the plans over

the recent weeks. DairyNZ has been surveying farmers in an effort to find out just how many farmers, sharemilkers and contract milkers might be affected this year: best estimates suggest that up to 1200 movements will take place. Sharon Morrell, DairyNZ’s head of consulting officers in the upper

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North Island says Gypsy Day is one of the major concerns being raised by farmers, who like the rest of New Zealanders don’t know what alert level the country will be in and what restrictions will accompany this. MPI’s Director General, Ray Smith says they are working positively to find an acceptable outcome.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

6 //  NEWS

Virus fails to infect $7-plus payout PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

TAKE THE win but don’t bet the farm on it lasting. That’s the prevailing opinion of economists on the unexpected 1.2% rise in the overall price index at the last Global Dairy Trade auction. With growing production and lessening demand from shutdowns, economists are cautious. Most hold their current season forecast within Fonterra’s range of $7/kgMS-7.60/kgMS but drop to $6.50kg/MS or less for next season. BNZ’s Doug Steel is more optimistic than others saying the GDT result was better than expected. “It is only a small rise but a very strong result in the current circumstances,” he told Dairy

News. It follows four small consecutive declines. “Prices are 12.8% below year earlier levels. Factor in a much lower NZ dollar and prices expressed in NZ dollars are similar to that achieved a year ago – and indeed at a strong, higherthan-average, level. “It follows other indicators than show many (but not all) prices for NZ’s major agricultural products have been holding up reasonably well to date. “This is helpful to overall exports and the economy in such a challenging environment.” China bought more whole milk powder (WMP) at this event than previously, backing up some recent better economic indicators from there. “More EU and US milk supply remains a

threat to prices over coming months, as is the potential for softer than expected demand as COVID-19 hits economies and labour markets hard. But, for now, with such risks known, the (GDT) result implies good things about dairy demand generally. BNZ is picking this season’s farmgate milk price will come in the middle of Fonterra’s $7$7.60/kgMS range. “We currently forecast $6.50/ kgMS for the 2020/21 milk price, but at today’s pricing and currency levels that may be a bit light.” There may be many twists and turns, Steel says. “In any case, to be talking anything like $6.50/kgMS or more with what is happening around the world just shows the resilience that is present

Doug Steel

in today’s market place for dairy products. Long may it continue.” ASB’s Nathan Penny says while WMP’s 2.1% price lift was notably higher than the 3% fall indicated by the futures market, prices in US

dollar terms remain lower than prior to the COVID19 virus outbreak. The price lift last week needs to be taken with a grain of salt. “We remain relatively cautious on the global dairy market outlook in

light of the COVID-19 developments. In other words, we will need to see further price gains or at least no further price falls, before we start to gain confidence that the worst of the outbreak impacts is behind us and that global dairy has stabilised.” ASB has lower its 2020/21 forecast to $6.50/ kgMS, from $7.50/kgMS previously and holds the current season forecast $7.30/kgMS. Westpac’s Michael Gordon says they have revised their milk price forecast from $7.20kg/ MS to $7/kgMS. For the following season, Westpac expects $6.30/kgMS (down from $7.30/kgMS prior to the Covid-19 outbreak). “We can be sure that the near-term hit to global demand will be unprecedented; what we don’t

know is how long the lockdown period will last, or how quickly the recovery will play out,” he says. The dairy sector still has a long hard road ahead of it and the bank expects further price declines over the next few months. “Global demand for dairy products, particularly outside of China, will be hit hard by the lockdown.” The impact will undoubtedly vary across products. Infant formula could be considered an ‘essential’ purchase, but that’s less true of the various processed foods that use milk powder or butter as an ingredient. “Demand from foodservices has been especially hard hit as cafes, restaurants and bakeries have been shut down.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

NEWS  // 7

Coping with Covid-19 SHAREMILKER

RICHARD

McIntyre and his wife and two children run 450 cows on a 190ha block, with a 180ha run-off block in the Horowhenua, Lower North Island. He says to some degree nothing has changed with the arrival of Covid-19 because the cows have to be fed and milked. “But we also have make sure that our staff fully understand the situation the country is in and

keep in their respective bubbles and obey the strict rules on social distancing. We developed a plan for this and that was important,” he says. McIntyre says they have put on hold several projects on the farm such as fencing a wetland and putting in a water reticulation system because these are not deemed essential under the Level 4 lockdown protocols. One real problem for McIntyre

is around how to deal with any significant mechanical breakdowns on the farm. He says for example accessing a part for a piece of essential equipment that has broken down means he’s got to ring the person at a store and get them to come in specially and he’s then got to pick this up. “If we had an engineering issue and had to get an engineer out it would be a special callout for

them, whereas previously it would be part of their normal business. It’s also a case of what is essential in terms of a breakdown. In some ways it’s very similar to trying to do business over Christmas,” he says. As well as trying to help others out McIntyre and wife Emma are also having to spend more time with their children. “We’re enjoying having the kids at home,” he says. - Peter Burke

Richard McIntyre

Gypsy Day dilemma PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FEDERATED FARMERS sharemilkers’ section chair-

man Richard McIntyre says not knowing whether the country or parts of it will still be in lockdown on Gypsy Day is adding to uncertainty in the industry. McIntyre says this is making it hard for those sharemilkers, contract milkers and staff moving to new properties on June 1, the start of the new milking season. Typically there are about 1200 movements on June 1 but McIntyre accepts that the situation is changing from day to day and that uncertainty is what people will have to deal with. “I have been getting a lot of calls from people concerned about how this may play out,” he says. McIntyre says moving farms is just one of the issues. He says a lot of other matters such as relating to the end of contracts have to be worked though and people are concerned as to how this might happen in a Covid19 environment. Other issues he says are things such as agreements on cow condition and pasture covers which have to be signed off as part of Gypsy day. “Then there is meeting the strict health and safety requirements laid down the Ministry of Health. We at Feds have been working through these issues with MPI, FMG, and DairyNZ to find a solution. “The problem is that with so much uncertainty we have be ready with optional solutions to deal with the various scenarios that might occur,” he says.

