Herd repro success

March 2013
Your levy in action
Herd repro
success
Farmers share figures at Farmers’ Forum
Positive feedback
Farmers respond to new strategy
Rosie returns
DairyNZ’s cowbassador hits the road
Transporting stock
Steps for moving cows
contents
1
From the CEO
2
Cover story – farmers share their success
6
Farmers’ Forum details
7
DairyNZ view: Craig McBeth
8
DairyNZ focus farms
2
10 Cow nutrition: fact vs fallacy
12 Rosie’s tour
13 Progression Groups
14 New water accord
16 Dairy industry strategy update
18 Tackling TB
19 Tips for transporting stock
20 Top scientist retires
21 Dairy Women’s Network Conference
22 Cashflow Budgeting Workshops
23 News in brief
10
12
24 Myth buster
25 The pasture page
26 Milking smarter, not harder
Hot & not
27 Regional focus
28 Regional update
20
Must-reads:
Farmers fed feed facts - pg 10-11
Three of New Zealand’s leading experts in cow
nutrition answered dairy farmers’ questions at a series
of events in Canterbury and Otago. Dr John Roche
from DairyNZ, Dr Jim Gibbs from Lincoln University
and Dr Terry Hughes from Synlait helped farmers
separate fact from fallacy.
New water accord - pg 14-15
A new set of national good management practice
standards for environmental performance on dairy
farms has been agreed.
On the cover: Matt and Cushla Smith.
We appreciate your feedback
Email your comments to insidedairy@dairynz.co.nz
or call us on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
Alternatively, post to
Inside Dairy, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton 3240.
For information on DairyNZ visit dairynz.co.nz.
Inside Dairy is the official magazine of DairyNZ Ltd. It is circulated among all New Zealand dairy farmers and industry organisations and professionals.
ISSN 1179-4916
from the ceo
news
in brief
Smart Water Use Ideas Exchange
Nine on-farm DairyNZ Smart Water Use sessions will take place
There has been plenty of talk
recently about the future of
around the Waikato in March.
Sessions will report on the recently completed farm water use
dairy farming. Everything from
study, discuss metering and monitoring water use, and provide
the volatility of commodity
practical tips and advice for efficient water use in the farm dairy.
prices and the employment of
The events are in Mangakino – March 5; Pirongia – March 6;
migrant labour to farming to water quality limits have
Otorohanga – March 7; Matamata – March 12; Tokoroa –
been discussed.
March 13; and Putaruru – March 14.
So, it is timely that as an industry we are now in the final
Visit dairynz.co.nz/events for times and farm locations.
stages of finalising our refreshed Strategy for Sustainable Dairy
Farming, and a new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord.
Both are covered in this issue of Inside Dairy. Each is a
significant milestone for the development of our industry –
and important to securing its ongoing success.
The new water accord is about managing real risks to
our businesses as dairy farmers. Our reputation in terms
of environmental management is vital for sustaining the
development of the industry – both domestically
and globally.
The accord is a key part of how we will implement the
Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming. It will build on the
previous accord – but the big difference is that this time, all
dairy companies have committed to sign it.
Other groups have become ‘friends’ and ‘supporting
partners’ of the accord – but it’s the dairy companies and
DairyNZ which will be accountable for its commitments. And
it’s you, the dairy farmer, who will have to farm by them so
we need your feedback too.
DairyNZ has a key role in leading the process, however
it’s actually about the whole dairy farming industry
working together.
In the draft strategy we've deliberately used the word
‘sustainable’ in the working title because that applies to
being financially, environmentally and socially sustainable.
As many people keep saying, you have to be in the black to
be green.
That is something we all have to work together to achieve. It comes down to having dairy farming working for everyone
in New Zealand.
As always, I appreciate your feedback so if you’d like to
contact me, email tim.mackle@ceo.dairynz.co.nz.
Milksmart workshops
DairyNZ’s Milksmart programme continues through March with
events in Southland, Otago and Canterbury.
The Milksmart workshops focus on milk harvesting efficiency
and follow a flexible format which allows attendees to sit in
on as many, or as few, of the 14 different milking-related
workshops as they like, at a time of their choosing.
Following the events in Canterbury, DairyNZ and Smaller Milk
and Supply Herds (SMASH) are hosting mini Milksmart events in
the West Coast and Top of the South Island. These events
will feature milking expert Mel Eden and will cover cow
behaviour, cow flow and smarter milking strategies to shorten
milking times.
The workshops are in Balclutha – March 5; Winton –
March 7; Geraldine – March 12; Lincoln – March 14.
To register visit milksmart.co.nz.
The mini Milksmart events are in Hokitika – March 26;
Maruia – March 27; Linkwater – March 28.
For more information visit smallerherds.co.nz.
Farmers as trainers
In partnership with DairyNZ, AgITO is rolling out free Farmers
as Trainers workshops across the country in 2013.
This one-day course will provide farmers who are responsible
for training staff, with the skills to run an efficient, effective and
safe farm team.
Farmers will learn how to motivate staff, ensuring they
have the skills and knowledge to perform to a consistently
high standard.
For more information contact AgITO on 0800 691 111 or
visit agito.ac.nz.
Tim Mackle
CEO DairyNZ
InsideDairy
1
cover feature
Repro
SUCCESS
shared with region
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^ Matt and Cushla Smith.
Milking their two and threeyear-old cows once-a-day has
paid dividends for Northland
farmers Matt and Cushla Smith.
Their six-week in-calf rate has improved, resulting in a more
compact calving and increased production. More importantly,
reduced empty rates in their young stock have kept the loss of
young animals from their herd to a minimum.
The Smiths will share their success story and provide some of
the numbers around their results at DairyNZ’s Northland Farmers’
Forum on April 5.
Other forums will be held in West Coast, Taranaki, Lower
North Island and Southland. Each event will cover regionallyrelevant information presented by scientists, other experts and
dairy farmers.
For Northland farmers, reproduction results are top of mind.
The Smiths, like other farmers in the region, have worked hard
to improve their in-calf rate and reduce their calving spread and
empty rates.
The six-week in-calf rate of their herd has risen from 58
percent in 2010/11 to 68 percent in 2012/13 – and they plan on
further improvements.
(cont'd pg 4)
InsideDairy
3
(cont'd from pg 3)
^ Cushla and Matt Smith operate once-a-day
^ The Smiths have improved their herd's
and twice-a-day milking herds.
reproductive performance.
Combining herds
breeding (AB) and natural mating, to a 10 week mating period
using AB only.
When the Smiths returned to Mangawhai four years ago to
“As all animals are calved almost two weeks prior to planned
manage the farm they are equity partners in, the Smiths put
start of mating they all have the opportunity to cycle at least two
together a herd comprising cows drawn from five different herds
or three times during mating” says Matt.
– which made their first calving a challenge.
“Being a reasonably dry farm, that benefits from an early
spring, it lends itself towards an early calving, however in the
first year with this new herd we had a 16+ week calving spread
starting July 20,” says Cushla.
They wanted a far more compact, earlier calving and targeted
an improved six-week in-calf rate to achieve this.
“One of our main tools in the past two seasons has been
Finding success
The Smiths started the OAD system in 2011 and found
immediate success.
“When we brought the two-year-olds into the herd last season
(at a condition score of 5.5), our theory was that we should be
able to fully feed the animals and comfortably milk 460 of them
milking all our two-year-olds
TAD,” Matt says.
(and three-year-olds this
season) in a separate herd
once-a-day (OAD). This has
minimised loss of condition and
resulted in better cycling postcalving due to minimal stress
on the animals and less energy
The Smiths will share their success
story and provide some of the numbers
around their results at DairyNZ’s
Northland Farmers’ Forum on April 5.
output required from them.
“Having a OAD herd also
enables us to switch cows from the TAD herd that may be a
“However, it didn’t take long
to notice that the young ones
were always at the back of the
yard – standing on concrete for
more than three hours a day,
missing out on the supplement
in the shed and the PKE and
good grass in the paddock.