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We’ve got the country covered Covering the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff, our team of Area Managers are here to support you as an essential business service. We‘re on the ground, actively helping dairy farmers do things right on farm - from achieving healthy teats and training your staff, to troubleshooting mastitis issues. Brian Salvigny Northland, Helensville m. 027 472 1501

Tom Laurent South Auckland, Hauraki, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha m. 027 549 4692

Mark Mohring North Waikato, Morrinsville m. 027 472 1502

Greg Duncan Cambridge, Matamata, Putaruru m. 027 472 1505

Colin Ranby Te Awamutu, Otorohanga m. 027 499 1674

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Robbie Kirk Tokoroa, Mangakino, Taupo m. 027 202 0946

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WE’VE GOT WHATEVER IT TAKES TO KEEP YOU MILKING.

This country needs its dairy farmers more than ever right now, and we’re here to make sure you’ve got whatever it takes to keep the milk flowing. Online or on the phone, collect it from our place or ask about options for delivery to your farm. It’s your call, and we’re waiting for it right now.

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

NEWS  // 9

Lockdown boosts milk deliveries NIGEL MALTHUS

A SOUTHLAND dairy

farming couple offering home delivery of both raw and pasteurised milk, as well as other produce, is expanding their business as demand climbs during the Covid-19 lockdown. Logan and Melissa Johnson have been running their Farm Fresh South business for more than two years, delivering to “quite a few” customers across Southland and as far north as Dunedin. “We’ve almost doubled our home delivery customers in the last two weeks,” says Logan Johnson. The family moved to Southland from Motueka in 2009 to take up dairy farming, spending three years in farm assistant and herd manager roles, then five years as contract milkers before getting their own small farm, a few km north of Invercargill, where they have consents to milk up to 50 cows. Johnson says he is talking to a couple of other farmers about sourcing milk because they can’t keep up with demand. The business sells milk in glass bottles from vending machines on farm, and delivers throughout the south on a weekly schedule. They have their own delivery vehicle but also use contractors for the more far-flung areas. Johnson said a new contractor had just started for some of the Dunedin deliveries as they had too many for one to complete in a day. While the milk all comes from their own dairy farm, Johnson says he now talking with a couple of other farmers about sourcing milk to meet the demand. Meanwhile, they have they have progressively added other produce, by teaming up with other local suppliers. “We’ve got our milk, we’ve got bread from the local baker, Bakers Beyond, we’ve got vegies, honey, eggs and we’ve got meatpacks now as well -

Leelands Lamb has come on board.” They also offer sprayfree avocados from a Tauranga grower, after an introduction arranged by one of their customers. “That’s a wee bit different, because you can’t grow them down here.” Another addition is a local bulk foods supplier, The Pantry. Johnson said they have tried to offer as much value and variety as possible but with Covid looming had sped up the process. “For example, the bread from Bakers Beyond. That started about a week before the lockdown but we had been looking for options for that type of stuff anyway. It just made us do it quicker. “And Leelands Lamb – we have been talking with them for a while to come on board.” The Covid-19 emergency hasn’t all been plain sailing. They had been supplying milk to some cafes and retail stores (pasteurised because raw milk can only be sold directly to the end consumer, not through any third party) but Johnson says they lost that trade “overnight.” Covid-19 precautions include new rules for their onfarm milk vending machines – only one person in the shop at a time, with hand sanitisers available. Their delivery driver is masked when handling orders and uses hand sanitiser between deliveries, while their website reminds home customers to keep their distance. “You know we love to say hi and have a chat when we can but we ask that, for the time being, we deliver the milk from a distance. Have your bottles cleaned at in the designated place to be picked up.” New cleaning schedules are also in place for vehicles and machinery. The website adds that food safety guidelines mean that anyone with a cold, flu or bug isn’t involved in the harvesting, bottling, or delivery of

milk, at all times, not just the present situation. Johnson said that with everything changing so quickly the main thing for them was to get accurate information about what they could and could not

do under Covid-19 restrictions. “But for us, we have always fallen under the food production essential service; it was just a matter of how we were able to sell it.”

Logan and Melissa Johnson.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

10 //  AGRIBUSINESS

Drought, rain keep milk yield flat PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

FEBRUARY MILK pro-

duction was flat and New Zealand dairy exports decreased by 6.1%, or 19,348 MT compared to the same month last year. This was primarily driven by decreased demand for butter from Iran and for fluid milk products from China, down a combined 20,068 MT, says Fonterra in its global update. Exports were up for the 12 months to February by 3.7% on the previous comparable period, driven by WMP, fluid milk products, cheese and infant formula, up a combined 156,044 MT. New Zealand’s overall milk production for the 12 months to February was 1.6% lower than last year. In February the coun-

try’s overall milk production was flat on a litres basis (up 1.7% on milk solids basis compared to the same period last year). Adjusting for the leap year, February 2020 production was down 3.4% (down 1.8% on a milk solids basis). Drought conditions across the North Island and heavy rainfall in the lower South Island affected milk production. Fonterra’s New Zealand collection for the month ended February 29 was up 0.3% on last February. Season-to-date collection was down 0.3% on last season. North Island milk collection for the month ended February 29 was down 4.1% on last February. Season-to-date collection was down 1% on last season.

Drought conditions persisted throughout February, impacting milk production across most regions, with northern areas significantly impacted. South Island milk collection for the month ended February 29was up 5.6% on last February. Canterbury and Southland/ Otago regions received rain mid-month which improved pasture growth. Season-to-date collection was up 0.9% on last

season. The inclusion of off‑GDT sales contributed 8c/ kgMS to the milk price for the season to January 31, 2020. Fonterra’s Australia collection continued to drop. In February it was down 2.7% on the same month last season. Season-to-date collections were down 15% on the same period last season. This compares to Australia’s overall milk production – not just for Fonterra – which was

down 5.6% in the 12 months to January. Fonterra collections continue to be impacted by a highly competitive milk supply market which has seen losses primarily to milk brokers. Fonterra also decided to purchase less milk from third parties given the increased focus on higher value products. EU milk production increased by 1.1% in January compared to the same period last year. The largest production growth

can be seen in The Netherlands (up 2.8%), Poland (up 2.2%) followed by France (up 1.3%) and Germany (up 0.7%). The increase in milk production is likely to translate into more cheese, especially from Poland where the growth has been sustained for the last six months. EU milk production for the 12 months to January was up by 0.6% compared to the same period last year. EU exports for the 12 months to December

were up 7.6% on the previous comparable period. SMP, fluid milk products, butter, cheese and lactose were the main drivers of this growth. US milk production increased by 5.3% in February compared to the same period last year. However, with February 2020 containing an extra day due to ‘leap year’, the adjusted increase is closer to 2% on a daily basis. February’s continued milk production growth is driven by steady increases in herd sizes and in milk per cow. Milk production for the 12 months to February was 0.8% higher compared to the same period last year. US dairy exports increased 18.8% in January compared to the same period last year, driven primarily by skim and whole milk powder.

SPECIAL REPORTS

FEEDING OUT

There’s more to feeding out these days than throwing a couple of small hay bales on the ute. Depending on their farm set up, farmers need to consider feed-out wagons, trailers, bale feeders, mobile feed troughs, cow housing, feedpads, loaders and grabs, plus the supplements and mineral additives available. Dairy News’ special report on Feeding Out will cover the hardware available as well as the best practices for maximising animal nutrition and minimising feed wastage.

To be in this special report contact your advertising representative now to promote your products and/or service to all NZ dairy farmers and sharemilkers. Contact your closest Sales Representative

Auckland Stephen Pollard .... Ph 09-913 9637 Waikato Ted Darley ............ Ph 07-854 6292 Wellington Ron Mackay ......... Ph 04-234 6239 Christchurch Kaye Sutherland ... Ph 03-337 3828

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

12 //  OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Covid-19’s silver lining

MILKING IT... Stay away from farms!

Are you registered?

Thanks Fonterra!

Dumping milk

ONE PERSON having a joy ride in dairy country, Pukeatua in the Waikato during Covid-19 lockdown was in for a nasty surprise. A neighbour watch report says a chap was seen on a hill on Waimanu Road riding his Red V8 Holden and sitting on the bonnet. Locals watched him for a while and then one farmer sent his drone up. This raised the ire of the driver who started throwing stones at the drone without success: he then sped away from the scene. The message from farmers is simple; stay in your own bubble!

FARMING MAY have been given permission to operate as essential services during the lockdown but authorities are still not taking chances. One dairy industry leader received a call from “a lovely lady” from Ministry of Primary Industries. The call was to check on the farmer’s essential service registration/procedures. The feedback from her was that farmers rung on the day were aware of obligations and seriousness of Covid-19!

HATS OFF to Fonterra! The co-op is providing free milk to go into food packs for needy children. Eat My Lunch, the social enterprise which provides lunches for children in low-decile schools across New Zealand, is worried children stuck at home during lockdown are not getting the meals they need to stay healthy. e are working with. Fonterra says it’s happy to provide Anchor Milk that’s being taken into the heart of communities to ensure people get access to good nutrition during this time.

US FARMERS are dumping milk into lagoons and manure pits. After weeks of concern about shortages in grocery stores and mad scrambles to find the last box of pasta or toilet paper roll, many of the nation’s largest farms are struggling with another ghastly effect of the pandemic. They are being forced to destroy tens of millions of pounds of fresh food that they can no longer sell. The amount of waste is staggering. US’ largest dairy cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, estimates that farmers are dumping as many as 3.7 million gallons (14 million litres) of milk each day.

MAKE NO mistake, Covid-19 will change things: some things for a month or two, some for a year or two, and some permanently. No one knows what the new normal will look like. But it’s likely that dairy farming in New Zealand and food production generally will fare better than most industries and will come out of this stronger. Last week one industry leader Mark Townshend laid out what he thinks is in store for NZ dairy industry after Covid19 evaporates. From a pathway to reduce production, the dairy sector can use post-Covid-19 to look at boosting milk production again. The greenies and environmentalists will be out there, blaming farmers and their cows for all greenhouse gas emissions. The pressure to reduce water quality in lakes and rivers will also remain on farmers. Townshend believes provided water quality safeguards are respected, increasing NZ food production will be both financially beneficial for NZ and globally beneficial for climate change. Post-Cvoid-19 should also slow down, if not stop, urban drift. Urban drift is a worldwide problem for rural communities. Globally there are rural challenges everywhere in the world if a greater percentage of the more talented young people drift to urban centres and more of the less motivated and educated stay in rural populations. The resetting of economic realities under Covid-19 and people changing their views on what is important in life offers rural NZ an excellent opportunity to market itself as a great place to live, raise families and teach their young good values and work ethic. Attracting more human talent to rural areas offers the opportunity to improve the leadership in our local authorities, education centres, health centres and social services like sports clubs, churches and arts. The importance of rural NZ reinstated by Covid-19 experience should also boost farm labour talent pool. Post-Covid-19 farming should expect to see increased interest from a new pool of people looking to enter farming as a career. Townshend says his farming group has had approaches from airline pilots and sports coordinators about career opportunities in the weeks since lockdown. With planes grounded and tourism on its knees, New Zealanders will be looking for dairying and agriculture to keep foreign earnings coming in. Food production and the value it creates for the NZ economy will not be just important, but very important.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