“We also noticed that when
bit lighter or are taking their time to cycle. This has been a key
the young ones are in the paddock with the old girls, the cows
factor in enabling us to compact our calving/mating and bring it
would eat the grass they require within the first couple of hours,
forward.”
but the heifers don’t seem to have that ability and are more
Since the Smiths have been on the farm, calving has moved
from a July 20 start to June 26. During that time their mating
period has gone from 16 weeks in the first year using artificial
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inclined to nibble throughout the day.
“We had 130 mostly Friesian heifers calve down (in good
condition) last season and by the time we were a month out
from mating, the majority of them were at a condition score of
“Normally during a dry summer, or when the season is coming
four or less, so we made the decision to put them on OAD in
to an end, the young and skinny animals will be first to be dried
a separate herd, along with any lighter cows. Within a month
off. With the condition our OAD mob had held through last
they’d put on condition, were cycling a lot better and they were
summer they were the last mob to be dried off – on May 16 and
noticeably happier and healthier.
we didn’t need to worry about putting any weight on them
“From there we decided they would stay on OAD for the rest
of the season and we haven’t looked back.
“This year the average empty rate of the two and three-yearold cows in the OAD herd was 7 percent from 10 weeks of AI well under the overall herd average of 17 percent.
“The more young animals you can get in-calf the more options
you have with culling and selling surplus stock.”
over winter.
“We struggle to find any negatives of having the OAD mob
and wouldn’t be able to justify milking the young animals TAD.
“The young animals in your herd are going to be far more
beneficial to you in-calf than what they will be in giving milk as
two-year-olds.
“The young animals are the best genetics and the future of the
herd so it makes sense to look after them.”
Milk production
Matt and Cushla don’t believe they have given up production
by milking part of the herd OAD.
“We are lowly stocked at 2.2 cows/ha, largely restricted by the
30-aside herringbone shed and the risk of a Northland drought,
on our sandy soils. A lower stocking rate allows us to make silage
in the spring to get us through the summer along with feeding
500kg of PKE/cow throughout the year,” says Matt.
“The herd averaged 400kgMS per cow last year, across the OAD
and TAD herds and this season, with a higher percentage of cows
on OAD, we are up on last year’s production. This is despite the
current dry conditions and the fact we are 10ha down on area
which has been taken out of the milking platform to grow maize
for the first time.”
The Smiths are sold on OAD for the young animals and say
Comment from DairyNZ research
Milking a separate mob of younger, thinner, or at-risk cows
once-a-day, for either the whole season or from about a
month prior to mating, is becoming popular for farmers
seeking to improve herd reproduction.
Once-a-day milking improves cow energy status and body
condition, which could improve reproductive performance,
depending upon the timing and duration of the reduced
milking frequency.
In practice, it is difficult to isolate the actual effects of oncea-day milking from those of separate herd management,
it also fits in well with Northland’s climate, where a summer
including preferential feeding, improved monitoring, and less
drought is common.
competition between cows.
- Claire Phyn, DairyNZ team leader - lactation biology and
mastitis, will also speak at the Northland Farmers' Forum.
The InCalf Programme
The InCalf Programme was developed by DairyNZ to help
farmers improve their herd reproductive performance.
The Smiths, with support from the DairyNZ team in
Northland, have used tools within the InCalf programme.
This includes the InCalf Fertility Focus report which they
used to analyse their herd reproductive results and identify
opportunities for improvement.
^ Empty rates of once-a-day cows
has improved significantly.
To find out more about InCalf and for a list of InCalf
advisors, visit dairynz.co.nz/incalf.
InsideDairy
5
farmers’ forum
Hot science
showcased
The latest science and local success stories will be shared at a series of
DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums being held nationwide. The first forum will be
held in Whangarei on April 5 where Matt and Cushla Smith (featured
on page 2-5) will present.
The West Coast, Taranaki, Lower North Island and Southland
will also host Farmers’ Forums, developed in response to farmers’
DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum event dates:
requests for regional-focused industry information.
Based on relevant regional issues, these forums provide an
opportunity for face-to-face discussion with key DairyNZ people,
including scientists and an economist.
Additional sessions are hosted by farmers, who will talk about
how science and different management techniques are being
applied on their farm.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the
experts and network with other farmers.
Northland Farmers’ Forum
Friday, April 5, 10am
ASB Lounge, Western Hills Drive
Whangarei
Other dates:
West Coast Farmers’ Forum – Friday, April 12
The programme for the Northland Farmers’ Forum:
Taranaki Farmers’ Forum – Thursday, April 18
• DairyNZ: welcome and strategy update
Southland Farmers’ Forum – Wednesday, May 15
• Economic outlook
Lower North Island Farmers’ Forum – Tuesday, May 28
• Hot-science: five scientists will speak for three minutes each
on the latest science
Future editions of Inside Dairy will have further
information on upcoming events.
Lunch
Afternoon session
Farmer topics and speakers include:
• Getting more cows in-calf – our success story, presented by
Matt and Cushla Smith
• A farmers’ perspective on effluent management plans,
presented by Terrance Brocx
• Getting the gold out of the green – active pasture
management, presented by David Gray and Peter Flood
• Farmer resilience – riding the dairy wave and surviving the
troughs, presented by Bruce Cutforth.
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Doors open at 9.30am, with morning tea and lunch provided.
Pre-registration is essential – for more information and to
register visit dairynz.co.nz. The Forums are free to levy-paying
farmers and their staff. There will be a $50 charge for
other attendees.
dairynz view
Farmers supported in
driving industry forward
Helping farmers adapt to new ways of farming – whether that be picking
up new research, the latest technology, better management techniques
or new regulations – helps drive our industry forward.
So, how do we help farmers adopt best practice
farming methods?
DairyNZ’s regional teams are charged with the responsibility of
Craig McBeth –
reaching and engaging with 11,500 levy-paying dairy farmers,
DairyNZ regional
plus their staff. As the regional leaders, consulting officers and
teams manager >
extension specialists team numbers just 50 people, they must
work efficiently.
This is where regional discussion groups are very effective in
helping farmers support one another with change.
Farmers who have hosted a discussion group tell us the
most beneficial aspect was the advice they received from other
farmers. Therefore, while the consulting officer is expected to
know plenty, the value is in facilitating the discussion.
Each regional plan also has one or two key focus areas for
the region.
These have been identified through the DairyNZ team’s
observations and through consultation with local farmers
This allows other farmers
to provide solutions to
and rural professionals.
Examples of key focus areas
challenges, which has lasting
“DairyNZ’s regional teams are charged
value to the host farmer.
with the responsibility of reaching and
performance, profitable
engaging with 11,500 levy-paying dairy
feeding and human resource
Dairy, Northland farmers
Matt and Cushla Smith
farmers, plus their staff.”
In this edition of Inside
are a good example of
include: herd reproductive
management.
The regional team will
focus on helping farmers
farmers sharing information. Their experiences are invaluable to
make changes in these areas, hosting field days and providing
others in their region facing the same issues, in their case, herd
tailored information. Our experience with these help focus the
reproductive performance.
discussion at this year’s Farmers’ Forums.
Other farmers speaking at DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums will hold
the same relevance.
Each of our nine DairyNZ geographical regions has a regional
Take the opportunity to meet your regional team and discuss
some of the issues affecting your region at one of the DairyNZ
Farmers’ Forums being held throughout the country.
plan. Each plan details our core activity around Farm System
Discussion Groups, Progression Groups (Biz start and Biz Grow),
Pasture Plus Groups etc.
InsideDairy
7
focus farms
Farms monitor success
^ Regular field days keep farmers updated on the progress of the Northland Focus Farm.
Dairy farmers Alister and Lyn Candy are two of many farmers nationwide
sharing their farm’s information.
The couple are host farmers for the Northland Focus Farm,
Focus farms
launched early last year. They milk 308 cows on 103ha
(effective), in Okaihau, near Kaikohe. In addition to the milking
Each of the nine DairyNZ regions has at least one focus or
platform, their land, which they have owned for 36 years, also
demonstration farm where information such as grass growth,
includes 171ha of native bush and a runoff area of 85ha.
cow condition and rainfall is recorded. This is then disseminated
As focus farmers they have to monitor their situation closely,
which includes grass growth, financials, cow condition and herd
reproductive performance.