OPINION  // 13

Plan ahead for better outcomes TONY WILDING

A FEED shortage or

poor cow condition come May 31/Gypsy Day doesn’t happen overnight and in a well-run business there should no end-of-season surprises like that. The last 3-4 months in most regions of New Zealand have been one of the most difficult droughts to manage. When running a farm in conjunction with another party this is only a fact and not an excuse for both parties not to perform under a contract. When sharing the business outcomes with another party it is important to keep one another informed and if that’s not already done there should be an agreed plan on the following: ■■ Dry-off dates for cows. ■■ Buying in feed options and how costs will be shared. ■■ Amount of supplement to be used for production now and supplements left for next season at June 1. These decisions are important in an ongoing agreement but become more crucial when the agreement is terminating on June 1. The incoming sharemilkers’ contract

and future needs also need to be considered. This process needs to start today if it’s not already in place. The small reprieve we had with rainfall in March (if you were lucky) should not be milked away if your May 31 targets cannot be met. Remember, there is less winter grazing available than in a normal year. Brought in feed - if you can get it - is very expensive. Animal welfare standards must be met and should not be compromised. Farm owners who have herd owning sharemilkers have an obligation here even though they don’t own the livestock. If you need help, bring in an independent consultant to assist with a plan and budget, especially if there is tension or initial disagreement. It’s very important the way forward is shared not imposed. Who should instigate this? The farm owner should but as a sharemilker don’t let things drift. Sharemilkers can and should instigate this if not done by the owner. It needs to be done NOW to influence

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Tony Wilding

and change things. This is especially important in the nonherd owning agreement where it states “...where there is a shortfall in feed to meet BCS of cows the owner will arrange for the delivery of adequate feed to meet the shortfall.” This clause has a qualification

to it saying, “...where the shortfall is caused by the sharemilker / contract milker, then they will supply the shortfall.” For this reason alone the above plan needs to be in place to give clarity to the parties and maybe to protect the sharemilker from

potential wrongful blame. Having a documented plan is very important, because it: ■■ Helps set out individual party’s actions and responsibilities. ■■ Sets out a budgeted plan. ■■ Plans for and provides animal welfare needs. ■■ Acts as a record that

if needed is evidence in the event of a dispute on a feed shortfall or animal condition at change over. Please let’s get this right. • Tony Wilding is Federated Farmers Sharemilker Farm Owners Chairperson @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

Sending animals off to grazing? The movement must be recorded in NAIT

• Farmer must create the sending movement • Grazier must confirm the movement (or create a receiving movement).* Need help? Call 0800 482 463 or contact your information provider.

Contact your local sales representative for more information Auckland

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Waikato

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Wellington

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Christchurch Kaye Sutherland ...... Ph 03-337 3828

* Failure to record and confirm farm to farm livestock movements in the NAIT system may result in a $400 fine per animal or prosecution. The requirement to record livestock movements within 5 business days in the NAIT system is temporary and will return to 48 hours after the National State of Emergency is lifted.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

14 //  MANAGEMENT

Tips for milking during Covid-19 KEEP YOURSELF and your employees safe at milking during COVID-19 with the following tips. We know from medical professionals that Covid-19 stays on surfaces for 2+ hours and is transferred via droplets. This means that we have to be extra vigilant with the hygiene of our shared work surfaces, and that we must maintain a distance of two metres from others to minimise its spread over the next four weeks of lockdown. Traditionally, and especially in our herringbone milking platforms, we worked closely together and with no disinfection of our surfaces. To keep everyone safe, we now need to make changes to how we milk. What can you do to help keep your employees and yourself safe? TIPS FOR WORKING TOGETHER WHILE MILKING

Herringbones options Where possible milk with one person in the pit. When two or more people are required to milk, set up the dairy with a set section for each milker, i.e. in a 40 aside one person milks cups 1-20 the other 21-40 and milkers keep 2 metres apart.

Bunny-hopping is the most efficient milking method in a herringbone. With spring calving herds now in late lactation, the milking pressure has lessened; so changing your system to make it safer for you, for a short period of time, shouldn’t have a big impact on milking times. Rotary options Where possible milk with only one person at cups on. Some larger rotaries require two people for cups on and if this needs to be maintained then the milkers must always stand two metres apart. Where rotaries have two people present for herd change overs, or one person at cups off, then it is essential that staff always keep two metres apart. General requirements Wearing gloves during milking should be compulsory at this time. Ensure that you remove gloves once you are leaving the dairy to go home or to other areas of the farm. After you remove your gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If two metre physical distancing can’t be achieved because you want to still do the bunny-hopping routine in a

herringbone, or have two people cupping closer than two metres in a rotary, then staff must wear masks. Communication to your team Tell your team about the importance of hygiene when touching surfaces. A “gloves on” rule is a good place to start, but also you should reiterate to