“We had never plated [with a rising platemeter] our farm
before and now we know we are getting an eye for good
pasture and a better idea of where the cows should be going,”
says Alister.
With more information at their fingertips, the Candys have
achieved positive results and make better decisions.
“We’ve cut back on fertiliser and we’re feeding cows a lot
better. We’re really focusing on the herd’s body condition score
and we’re raising heifers and calves to set body weight targets.
We are also trying to focus on getting the cows in calf earlier
and close up our calving rate so we get more days in milk.”
via enewsletters, discussion groups, the DairyNZ website
and media.
The farms, whether they are private farms or owned by a trust,
also host regular events which showcase the progress of the
farm and act as a forum where local issues can be discussed.
DairyNZ consulting officers and other DairyNZ staff work
closely with the host farmers and the management committees
to help them achieve their goals.
Each project team sets goals for the farm, agree on
management practices to achieve the goals (with the host
farmer) and measure results.
DairyNZ regional teams manager Craig McBeth says the farms
are a good source of information for farmers.
“The farms provide access to local information and allow
A focus farm committee, made up of local farmers, meet each
farmers to see the results of different management techniques.
month to discuss management decisions being made on the farm.
They can discuss the results at the events held on the farm and
Alister appreciates the discussion generated by these meetings
as well as the focus farm field days.
“We really enjoy being part of it. We’ve got a good team of
guys [the committee] who meet each month and we bounce
ideas off one another.
“The field days generate a lot of interest and it’s good
having speakers attend who talk about different issues
affecting the region.”
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use it to base their own decisions on.
“Over the last few years each of the regional teams, as well
as local farmers, have worked hard to get these farms up-andrunning. There are now 16 across the country.”
Craig praises the efforts of the host farmers.
“These farmers open up their farm gate to others because they
place a high value on idea sharing amongst farmers.”
FOCUS
FARMS
DairyNZ works with local farmer committees to ensure
each region has access to information from focus
farms. Here are details on some of those farms.
Northland Focus Farm, Okaikai
Taranaki Focus Farm, Tariki
The key focus areas for the farm, owned by Alister and Lyn
The focus farm project is aimed at improving herd-mating
Candy, include reducing farm working expenses, getting more
performance, better use of pasture and supplements, and lifting
out of bought-in supplements and making more profit from the
farm operating profit in Taranaki. The current focus farm is
pasture grown.
owned by Chris and Kathy Prankerd.
Bay of Plenty Focus Farm, Matata
Lincoln University Demonstration Farm
The farm is owned by Richard and Creina James and the focus
(LUDF), Christchurch
farm project is run by Bay of Plenty Focus on Dairying. Richard
and Creina’s vision is to have a farm business that attracts
enthusiastic and motivated staff, produces good profits, but not
at the expense of animal welfare.
LUDF is a fully irrigated, pasture focussed, commercial dairy
farm, managed by the South Island Dairying Development Centre
(SIDDC) on behalf of Lincoln University. Its focus is maximising
sustainable profit through productivity. Weekly data is available
on the SIDDC website and DairyNZ Farmwatch.
Tauhara Moana Focus Farm, Taupo
The farm’s big driver is collecting data, often a difficult task on a
large farm, to make better management decisions.
Hauraki Plains Focus Farm, Waitakaruru
West Coast Monitor Farm Project,
Coal Creek, Westport, Ikamatua
and Kowhitirangi
Data for grass growth, average pasture cover and rainfall is
Goals for the focus farm, owned by Angus and Karen MacInnes,
collected from five farms. The farms’ financial and physical data
include increasing milk production and boosting farm profitability
is also entered into DairyBase. One of the key objectives is to
to fund debt repayments and capital development. The Hauraki
develop a database of reliable pasture growth rates for four
Plains Focus Farm project is an initiative led by a group of local
dairying regions on the West Coast.
dairy farmers that formed the P3 Dairy Trust.
Dairy Push II, between Putaruru
and Tokoroa
The focus farm is owned by Gavin and Karla Coxon. There is a
joint focus on improving profit and environmental performance
Marlborough Monitor Farm, Linkwater
Run by a governance committee of local farmers the monitor
farm is designed to provide information to other farmers in the
region. The current focus farm, owned by Jason and Amber
Templeman, hosted its first event at the end of last year.
on-farm. In particular, the aim is to reduce nitrogen leaching on
farm by 20 percent over the three years of the project.
Tararua DairyLink farms, Dannevirke,
Mangatainoka and Hukanui
The project, using information from three farms, will help
farmers learn about the opportunities and limitations of the
natural resources on their properties such as their soils, pastures,
waterways and livestock.
Southland Demonstration Farm,
North of Invercargill
The 295ha Southland Demonstration Farm is a leased farm
operated on behalf of Southland dairy farmers. All cows are
wintered on crops on the platform. The farm is involved in
DairyNZ’s Wintering Systems Project and is also one of five farms
in the Southern South Island Monitor Farm Project.
Find out more about focus farms at dairynz.co.nz.
InsideDairy
9
feed
Spotlight on cow
nutrition
The facts and fallacies surrounding cow nutrition were addressed at a
series of recent events in Canterbury, Southland and Otago led by the
region’s extension teams.
Three of New Zealand’s leading experts on cow nutrition,
DairyNZ’s Dr John Roche, Lincoln University’s Dr Jim Gibbs and
Synlait’s Dr Terry Hughes, used New Zealand-based science to
answer farmer’s questions. The new format, used an audience
question and answer approach.
Cow nutrition is a major focus for Canterbury/North Otago
work is typically not relevant to New Zealand grazing systems,”
said Jim.
Jim says the rumen of a grass-based cow and a cow fed on
total mixed rations are very different.
“Because of these differences, a number of other things
also come into play in triggering rumination in a cow on a
and Southland/South Otago consulting officers and the events
pasture-based system. For example, the weight of the contents,
are part of their work to provide farmers with access to the most
the concentration of certain metabolites and the stretching of
relevant and up-to-date research.
the rumen.
At the event in Ashburton, the 150 dairy farmers who
attended were told they should be wary about basing decisions
on information from overseas studies.
“The best way to filter the great amount of data that
“The results show that when straw is added to high quality
pastures, production will go down.
“It [straw] is an indigestible feed, it is not required to increase
rumination, and it does absolutely nothing for rumen pH. In
comes to you, from people who want to sell you things, is to
terms of rumen function, the one thing it does do, is add an
think through how much of that work was done here in New
indigestible dry matter that is of lower ME value and takes longer
Zealand,” said Jim Gibbs.
to leave the rumen and, therefore, reduces the intake of quality
Farmers took the opportunity to ask a broad range of
feedstuffs, such as pasture. There is certainly no effect
questions ranging from queries about fibre intake to feeding
on lameness, either, regardless of the frequent opinions
high sugar grasses.
about that.”
Jim talked about a study carried out in Canterbury where straw
was fed to one half of the herd and not to the other half. A milk
Do we need to add fibre on spring pasture?
production loss of 3.5 percent was measured in the cows fed
on straw.
Addressing the farmers at the nutrition events, Jim said there
was no reason to add fibre to a cow’s diet and both John and
Terry agreed.
“The research has been done around fibre-use on grass-based
systems, and shows research undertaken with total mixed ration
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However, feeding straw to a springer mob does have an
impact on milk fever, in some cases.
John Roche said if someone is feeding a total mixed ration diet
before calving and they introduce straw to the springer mob, it
can help in reducing milk fever and other metabolic disorders.
^ More than 150 farmers attended an event on cow nutrition in Ashburton.
“Straw is a great way of restricting energy intake. If you
“However, once cows are more than 500kg, the relative
can restrict the energy intake going into a springer cow you
increase in intake, in relation to body weight, is limited. So a
will reduce the risk of milk fever. However, this depends on
600kg cow won’t eat any more than 0.5kg more than a 500kg
the reason for the milk fever. If the reason is ineffective use
cow,” said John.
of magnesium before calving, then straw will have very little
impact,” John said.
“Part of the reason for this is that intake is not regulated by
rumen volume,” he said.
“There is just not enough time in the day to harvest the extra
pasture needed by bigger cows.”
Can it be profitable to feed 1-2kg of grain
even when you have a surplus in pasture?