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your team that you all need to refrain from touching your faces (even when wearing gloves) and ensure thorough hand washing happens after gloves have been removed. Advise them that coughing must be directed somewhere safe (ideally into shoulder/elbow) but definitely not towards another person or surface

that will be touched by someone else. If this happens grab the soap/disinfectant and get cleaning. Consider allocating ownership of kitchen items (knife, fork, cups etc.) or get staff to bring their own utensils. Ensure all staff are adhering to the Level 4 home isolation rules and they are not socialising with other isolated team members or the general public. It’s a serious time but humour will help, so try and keep the workplace fun for you and your staff. Rostering tips When doing your rostering, try and minimise how many staff are in contact with one another. If possible, consider having the same groups of staff working in shifts together over the four weeks to reduce the social contact points. If your team size does not allow for this, consider ways that you can split tasks or stagger staff breaks to minimise contact. Are you an essential workplace? If you have over five people (including you) working on the farm, you must register your essential workplace with MPI. • Article supplied by DairyNZ

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

MANAGEMENT  // 15

The power of digital systems during crisis PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

DIGITAL SYSTEMS

will come into their own with Covid-19 restrictions, says James Watson of TracMap. “It will change the way people practice day to day business and the way processes are conducted in the primary sector,” Watson told Dairy News. One beauty of TracMap is that contractors can run their business from home. All farmers need to do is place the order on the phone. “The contractor can

remotely come, do the job. The farmer can be sent a notification to say the contractor is on site, when they have completed the job and all the information can be sent back to one place. “There is no that human contact. You can control and have the traceability but remotely for farmers.” Classed as an essential service TracMap is all hands on deck. “In day to day practices we have solutions that allow people to work remotely. They don’t have to be face to face. “That can all be done from the comfort of your

own home or the comfort of your cab and not have to worry about anything else.” TracMap is a GPS and cloud based job management solution for all kinds of jobs in agriculture, horticulture and viticulture. “The biggest piece of the puzzle is we will allow you to get the guidance and efficiencies from using GPS and proof knowing where you are putting products. “You can make sure you are getting the bigger return on investment for your product use. Along with that is being able collect the data in one

place which is becoming a lot more prevalent for the primary industry. Our systems give farmers the facility to be recording what they are putting on where, at what time and at what rates and being able to compile it all in one place for auditing purposes. “You have real time data, you have real-time reporting of where you are putting effluent, all your end usage where you are putting your sprays. “It is moving away from the paper based model in keeping everything all in one online

cloud based portal for management purposes so.” TracMap began partnering with Amazon Web Services late last year which now hosts all the TracMap software services on line. “We are really fortunate to be working with such a high profile provider globally. That gives us the best support possible outcomes; being able to have numerous customers on our systems and having the best and most robust infrastructure possible. “It certainly provides

us with sustainability for growth in products and more people using TracMap online in the future.” Watson says 75% of fertiliser applied in New Zealand is now tracked through TracMap. “We have been able to evolve from just having GPS guidance to be able to unveil and create TracMap online which is our cloud-based portals for recording all the data on farm whether it is from spreaders, sprayers, mowers or cultivation implements. “Farmers can have a

unit in the cab and not have to worry about the recording because they are linked back to the cloud-based portals.” Many farmers are using it because it is twopronged for them. After recording all the data from their in-cab GPS system they can store it all in one place. It can be used for easier pasture management, GPS guidance for spreaders and sprayers and for K-Line and Sprinkler irrigation. In all areas less time is needed for the job, whether by tractor, truck or helicopter.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

ANIMAL HEALTH  // 17

Possum control plan suspended OSPRI HAS suspended possum con-

Bruce and Samantha Cameron, Hunterville.

Latest graduates provide genetic solutions for a future proof herd CRV AMBREED’S 2020 line up of

bull graduates will provide New Zealand dairy farmers with genetic solutions to future proof their business, the company says. CRV’s breeding programme manager Aaron Parker says while health and efficiency traits are still a key consideration, dairy farmers are looking at more than just production capability and cow temperament when it comes to herd improvement. “An increasing number of farmers are looking for genetic solutions to meet the current and future demands they face around the environment, herd efficiency and animal welfare. “Looking at the latest offering from CRV, there are several stand out sires which will capture the attention of dairy farmers.” The New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) ranking of active sires (RAS) is a list of top ranking New Zealand proven dairy sires. Individual breeding companies nominate their highest quality sires, and the bulls are then ranked according to their Breeding Worth. Number one across all breeds is CRV Ambreed’s Puketawa King Connacht JG, son of Roma Murmur Kingpin. Connacht is A2A2 and a joint venture sire with Jersey New Zealand. Bred by J&C McBride from Taranaki, he is a key member of the LowN Sires team and offers excellence on CRV’s Better Life Health and Better Life Efficiency index. Number four for the country across all breeds is CRV Ambreed’s new graduate sire Glen Leith AND

Quiz S2J, son of one of our legends, Degree ET. Quiz is A2A2 and is bred by BJ & M Sim from Taranaki. This new graduate will also become a key member of the LowN Sires team. He rates highly on the Better Life Efficiency Index, with big production from robust daughters. Other CRV Sires in the top 15 group include Lockhart Terrific Coastal, Puketawa King Carrick JG and old favourite, Superstition. Graduate sire Ambzed Grand Lennan S1F makes it to the top in the Friesian group. A2A2 Lennan is son of Bagworth PF Grandeur S1F. He is also a member of the Facial Eczema team. Bred by NA & WJ McLennan on the West Coast, he rates highly on the Better Life Efficiency Index with big fat, low cell counts and tremendous longevity. Graduate Arrietas Teanau ET J9F7 makes it to the top Crossbred group. Bred by JK & TE Bailey from Waikato, he is son of San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F. Teanau is a key addition to the LowN Sires team. He is CRV’s highest rated bull for BL Efficiency and with high longevity and great fertility his daughters will be enjoyed for a long time. CRV national sales and marketing manager Jon Lee says new to CRV’s portfolio this year is a broader Automate Team option for farmers wanting to order bull teams across all breeds that are high indexing and A2/A2. “This team has been created for farmers whose core focus is on BW. This product is the easiest way for farmers to access our highest BW