“Assuming the quality of the pasture is similar to that of the
grain [barley] there is still going to be substitution out in the
John said the other factor is that the products of digestion tell
the brain how much the cow has eaten, and stops the
cow eating.
He gave the example of feeding grain.
“When the grain is digested, the acids that are produced
paddock and you will get higher residuals, poorer regrowth and
from it are absorbed into the blood and stimulate the brain in a
a lower quality material next time,” said Terry.
number of ways that tells the cow she has eaten.
“So, you are going to pay money for it [the grain], then
“The cow’s brain is told it has eaten this much nutrients,
you will need to tidy up your mess, and then you would have
therefore I don’t need to expend this much energy grazing and
probably lost some of your summer producing tillers which
she reduces grazing time. For every kg of grain fed, the cow will
cannot be regained until the autumn, so the effect is massive.”
graze for about 12min less. That is the work from New Zealand
John reaffirmed this point. “Substitution exists all the time,
and it is consistent with work all over the world.”
even with 1-2kg of grain – there is a lot of informative research
on this topic that shouldn’t be ignored.”
What is the maximum intake of a cross-bred
cow on a pasture-based system?
More information
To register your interest in future events on the topic contact
Juliette Lee, DairyNZ consulting officer for Western Canterbury,
on 021 323 834. For more information on feed visit
dairynz.co.nz.
John said a 450kg cow on a pasture-based system can eat an
average of 17kg and a 500kg cow about 18kg.
InsideDairy
11
education
Rosie
takes to
the road
Rosie, DairyNZ’s cowbassador, is on tour again visiting schools
nationwide in an effort to teach young children about dairy farming.
Last year, Rosie visited primary schools in Waikato, Bay of
“If we can help local farmers connect with schools and work
Plenty and Auckland where she entertained more than 5000
with teachers to help children understand how milk is produced,
children with a 30 minute play.
through Rosie, our ‘find a farmer’ and schools education
The play teaches children various life skills including
programme that would be great.”
cooperation and teamwork - all against a backdrop of the
dairying industry.
Teachers at Auckland’s Royal Road School were enthusiastic
about the show. “The show was an effective, visual way for our
students to experience life on the farm,” said room 13 teacher
Erin Shaw.
The 2013 Rosie tour started in February and continues until
the end of May with Rosie touring schools in Taranaki, Waikato,
School visits
Are you interested in hosting a school farm visit or going to
a school and talk about dairy farming? Then register with the
GoDairy Education ‘find a farmer’ service at
dairynz.co.nz/findafarmer.
Manawatu, Wellington, Northland, Otago, Canterbury
and Southland.
Rosie’s World
Resources for teachers
DairyNZ has developed primary school curriculum
As well as her show, Rosie has her own website,
resources for teachers with dairying as the basis for
rosiesworld.co.nz where she has twice-weekly blogs about
learning. For example there is a science module that
what she is up to and talks about new things on the website.
includes a set of experiments that examine turning cream
Rosie often takes her ‘cowcam’ and records educational videos
on topics including robotic milking, high performance rotaries
into butter.
The dedicated website, godairyeducation.co.nz, gives
and crops on farm. There’s also Rosie’s Calf Club Game where
teachers easy access to these modules and offers the
children can care for a calf online.
‘find a farmer’ service for schools.
DairyNZ chief executive, Dr Tim Mackle, says Rosie and the
DairyNZ teacher resources (see sidebar) complement Fonterra’s
Milk in School’s programme which is focussed on the health and
wellbeing of thousands of children.
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DairyNZ is focussed on an initial goal of getting more
than 100 primary schools actively using these resources.
Rosie’s tour and the teaching resources are funded by
DairyNZ.
careers
Progressing with a little
help from the professionals
Tokoroa dairy farmer James Heke says learning direct from the experts,
such as bankers and HR specialists, has helped progress his career.
Attending the Tokoroa Progression Groups, Biz Start and this
And, from time to time,
season Biz Grow, James has developed business skills to help
farmers are guest speakers
move toward his goal of 50:50 sharemilking.
too. “Other farmers who
“I found it very good that rural professionals came in and we
have progressed to a large
get to meet bankers and talk about what we’re doing,” says
herd, an equity partnership
James. “It’s quite handy for getting to know them and their
or their first farm will come
expectations when you go to them as a client, with a proposal.
and share their story.”
“You learn exactly what they’re looking for. They also get to
know you, so it’s good for reputation and relationship building.”
James and wife Laresia are contract milkers on Adolph and
Mary-Ann Mathis’ 130ha (effective) farm, peak milking 410 cows.
Two years ago, James was herd manager, looking toward
contract milking or sharemilking. South Waikato consulting
Tokoroa farmer James
Heke has used Progression
Groups to gain skills for
furthering his career. >
officer Amy Johnson suggested he try Biz Start.
“It sounded quite good for where I was in my career and
I did end up contract milking the following season. I found
the Progression Groups very valuable for learning new skills,
networking with other like-minded farmers and building
relationships with rural professionals,” says James.
Now completing Biz Grow, James has new skills in budgeting,
analysis and equity partnerships.
“Every month I do a report which includes a training section,
so I report back on what I’ve learnt at Biz Grow. Adolph often
calls me on training day and we talk through what I’ve learnt.”
James and Laresia are stepping up to a 50:50 position
next season.
Amy says many Biz Start and Biz Grow attendees have gone on
to the next step, often contract milking or 50:50 agreements.
DairyNZ Progression Groups
Each DairyNZ Biz Start and Biz Grow group is a 12 month
programme.
Biz Start
A group for lower order sharemilkers, herd managers and
farm managers. Sessions focus on building business and
people management skills for senior level management
positions, or owning or running their own farm business.
“Progression Groups are a fantastic forum for getting a bunch
of progressive farmers with a positive outlook on dairying to go
further in the industry,” says Amy.
Often rural professionals bring in the technical expertise.
“I utilise the experts to help deliver the best information,”
says Amy. “For example, we teamed up with a local bank
manager for information on technical data and budgeting. An
accountant presented on GST and business structure. They also
chat more at a group event and farmers can ask questions they
Biz Grow
A group for sharemilkers and equity partners. Sessions
focus on strategic, financial and performance management
skills and resources to equip participants for greater equity
holding or owning their own farm business.
For more information on 2013 Progression Groups, visit
dairynz.co.nz/progressiongroups
might not normally.”
InsideDairy
13
water accord
New water accord
agreed
A new set of national good management practice standards for
environmental performance on dairy farms has been agreed between
DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and all dairy companies.
The accord will be further discussed with farmers around the
country over the coming months before being finalised by the
middle of this year.
The new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord has been
developed to update and succeed the Clean Streams Accord that
was developed for Fonterra suppliers in 2003, with commitments
that ended in 2012.
All dairy companies have now committed to sign the
new accord.
Nutrient management
Improving management of nitrogen and phosphorus loss from
dairy farming systems through an industry-wide monitoring and
support system.
Effluent management
Compliance with regional council effluent management
rules and continued investment in fit-for-purpose systems.
Water-use management
The new accord covers five key areas.
Improving water-use efficiency in irrigation systems and
around the cowshed.
Riparian management
Requirements for excluding dairy cattle from significant
waterways and drains (greater than 1m in width and deeper
than 30cm) and significant wetlands, identified by regional
councils, within a phased timeframe. Development of riparian
planting plans.
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Conversions
Comprehensive good practice standards for all new
dairy farms.
Consultation
There has also been consultation with a range of other farmer
and stakeholder groups, who have committed to signing as
supporting partners.
The Dairy Environment Leadership Group has also been
involved. This group includes Federated Farmers and other farmer
representatives, central and regional government officials and
representatives from iwi and environmental groups.
This group has an ongoing role in overseeing the accord and is
chaired by farmer and DairyNZ board member, Alister Body.
DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says the accord is an
important initiative.
“Farmers already contribute a lot to improving the New
Zealand environment. We plant trees, we fence streams and we
protect native bush areas with QEII covenants. We also spend
$24m a year on eradicating pests from forests and bush through
the TB-free programme,” says John.
“But, with the coming of new regional policies around water
quality limits, this is still a key issue for the industry,” he says.
“There will be a range of support mechanisms in place to help
farmers meet these commitments – from DairyNZ and your dairy
companies. Farmers will be given time to get things in place.
DairyNZ will be assisting with regional guidance on riparian
What does the accord mean for a
dairy farmer?
Mandatory stock exclusion from streams on the
milking platform
A permanent fence must be used to exclude dairy cattle from:
• rivers, streams and springs over 1m wide and 30cm deep,
that permanently contain water
• all lakes
• wetlands (if they are identified in a regional council’s regional
plan as being significant)
In addition, farmers are encouraged to:
• exclude stock from all wetlands and smaller streams
where practical
• apply these stock exclusion practices on any land used for
grazing dairy cows off the milking platform.
Specifically the dairy industry is committing to a number of key
timeframes:
• cows excluded from waterways: 90 percent by May 31 2014;
100 percent by May 31 2017
• cows excluded from wetlands: 100 percent by May 31 2014
• riparian planting plan: 100 percent of farms by 2020.
planting for example.“
Mandatory stock crossings
What land is covered by this accord?
than once per month must be either bridged or culverted –
All points on a waterway where cows cross and return more
100 percent by 2018.
Initially the commitments in the accord relate to the milking
platform – the land used for grazing dairy cows during the
milking season. That was the same as applied under the previous
Riparian planting
All dairy farms must prepare a riparian management plan that
Clean Streams Accord. However, in June 2017 this will be
sets out where riparian planting is to occur. Planting is to be
extended so it also includes land used for grazing dairy cows off
completed by 2030.
the milking platform where that land is owned or leased by the
same person/entity as the milking platform.
Nutrient management
Each year farms must supply their dairy company with
Dispensations
The accord sets out a process for allowing dispensations by
dairy companies for farms where it is impractical or impossible to
comply with the requirements.
These can be granted on a case-by-case basis for exceptional
situations. Farmers will still have to detail plans to mitigate
information that will allow for the modelling of nitrogen loss
and nitrogen conversion efficiency, using the computer model
Overseer. Poor performers must also commit to enhancing their
nitrogen management performance.
Effluent management
All effluent systems must be capable of being compliant with
effects and/or timeframes for full compliance as part of any
the relevant regional council rules and/or their resource consent
dispensation approval.
365 days per year.
Water use
More information and farmer meetings
DairyNZ and dairy companies will keep farmers informed about
their commitments. There will also be a series of 50 Fonterra
regional meetings, supported by DairyNZ, from March 4-15 for
All farms must:
• comply with all regional rules controlling water takes
• install water meters by the dates required by their dairy
companies (dates yet to be set).
their suppliers.
For more information on the accord visit dairynz.co.nz.
InsideDairy
15
industry strategy
Farmers supportive
of strategy
Dairy farmers are on board with the direction of the refreshed strategy
for New Zealand dairy farming, to be finalised later this year.
Feedback on a draft strategic framework outlining 10 new
objectives for dairy farming, released in early December, has
generally been positive.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says, as a result of the
There was also considerable feedback on the responsible dairy
farming objectives including environmental stewardship.
“This means using water and other resources wisely, and
dealing with issues such as water quality,” says Tim.
consultation process with farmers and other stakeholders, several
changes have been made to clarify some of the objectives.
A strategy working group with representatives from DairyNZ,
Federated Farmers’ dairy section, Dairy Women’s Network,
and dairy companies has been driving the development of the
new strategy.
From December last year, until early February this year, dairy
farmers have provided feedback on the draft strategic objectives
in farmer workshops; via DairyNZ’s website; the Dairy Women’s
Network website and discussion forums; and regional meetings
held by Federated Farmers.
This has provided valuable insight into the proper focus for
this strategy, as well as how to best communicate the objectives,
says Tim.
“We listened to all that feedback and as a result revised the
strategic framework.”
Farm work environment
Feedback was given on the farm work environment section.
Some dairy farmers stated that a career in dairy farming is
highly rewarding financially.
“They understand the farm work environment can be tough,
but think that is ‘just farming’. At the same time, many farmers
are frustrated by their challenges in recruiting and retaining good
workers,” says Tim.
The strategy team noted the issues of long staff working hours
and instances of poor staff management.
“Increasingly, a career in dairy farming is not a sure pathway
to farm ownership. This means that working on dairy farms
has to be satisfying, especially if dairy farming is to have a
sustainable future,” says Tim.
Farmers were most positive about the enhancing local
Getting the words right
There were some surprises for the strategy team through the
feedback process.
“The initial draft had proposed ‘increasing farm profit through
communities’ objective.
“This is new ground for a dairy farming strategy. Vibrant
communities with good local schools and services are essential to
keep good people in dairy farming,” says Tim.
The feedback discussion ranged from ideas for helping new
productivity’. For us that phrase was about producing the same
managers and staff to integrate into local communities, to how
or more milk with fewer farm inputs,” says Tim.
dairy farmers can take up constructive leadership roles like
“However, we quickly realised that too many people think
productivity just means more milk. We’ve now revised that
objective to emphasise greater efficiency.”
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standing for school boards and local councils.
“It is exciting that dairy farmers and dairy companies already
understand this objective, and are enthusiastic about taking
action,” says Tim. “So many farmers are already heavily involved
The making of a strategy
in their community so it’s not a new concept for most.”
The strategic framework for sustainable dairy farming was
developed following a range of consultation steps.
Next steps
The revised strategic framework and the detailed objectives
will be shared with farmers via dairynz.co.nz and through
May 2012 - regional research planning
a series of 50 joint Fonterra-DairyNZ regional meetings with
DairyNZ talked to dairy farmers, farm advisors, and researchers to
Fonterra shareholders from March 4-15.
develop regional research priorities across three main themes –
A national launch of the final refreshed strategy is planned for
this May.
productivity and growth; environmental capacity; and sustainable
and profitable dairying.
To keep updated on the strategy’s development visit
dairynz.co.nz.
An expert group including researchers and farm advisors
as well as a group of farmers from key dairy regions were
brought together.
August 2012 - key business thinkers
Why is this strategy important to me
as a farmer?
A series of three independently facilitated ‘think tank’ workshops
• It establishes the priorities for collective action in the
opportunities and issues facing dairy farming.
with business leaders and influential thinkers explored the
Concerns raised in those meetings came down to two
dairy industry
• It guides how DairyNZ will invest the milksolids levy
challenges. What can the dairy industry do to remain competitive
• It affects how dairy farming is perceived by the wider
in a challenging international marketplace? And, what must
dairy farmers do to ensure that dairy farming is accepted and
New Zealand public.
valued within New Zealand? From discussion around these
Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming
Competitive
Farm Profit: Increase
on-farm profit through
greater efficiency and
value-added milk
Industry Structures:
Create and maintain
industry-wide systems
and structures to serve the
needs of dairy farmers
Talented People: Attract
and develop highly skilled and
motivated people throughout
the industry
Research and
Development: Science that
creates future opportunities
and solves challenges for
dairy farms
Biosecurity and Product
Integrity: Protect the
integrity and production of
New Zealand's dairy products
&
Responsible
two challenges emerged the main themes of the dairy farming
strategy – ‘competitive and responsible’.
December 2012 - farmer engagement
Environmental
Stewardship: Proactive
environmental stewardship
and wise use of water and
other natural resources
Farmer workshops and an online feedback process on draft
National Prosperity:
Grow dairying's contribution
to the prosperity and wellbeing of New Zealand
March 2013 - final round of consultation
Work Environment:
Provide a world-class work
environment on-farm
strategic framework objectives resulted in some revisions to
the framework.
Joint Fonterra-DairyNZ meetings around the country including
discussion on revised strategic framework and a final round of
online consultation will be held.
Animal Welfare:
Farm to high standards of
animal health, welfare and
well-being
May 2013 - national launch of strategy
Local Communities:
Enhance the communities
we live in
Dairy Farming.
Planned launch of final revised Strategy for Sustainable
dairy farming working for everyone
InsideDairy
17
tb programme
The challenge of
becoming TB-free
BY ELIZABETH DIXON | DairyNZ policy manager
Picking up the phone to hear the news that one of your cows has TB is
the stuff of nightmares for most New Zealand dairy farmers.