indexing bulls, with the added benefits of superb overall farmer opinion, calving ease and great udders. “The bonus is that we offer a system where farmers can order plenty of straws to ensure they don’t run short, but only pay for what they use. So, it offers great value for money and convenience.” This season, CRV’s product development manager Oceania Peter van Elzakker says CRV has also broadened its portfolio of dairy beef products. “In response to growing interest in dairy beef, we have introduced the Stabilizer® product from Focus Genetics. This option is for farmers looking for easy calving, good marking and growth. “Thanks to our partnership with Belgium Blue Group (BBG) from Europe, we can offer Belgian Blue options for short gestation, Calving Ease and growth. These bulls have been tested on dairy cows.” CRV’s unique Fertabull short gestation Hereford product this year is 100% Polled. “Hereford is the most popular breed for dairy beef because of the animals’ white faces and clear markings. Fertabull remains an ideal product for farmers wanting high fertility tail end mating with short gestation, easy calving beef bulls. “We made a long-term commitment to breed sires that would produce healthy and efficient daughters. It’s really exciting to see that focus realised – our efforts have truly paid off and dairy farmers will ultimately reap the benefits by having better genetics to breed better cows.”

trol operations in support of its TBfree disease eradication programme during the Covid-19 lockdown. While possum control for the purposes of TB eradication is an important part of the TBfree programme, it is not regarded by Ministry of Primary Industries as an “essential service” that needs to continue during the lockdown. The Government has set a high threshold for what constitutes an essential service, and says pest operations, while important, have insufficient immediate impact on market access, animal welfare and food safety to qualify. TB testing of livestock and slaughter surveillance at meat processing plants will continue to provide assurance of TB-free meat and dairy products.

Ospri chief operating officer Matthew Hall says stopping possum control operations, while unsettling, is not expected to impact the overall progress of the TBfree programme, although it may affect eradication target dates in some areas. “We will assess which operations will resume post-lockdown and update farmers and contractors accordingly.” Possums are the main vector of transmission of TB between wildlife and livestock, and farmers are encouraged to safely continue possum control on their land while Ospris contractors are grounded. Further guidance on the resumption of TBfree possum control will be communicated when a firm date for the end of the present circumstances has been established, Ospri says.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

18 //  ANIMAL HEALTH

New head for M.bovis campaign NIGEL MALTHUS

THE NEW head of the

Ministry for Primary Industry’s Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme says the predominance of infected beef as opposed to dairy enterprises recently identified by the programme suggests good gains in its capacity to find, contain and control the infection. Stuart Anderson, formerly MPI’s director of fisheries management, took over this week from Geoff Gwyn, who has led the initial response and later eradication pro-

gramme for the past three years. While confirmed infections on properties classed as beef or other (lifestylers, calf rearers and graziers) have continued to creep up through the first quarter of the year, there was a period of more than two months with no new confirmed infections on any dairy farm, since late January. Just one new infection – on a dairy enterprise – was confirmed in the week ended April 3. Current figures (as at April 3) are 245 confirmed – 59 dairy, 133 beef, and 53 other – of which 31 are active and 214 cleared.

Just one new M.bovis infection was confirmed the week ended April 3. Inset: Stuart Anderson.

Properties under a Notice of Direction stand at 153 – the lowest it has been since May last year.

Of those, 98 are beef and 33 dairy, and of the farms under Active Surveillance, 68 are beef and

101 dairy. Anderson explains that for each infected dairy enterprise, the pro-

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gramme expects to trace forwards to more than one infected beef farm. “The Programme identifies infected dairies by tracing cattle and milk movements and also by screening bulk tank milk samples. “In March 2020 the Programme confirmed infection in a dairy that was investigated based on January 2020 bulk tank milk screening results. There are certain periods in the lactation cycle where the Programme is more likely to detect infection, if present, via bulk tank milk screening. Anderson said it was important to compare seasons of screening to identify national trends. “Of the farms with a screening result prompting on-farm investigation through spring 2018, 5.3% were confirmed as infected (‘the conversion rate’). “The conversion rate for spring 2019 screening was 2.7%. Declining conversion rates are consistent with a reduction in the number of infected

dairy farms nationally.” Autumn-winter 2020 screening begins next month. The conversion rate observed through this period can be compared to that for 2019 to assess for similar trends, said Anderson. Meanwhile, the National Beef Survey, which aims to find out exactly how far Mycoplasma bovis has penetrated the beef sector, has been paused under Covid19 Level 4 movement restrictions. The survey was announced in January and involves sampling about 2500 beef herds with no known link to Mycoplasma bovis. It rolled out to national coverage shortly before the Covid-19 lockdown but has now been paused and will recommence as soon as possible, said Anderson. “While good progress has been made, data sets are yet to be processed.” However, routine Mycoplasma bovis programme sampling continues, Anderson says.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

MATING  // 19

The value of reproduction IN ANY business, it can be difficult

knowing where to invest so that you will get the most bang for your buck. Many economists would say the key is to not put all your eggs in one basket, invest in a portfolio of things to spread your risk. By investing in your reproductive performance you are doing exactly that. Focusing resources on improving reproductive performance and lifting indicators, such as 6 week in-calf rate, not in-calf rate, conception rate and three week submission rate; can have valuable flow on effects that offset risks and bring value to your business across a wide variety of facets (economic, social, environmental and legal). Economic benefit Improved revenue - having cows incalf to the first insemination gives you more days in milk Improved asset worth - more cows in-calf gives you more choice when it comes to discretionary culling, allowing you to improve the BW and asset worth of your herd over time. An additional revenue stream more calves will also mean you can sell excess heifers or mate the bottom % of