Over the years, the success of the TBfree programme
For dairy farmers, this means
administered by the Animal Health Board (AHB) has significantly
complying with AHB testing
reduced the number of infected herds. It is now pushing back
requirements and movement
boundaries by expanding TB (vector) free areas, meaning fewer
controls. The upcoming merger
farmers are facing such a direct threat from the disease.
of the AHB and the National
The announcements earlier this year of two new TB infections
Animal Identification and Tracing
(in Northland and Taranaki) in these so called “vector-free
organisation (NAIT Ltd) is likely
areas” is a stark reminder that the challenge of becoming, and
to give benefits to producers in
remaining, TB free is very real.
streamlining those obligations (for
Around 30 percent of the TBfree scheme is funded through
the DairyNZ levy on milk solids and dairy farmers’ share of
slaughter levy revenue. The direct levy contribution, at $15.6m, is
DairyNZ’s single largest investment.
example, the harmonisation of
tagging requirements last year). Your local TBfree committee has
more information on activities in your region. The TBfree programme mandate is clear: to eradicate bovine
TB from New Zealand. Over the years, falling TB infection rates
(down from a peak of 1694 in 1994, to 70 infected herds)
demonstrates the programme’s benefit to the industry.
Success in reducing the presence of TB in wildlife has resulted
in positive gains for dairy farmers in some regions, including
the lifting of movement controls and reduction of TB testing
frequency.
As the National Pest Management Plan moves forward,
DairyNZ’s key objective is to protect its investment made over
the years. Understanding more about the feasibility of
eradication (one of the strategy aims) will be critical for the
evolution of the strategy.
In the meantime, the challenge for the AHB is to demonstrate
it can both maintain, and increase, the areas where TB has been
eradicated.
At a practical level, and in keeping with the collaborative
partnership that underpins the AHB, securing industry investment
in the scheme relies not just on the AHB and the disease
management agency. It also relies on producers and industry
groups to ensure they meet their obligations.
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dairynz.co.nz
TB in New Zealand
• TB now infects just 70 herds in New Zealand.
• Movement control areas limit the spread of TB. These regions
have TB infection in nearby wildlife, meaning greater risk to
domestic cattle and deer. The areas are mainly around the
central North Island, Wairarapa/Wellington, the West Coast,
Kaikoura and Dunedin.
• Special testing areas for annual or biennial TB testing are
throughout the North and South Islands. These regions are
likely to have less TB in wildlife, meaning less infection of
cattle and deer.
• Through the DairyNZ milk solids levy and the slaughter levy,
dairy farmers contribute about $24m annually to the AHB’s
TBfree programme.
• The cost of clearing a dairy herd of TB infection has been
assessed as much as $36 a head i.e. a 500 cow herd would
cost $18,000 plus the cost of compensation for TB reactors.
stock transport
Are your cows well
prepared for transport?
Selecting healthy cows and preparing them well for transport is
important for ensuring they arrive at their destination in good condition.
DairyNZ development team leader for animal husbandry, Nita
For further advice contact your local DairyNZ consulting officer
Harding, says travel can be stressful for animals, so it’s important
or phone the Farmer Information Service 0800 4 DairyNZ
they are well prepared for transport.
(0800 4 324 7969). More transporting stock information is
“Firstly, the focus should be on selecting the right cattle for
available at dairynz.co.nz/transportingstock.
transport. Cows should be fit, healthy, strong and able to bear
weight on all four legs,” says Nita.
This means any wounds should be healed, no active mastitis,
normal behaviour, nothing hanging out (fetal membranes etc)
and free from pink eye and eye and nose discharges.
Nita says if in doubt, the animals should be examined by a
veterinarian and a certificate provided.
Cows must not be transported if they are likely to give birth
during the journey. Travel for cows in their last three months
of pregnancy needs to be carefully planned with travel times as
^ Cows need to be prepared for transport.
short as possible and adequate rest periods if longer travel times
are necessary.
“After selecting appropriate cows, prepare them well. The
Selecting and preparing stock
stress of transport causes a significant drop in blood magnesium
levels, so some supplementation is required,” says Nita.
Provide 12-20g/day of dietary magnesium to pregnant cows
for at least three days before and three days following the
journey. If dusting CausMag, this is 80-100g/cow/day.
Move stock off green feed for between four and 12 hours
prior to transport. During this period, provide dry feed, silage,
hay or straw, and water. This is best done on a grazed-out
paddock or stand-off pad.
“We recommend cows should not be stood off on concrete for
Things to consider when transporting any stock:
• cows should be fit, healthy and strong, and able to bear
weight on all four legs
• cows with a BCS 3.0 or more can be transported, those
less than 3.0 need immediate remedial care
• cows should receive 12-20g dietary magnesium/cow/day
for three days leading up to transport and for three
days following
• cows should be stood off green pasture for 4-12 hours
any more than four hours at a time. Any longer is likely to lead
before transport to reduce effluent during the journey
to sore feet and legs, potentially lameness problems, and a more
– preferably on grazed-off pasture or a wood chip pad
stressful journey for stock,” says Nita.
rather than on concrete. Make sure water and feed (e.g.
A feed transition plan for cows going to a wintering block will
help them adjust to new feeds. A gradual adjustment over 7-10
days is recommended.
hay) is provided
• feed and water should be immediately available when
the animals arrive at their destination and they should be
checked after two hours for signs of bloat.
InsideDairy
19
farewell
Scientist looks back
on dairy career
After 40 years’ contribution to dairy science, one of New Zealand’s most
experienced agriculture scientists, Dave Clark, retired in February.
Doing applied and fundamental research, development
Dave’s career
began as a Grasslands
and extension in one project, and to see those results make a
Division scientist at the
difference to farmers’ lives, has been exciting and satisfying.
What is another significant project where the results
Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research
have been used on-farm? The 1.75t MS/ha experiment at
(DSIR) in 1973. He joined
No. 2 Dairy, 1993-1998, involving Arnold Bryant, John Penno
DairyNZ’s predecessor
and Kevin Macdonald. This made an important contribution to
organisation, Dairy
Research Corporation
^ Dave Clark.
increased milk production in New Zealand.
My contribution started with a ‘throwaway’ challenge in my
(DRC), in 1991. In his
first DRC seminar to set a goal of 1000kg milk fat/ha (1.75t MS/
recent role as DairyNZ principal scientist, Dave worked on
ha) from ryegrass-white clover pasture alone.
dairy farm systems, agronomy and environmental issues.
Here, Dave talks about his career.
Together with David McCall (AgResearch) and Neil McLean
(ABA) we used the dairy farm model ‘UDDER’ to formulate feasible
systems to achieve this goal, while Stewart Ledgard (AgResearch)
What is a career highlight? Overall, the collaboration with
dozens of talented scientists, technicians and support staff on
many projects.
I have enjoyed mentoring scientists and technicians, ensuring
projects achieved long-term funding, and contributing to
and his team measured environmental consequences.
The goal’s magnitude was soon realised, requiring system
modification to include large inputs of N fertiliser, maize grain
and maize silage.
Once modified, the goal was more achievable and farmers
DairyNZ’s reputation as an outstanding organisation dedicated to
could intensify their farm enterprises based on the experiment’s
helping all New Zealand dairy farmers.
physical and financial information. The debate on an acceptable
What has been a memorable project? Once daily (OAD)
milking. This research challenges the ‘status quo’ and addresses
balance between dairy intensification and environmental impact
continues today.
the most important issues facing New Zealand dairy farming –
labour and management of farms.
A DairyNZ farmlet trial examined breed effects of cows milked
OAD or twice daily (TAD) for entire lactations over several years.
With a 17 percent higher stocking rate, Jerseys milked OAD
could produce the same milksolids yield per ha as Jerseys milked
TAD. This finding, and production of more than 1000kg MS/ha
From Tim Mackle, DairyNZ chief executive:
“Since Dave Clark’s career began in the early 1970s, average
milksolids production per hectare has more than doubled.
“Dave has been one of the key scientists working behind
(OAD), encouraged a small section of the industry to adopt and
the scenes to help farmers achieve these results. His work
retain OAD milking for the past decade.
on projects such as the 1.75t MS/ha experiment and the
Since then, Dawn Dalley and Denise Bewsell (AgResearch) have
identified six major reasons why farmers adopt OAD milking,
and a variant of a gene (thrombospondin) associated with better
Resource Efficient Dairying (RED) trial has contributed to
providing farmers with data to base decisions on,” says Tim.
“He has mentored up-and-coming scientists who will
OAD milking capacity, has been discovered by LIC and ViaLactia
continue to expand on the work he and others have started.
Bioscience researchers.
Dave’s contribution to the dairy industry is immeasurable and
his leadership will be missed.”
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dairynz.co.nz
conference
Boundaries challenged
at conference
Hundreds of women who work in the dairy industry will tackle some of
the big issues that affect today’s farmers at the Dairy Women’s Network
annual conference on March 20-21.
Topics to be covered include the rural/urban divide,
environmental constraints and developing future leaders.
The line-up of high calibre keynote speakers includes Olympic
rowing gold medallist Mahe Drysdale and Minister for Women’s
Affairs the Hon. Jo Goodhew.
The two-day conference at Nelson’s Rutherford Hotel is
themed ‘taking down the boundary fences’.
Chief executive Sarah Speight said the conference programme
was largely dedicated to inspiring and encouraging dairy women
to look outside the boundaries of their farms, with topics
covering many of the challenges and opportunities they face.
She added that it was also a great opportunity to take time
out from the farm and connect with other dairy women and
^ DairyNZ's Mark Paine participates in the powhiri at the
rural professionals.
2012 conference in Rotorua.
“The dairy industry is constantly changing and under scrutiny
from people outside the rural sector. As dairying women we can
foster the understanding between our rural and urban colleagues
and show that we want to, and can, look after the land, our
animals and our people, while having sustainable businesses,”
says Sarah.
The first of four distinctive key note speakers, chair of the
Parininihi ki Waitotara Trust, Hinerangi Edwards, kicks off the
conference by speaking about the diversity of New Zealand’s
awarded a position on the prestigious Women in Leadership 12
month course run by Global Women, which is valued at $25,000.
The award is sponsored by Fonterra Milk Supply.
Mahe Drysale will close the conference by sharing his
experiences of the hard work and determination required to
achieve your goals.
Registrations for the conference are now open at dwn.co.nz.
dairy industry.
Hinerangi is followed by King Country tourism operator Dan
Steele who injects his passion and humour into a subject that
must be taken seriously – the environment.
Minister for Women’s Affairs the Hon. Jo Goodhew begins day
two discussing the demands of wearing many hats.
Eight workshops across the two-day conference will include
topics ranging from profitable nutrition and cow behaviour to
time management strategies and leadership mentoring.
The second ‘Dairy Woman of the Year’ award winner will be
DairyNZ is the prime funder of the Dairy Women’s Network
and works closely to support and promote the network’s
activities including presenting at dairy days and the
annual conference. The DairyNZ stand will provide a great
opportunity for those attending the conference to pick up
copies of DairyNZ’s most popular tools and resources.
announced at the conference gala dinner. The winner will be
InsideDairy
21
budgeting
Keeping hold of your
hard-earned cash
DairyNZ is running a series of Cashflow Budgeting Workshops in April and
May where tips for cost control will be discussed. Here, DairyNZ economist
Angie Fisher, talks about the importance of keeping track of your money.
We often talk about what farmers can and can’t control
Three hundred farmers have attended workshops over the past
such as the weather, exchange rates, payout and production.
two years, with many feeling more confident in their budgeting
However, farm expenses are certainly under your control and
skills and better equipped to use a budget to make decisions.
have a real bearing on profitability.
The greatest driver of profit on New Zealand dairy farms is
For information on the workshops and budgeting templates
visit dairynz.co.nz/cashflow.
cost control – the amount of income you manage to keep. Dairy
farming has plenty of challenges and after a busy season the
reward should be hard-earned cash.
People that maximise their profits:
Cashflow Budgeting Workshops
• set a budget with a cash surplus target
• update their budget as the season unfolds and actuals are
recorded
• use this information for decision-making by altering their
management plan to achieve their surplus target.
The most effective way to manage this is through the use of a
good, old-fashioned, cashflow budget.
A cashflow budget helps to keep track of money on a monthly
DairyNZ Cashflow Budgeting Workshops will be held
nationwide in April and May.
These two-day workshops give farmers the resources
and opportunity to build their own cashflow budget for
2013-14.
For more information and to register for a workshop visit
dairynz.co.nz/cashflow.
basis and provides critical information needed to allow for plans
to be adjusted and profit targets to be met.
Date
Location
April 22-23
Kerikeri
May 20-21
Morrinsville
May 6-7
Cambridge
business and highly leveraged businesses. Access to information
May 6-7
Rotorua
for making decisions on-farm is invaluable.
May 8-9
Stratford
May 14-15
Palmerston North
May 15-16
Ashburton
May 13-14
Timaru
April 4-5
Invercargill
Use of a cashflow budget will also reduce surprises and allow
you to plan cashflow better with your banker.
Financial control is especially important for those starting
their careers as business owners, those that want to grow their
If you understand your current financial position, and have a
plan for the coming season and perhaps the next few years, then
you have equipped yourself to make good farm business decisions.
DairyNZ are running a series of Cashflow Budgeting
Workshops nationwide for farmers who want practical help
creating a budget for the 2013-14 season.
22
dairynz.co.nz
news in brief
news in brief
Irrigation evaluation guide released
A farmer workbook designed to help check the performance
of spray irrigation systems has been released by DairyNZ.
The DIY Irrigation Evaluation guide goes through a six-step
Specialised agribusiness training available
Want to achieve your business and career goals faster?
The National Diploma in Agribusiness Management helps
farm business operators (from manager to ownership level)
process of assessing an irrigation system’s performance and
up-skill through a series of professional development training
where the opportunities are to improve.
modules targeting key areas of farm business management.
The guide helps record a system’s performance – taking
The training modules are delivered locally, are flexible to fit
what it is designed to do and checking it is performing to that
the farm work day and use farmers’ own farm business as a
level. An evaluation should be done annually to ensure the
case study.
system is in top shape.
To order a copy of the guide, visit dairynz.co.nz/irrigation.
Focus on smart water use
For an on-farm visit from a member of the local AgITO team
call 0800 691 111 or visit agito.ac.nz.
Project manager for environmental
project appointed
A new Smart Water Use guide has been released.
Smart Water Use in the Farm Dairy looks at water use in and
DairyNZ has appointed Adrian Brocksopp to manage the
around the farm dairy, and whether there’s potential for
largest environmental good practice project ever undertaken by
greater efficiency.
the dairy industry.
To order a copy, visit dairynz.co.nz/publicationsandtools >
environment > land and water > smart water use.
The project aims to reduce the nutrient and sediment loads
in the upper Karapiro catchment of the Waikato River, as well
as encourage more efficient water use.
Kit for farmers developed
A kit to help farmers manage and develop their employees
was released by DairyNZ last month.
The QuickStart People Productivity Kit includes practical
information, ideas and templates to help farmers
communicate more effectively.
DairyNZ people and business developer, Jane Muir,
says the kit focuses on developing communication within
the farm team.
Mr Brocksopp, formerly an area sales manager for Ballance
Agri-nutrients, will lead the Upper Waikato Sustainable Milk
project. He is one of three newly-appointed DairyNZ catchment
engagement leaders now
working across the country
with dairy farmers on
various key environmental
projects. The other two
leaders are based in
Canterbury and Southland.
“The resources can be used exactly as they are or you can
fine tune them to suit your needs. There are also tips on how
to create a great working environment so employees are
attracted to and then retained by your farm,” she says.
For a QuickStart People Productivity Kit visit dairynz.co.nz
or phone 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969). It can also be
downloaded from peoplesmart.co.nz.
InsideDairy
23
THE MYTH:
“All travelling irrigators
are capable of applying
effluent at a depth of
5-7mm when set on the
fastest speed.”