Many economists would say the key is not to put all your eggs in one basket, invest in a portfolio of things to spread your risk. your herd to beef, giving you another revenue stream. Social benefit Improved health and safety - tighter calving patterns can allow farm workers more time to rest between calving and mating. Positive reflection on animal welfare - healthy and capable animals are vital to good reproductive performance therefore a lift in your repro performance can be an indicator your herd’s wellbeing has improved also. Environmental benefit Reduced environmental impact - improved reproductive performance allows you to do more with less. Selecting for better performing cows enables you to have fewer cows which should reduce emissions of

nitrogen and methane. Legal benefit Compliance - Policies such as those in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 require owners of animals and persons in charge of animals to attend to physical, health and behavioural needs

of animals. High level of compliance with such policies can be achieved as a result of working toward high reproductive performance. What does investing in reproductive performance look like? High reproductive performance is achieved hrough

effective management of the eight key management areas. Conduct an assessment of your herd to prioritise and find out areas for focusing resources to achieve high reproductive performance. • Article sourced from www.lic.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

20 //  MATING

How to body condition score BODY CONDITION

scoring (BCS) is a simple process. However, DairyNZ says it is impor-

• •

tant to calibrate the eye by first condition scoring cows “hands on” at the dairy. Then you are ready to BCS in the paddock: ■■ Line up 15 cows with a range of BCS ■■ Put your hands on the important body parts ■■ Feel the amount of fat cover over the various body points and the difference between the cows. Note that gut fill can give visual impression of condition over the ribs; it is, therefore, important to feel the amount of fat cover. ■■ Average the different areas to come up with the BCS for that cow. What to look at when you condition score cows ■■ Backbone - Is it flat or is there a ridge? Can you see or easily feel

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notches? Long ribs - Can you see or easily feel the ribs? If visible how many can you see? Short ribs - Can you see the short ribs? What do they feel like? Are the rib ends sharp or rounded? Hip bones - Are the hip bones rounded or angular? Rump - Is the area between the pins and hip bones, flat, sunken or hollow? Pin bones - Are they pointed, “tap” like or rounded? Tailhead - Is there a hollow between the tail head and pin bones? Is it a deep V or shallow U shape? Thigh - Is the area indented, flat or rounded? Is the muscle structure defined.

HANDY BCS TRACKER APP

• • • •

EASILY RECORD and track cow body condition score with the BCS Tracker app. The BCS Tracker allows you to score cows in the field on your smartphone and have ready access to the results. It also takes the hassle out of recording BCS data on paper and then transferring it to a computer, it can now all be done electronically. Features With the following features, this app is proving to be a popular tool for farmers and staff. It allows for viewing herd scores and seeing change over time. Multiple herds can be scored and reported on. Cows can be flagged for a range of reasons (lame, mastitis etc) and along with their tag numbers can recorded for later reference. The app also contains the popular BCS field guide, so there is ready access to information and images on accurate assessment.

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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

MATING  // 21

Wayne and Kelly Sanford.

Northland herd on track to 500kgMS per cow THE DECISION to move to overseas genetics has put a Northland farming couple on the track to achieving 500kgMS/ cow. The Sandford property at Waipu has been in Wayne Sandford’s family for several generations. Wayne took over the running of the 157 hectare farm and herd around three decades ago and Kelly recalls the breeding of the 270 Friesian cow herd was predominantly New Zealand genetics. “When Wayne and I got married we were very focused on BW. Each year we’d select the top BW bulls on offer but were becoming concerned at the udders in the daughters they were siring - they were small and it wasn’t uncommon for heifers to go dry soon after entering the herd. “Our farm system is System 4. We’re after top production from our cows and the udders we were seeing among replacements was beginning to really compromise our production, so we changed our focus from BW to traits. This saw us move to another New Zealand genetics company whose line-up of bulls had good udder traits. Unfortunately their gene pool of straight Friesians was limited and when this resulted in the company encouraging us to crossbreed, we began looking elsewhere,” Kelly Sandford said. “Customer service is everything to us and we had also become frustrated at the large turnover of staff the company was constantly experiencing. We were continually getting new representatives who didn’t know us, our herd or our farming goals. “It was then that we met Dyanne Osborne on the World Wide Sires’ stand at Fieldays and realised how focused the company was on traits and how they were able to select sires from a database of the best Friesians in the world to suit our farming system.”

“Ahead of her time” World Wide Sires’ Dyanne Osborne is known, by name and reputation, across the New Zealand dairy industry. She’s known as a trailblazer her belief and advocacy in the value US genetics could bring to New Zealand dairy farmers never wavering over more than 30 years. Osborne says the late 1990s was “a time of challenge and change. Multiyear research comparing the fertility and production of North American Friesians with New Zealand and Irish cows revealed a concerning level of infertility. This was largely a result of milking year-round without the breeding pressure which comes with seasonal dairying. Coincidentally the research results came out at the time global dairying was changing in favour of seasonal. It was a time of change and opportunity and one Select Sires embraced. World Wide Sires is the marketing arm for Select Sires – one of the largest dairy farmer owned cooperatives in the world. “Today even a cursory look over the stats of the World Wide Sires’ bulls on offer today demonstrates some of the best fertility statistics combined with health and production records, available in the world today. “The tide is turning in so many ways for New Zealand farmers and there’s never been a better time to move from small statured, small producing cows to moderate sized, high producing cows which will last in the herd and give farmers the option of reducing numbers without a negative impact on production or productivity. “We’re talking a line of genetics, specifically selected for the grazing environment which enable farmers to reduce their environmental footprint with fewer cows AND continue to make money,” Dyanne Osborne concluded.

DAIRY NEWS APRIL 21, 2020

22 //  MATING

Good bull management GOOD BULL management means running adequate numbers of bulls with the herd, reducing their stress, and handling bulls to minimise the risk of injury to people and animals. Having enough bulls when cows are likely to

be on heat is important in ensuring good reproductive performance. The number of bulls required will depend on the number of cows or yearling heifers likely to come on heat while the bulls are with the group. A minimum of 2 bulls

should be with a mob at all times. Run one yearling bull per 20 yearling heifers at all times to cover the poorer performance of yearling bulls. Ensure there are always at least two sexually active bulls running

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with each mob throughout the mating period. Bulls are typically run with yearling heifers on an all-in basis. You may want a few extra bulls around in case any need to be replaced. The ratio should be about one bull to 15-20 heifers. If you are using heat synchrony, and returns will occur when bulls are running, you need to estimate the minimum number of bulls running with cattle during this period (using one bull per 10 non-pregnant cows). Alternatively, recommence heat detection and AB for 3 or 4 days, starting 19 days after the previously synchronised inseminations. Bull selection To make sure bulls are sexually mature and able to serve, bulls need to be well grown. By the time a bull reaches 14–15 months, they should have achieved 50% of their mature weight. This should increase to 85% by two years of age. To maintain the health of bulls and all other animals, ensure that bulls receive the same vaccination programme as the heifers and cows. Develop a drenching programme with your vet as well. Choosing bulls Select bulls from a bull rearer or leasing service with a reputation of growing and delivering healthy bulls. Query what disease exposure bulls may have had like M.bovis, Thieleria or BVD. Insist on bulls certified free of TB, BVD, IBR and EBL, and blood test negative for Johne’s Disease. If unsure about Johne’s, discuss with your vet. Insist on bulls certified fully vaccinated for leptospirosis and BVD. They must have been vaccinated twice initially, 4 weeks apart and then boosted with a single shot annually for each of these diseases. Use bulls that are no more than three years old. Older bulls can be temperamental, difficult to manage and are more likely to have injuries to the penis, back or legs. They increase the risk of

Selecting the right bulls is the key.

BEFORE ARRIVING ON FARM BULLS NEED to be kept in good body condition, particularly in the 3 months prior to their mating start date. Several weeks before the bulls will be used, make any required diet changes to ensure bulls are not too fat or too thin. They should be in body condition score 4.5 to 5.5 prior to mating. Body condition score bulls well before mating to give you time to make diet changes. Consider veterinary examination of bulls at least a month before the bulls start work. Examinations range from a simple physical exam, to a serving ability test, or a full assessment of semen quality. Good bull management will ensure bulls are well adjusted to their environment before mating

and have been through a biosecurity quarantine. Bulls should be moved to the farm between two to three months and ten days before they are required for work. Split the bulls into teams for rotating (half resting, half working) to reduce fighting. On arrival: ■■ check for any injuries that may have occurred during transport ■■

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quarantine for 10 days and observe for any disease or walking defects trim hooves if necessary walk among them observing for any individuals showing aggression or ‘stalking’ behaviour, especially Jersey bulls – they may not be suitable to run with the milking herd.

OBSERVE REGULARLY WHEN BULLS are running with the herd, you can take several steps to increase bull activity and reduce health risks. Steps to take Regularly observe bulls serving to ensure they are serving correctly. Immediately remove bulls that are unable to serve properly and replace them with more capable bulls. Monitor bulls for lameness each day. Remove lame bulls immediately and replace with healthy bulls. If bulls go lame or get sick they will need to be replaced for the rest of mating. Infections, antibiotic treatment, and elevated temperatures effect sperm production for 30+ days making them ineffective for use. Do not allow bulls to enter the concrete milking yard with the milking herd as concrete can cause excessive hoof wear and lameness.

injury to both the cattle and to the people working with them. Choose virgin bulls whenever possible as they are less likely to introduce venereal diseases to the herd; but avoid using bulls that are less than 15 months old. If using non-virgin bulls, discuss testing for the venereal diseases, Trichomoniasis and Campylobacter with your vet. Use bulls that are likely

To further reduce the risk of bull lameness and injury to bulls, cows and farm staff – train bulls to remain in the paddock when cows are brought to milkings. Identify bulls with reflective tape or some other means for easy location of bulls in the dark. It usually takes just two to three days to train bulls to hang back and let the cows go down the race. In larger herds, there may be too many bulls hiding among too many cows to draft out in the paddock or race. The only alternative is to draft at the dairy shed. In this case, allow for extra bulls to replace those who go lame or stop cows moving on the race. If applicable, ensure bulls do not gain access to concentrate rations. This can disrupt rumen function, causing sickness and reduced fertility.

to minimise the number of calvings requiring assistance, especially with the heifers. Select bulls ideally from the same mob. This will reduce fighting when they are with the herd. Otherwise the bulls need to arrive earlier to establish their social order well before mating start date. Exclude fully horned bulls and those with deformed feet. Select bulls of similar

size to the cows or heifers to be mated. If bulls are substantially heavier than the cows or heifers (e.g. >100kg heavier) then injuries to both bulls and cows are more likely. Observe bulls serving tall cows; ensure they are able to serve correctly. Also observe larger bulls serving cows. If the cows collapse under the weight, find lighter bulls. • Article sourced from DairyNZ

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GOOD CALL. At FMG, we know that more than 10% of our milk claims are as a result of power loss. It’s this kind of specialised rural knowledge that allows us to pass on valuable advice to farmers to help manage risks. Like making sure you always have a back-up generator on a dairy farm. At the end of the day, if we can help you avoid loss, it reduces stress, lost production and downtime. So why not get in touch with FMG to see how we can help you make some good calls on your farm. Call us on 0800 366 466, or go to fmg.co.nz

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