MYTH
BUSTERS
BY DONNA CORBIN | DairyNZ environmental extension specialist
B U S T ED :
Just because a
travelling irrigator
is advertised as being
capable of irrigating to
a depth of 5-7mm doesn’t
necessarily mean it will
automatically do this
if set on the fastest
setting.
Getting the most from your irrigator
An irrigator working to its full potential needs:
• enough pressure to drive the irrigator across
the ground
• correct flow-rate through the lines
• the right size pipe to the paddock and to the irrigator
• nozzles that are in good condition (not stretched) and
the right size. They need to be changed each time the
rubber-wear in the shed is changed or sooner
if damaged
• a suitably sized, well-maintained pump.
To maintain the irrigator ensure:
Over the last two to three years there have been some
fantastic developments from manufacturers to bring the depth
• the cams that push against the bearing and the
bearing itself is not worn
applied by travelling irrigators down low - some irrigators are
• the equipment is well-greased (not over greased)
even capable of achieving depths as low as 5mm.
• teeth are not worn
However, just because the irrigator can achieve a depth of
5-7mm does not mean your system can supply the conditions to
achieve these results.
Most older models of travelling irrigators can perform to
15mm or less with good maintenance, the right system behind
them, a few adjustments, good nozzles and if set up right.
If you don’t have the right system behind the irrigator you will
not see the performance the manufacturer has developed the
irrigator for.
Furthermore, if the irrigator and the system are not well
maintained you will see a drop in performance from the irrigator
over time.
Check the system when installed (and six-monthly thereafter)
by putting out trays and running the irrigator over the trays. For
more information on how to do this download A Staff Guide To
Operating Your Effluent Irrigation System - Travelling Irrigators.
24
dairynz.co.nz
• the ratchet is not worn
Correct irrigator set-up is vital so check:
• both arms are set up by the installer with the correct
angle and bend
• the pipe is 3-5m out from the back wheel and that
the gap between the dragline and drag hose is less
than three metres
• the pipe is no longer than 250m
• the drag line is pulled up regularly as this will help the
performance of the irrigator and reduce the wear.
• grass in the paddock is short enough so it doesn’t
obstruct the irrigator.
the pasture page
Early versus late
sowing of new pasture
BY CHRIS GLASSEY | DairyNZ farm systems specialist & WILL HENSON | Agriseeds agronomist
For new pastures to have a good start they need to
be planted by March 31.
This recommendation is based on research that has measured
the impact of later sowing, when soil temperatures are lower, on
the early yield and establishment of ryegrass pastures.
In practice, to achieve March sowing deadlines, farmers may
have to manage the trade-offs.
For example, there is usually a crop such as chicory or
maize growing in the paddock that needs to be re-grassed.
A compromise for the yield of the crop might be required to
establish the new grass by the end of March.
While soil temperatures are declining during March, in some
districts soil moisture levels may not be improving sufficiently to
allow good germination.
Where soil moisture levels are in doubt for new pasture
germination, it will still pay to have seed in the ground by March
31 in most districts, provided attention to moisture retention in
the seed bed (lots of rolling, or direct drilling) has been used.
Sowing date experiments with sowings from February to May
were undertaken in five years (2003 to 2007) at Lincoln with
perennial ryegrass seed crops (Lolium perenne).
Each day sowing was delayed resulted in reduced herbage
yield, from sowing through to October, of 82kg DM/ha.
So, a 30 day delay in sowing would result in 2.4t DM/ha
lower yield.
In another experiment in the Manawatu, every day delay in
sowing date (from March 1) reduced DM yield by 26kg DM/ha
through to November.
In 2012 two paddocks on a commercial Waikato farm
were compared.
One was sown March 16, and had been grazed four times,
yielding 5200kg DM/ha by the end of September.
The second was sown on May 4 and was grazed twice by the
end of September, yielding 2100kg DM/ha. A difference of
Both paddocks were sown with the same perennial cultivar
on the same soil type, under the same management regime.
Paddock two was growing maize silage, and the crop yield
would need to increase by 3t/ha to compensate for the lost
pasture production.
There were more weeds in paddock two and ryegrass plants
were smaller and less densely tillered.
Where it's clear that a March 31 deadline cannot be met,
attempting to establish a permanent pasture after this date is
risky and consideration should be given to suitable short-term
pastures or crops as an alternative.
For more information on pasture management visit
dairynz.co.nz/pasture.
60kg DM/day.
InsideDairy
25
Milker comfort
what’s hot
>>>
c o v e r f esmarter,
ature
milking
not harder
Autumn rain
Milkers are more likely to be healthier, experience better
job satisfaction and are less likely to suffer fatigue
if provided with a comfortable and non-hazardous
environment.
Growing herd sizes has increased the demands on those that do
the milking, so comfort is key.
Standing on concrete for long periods of time places stress on
the body and leads to sore feet, legs, back and shoulders and
increased overall tiredness.
There are a few simple, yet relatively low-cost, ways to help
reduce milker fatigue and discomfort caused by standing on
Sorting rosters so staff
get a well-earned break
concrete during milking.
• Shorten milking times. Spend less time on the concrete by
using efficient routines and milking strategies to minimise the
time spent milking.
• Create rosters. Where appropriate, particularly for larger
herds, implement a roster to provide task variation during
BY FIRST ANDLASTNAME | Job title
milking.
• Wear good boots. People will often spend hundreds of dollars
on the latest sports footwear which they may wear for one
or two hours per week and yet will put up with the cheapest,
Cows hitting condition score targets
poorest quality gumboots to work in every day. A decent pair of
well fitted, supportive boots can make a big difference.
• Use anti-fatigue matting. A simple, relatively cheap
addition to the farm dairy which can significantly improve
milker well-being.
>>>
The use of cellular
what’s not
rubber mats at
cups on/off in
a rotary or EVA
pit matting in a
herringbone can
End of
summer
make a huge
difference to
milker comfort.
T a x es
Looking after the
health and wellbeing
of you and your
staff makes sense.
More information on
milker comfort can
be found on the new
Milksmart website,
milksmart.co.nz.
26
dairynz.co.nz
^ Anti-fatigue matting is a simple
addition to the farm dairy.
Insect
damage to
new pastures
REGIONAL UPDATE
^ The Canterbury Dairy Effluent Group (CDEG) has a stand
at this year’s South Island Agricultural Field Days at Lincoln.
This follows last year’s CDEG Effluent Expo (pictured).
Canterbury/North Otago
Site to help Canterbury
farmers manage muck
Helping farmers manage their muck is the driving force behind the
Canterbury Dairy Effluent Group’s (CDEG) stand at this year’s South Island
Agricultural Field Days.
The group’s five, short, interactive information sessions
will help farmers with soil identification and drainage,
application depth testing, effluent system design, upgrades and
maintenance, and understanding consents.
DairyNZ catchment engagement leader Tony Fransen says the
CDEG site, at the March 20-22 event, will be a hub for farmers
looking for any how-to effluent information.
“The sessions address some common dairy effluent management
issues which can affect achieving full compliance,” says Tony.
“We will be highlighting hands-on methods to use in the paddock,
to achieve the best application for your soil and system.
“Effluent systems need to be well managed. Regular
maintenance is important to ensure the system operates
effectively. Some systems may require an upgrade or if you’re
investing in a new system it must be well-planned and designed
specifically for your farm. There’s a lot of things to consider, to
ensure an appropriate system is installed, and managed, in line
with industry requirements.
“Our specialists will be covering key points to make it all a
bit easier.”
CDEG representatives will be on-site during the event,
which includes DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Synlait
Milk, Westland Milk Products, SIDDC, AgITO and Environment
Canterbury.
“The CDEG group itself is a great a source of information –
between us all, there is a great range of knowledge,” says Tony.
“We’ll be there to give free and independent advice on your
farm effluent system.”
Visit the CDEG site (714) at the South Island Agricultural Field
Days, March 20-22 at the Lincoln University Farm, corner Shands
Rd and Ellesmere Junction Rd.
Waikato Effluent Expo
A Waikato expo on Tuesday, March 26, will help farmers
get maximum value from their effluent.
Waikato Regional Council, supported by DairyNZ, is
hosting its third Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek Events
Centre and will be ideal for any farmer looking for effluent
system information.
Whether looking to upgrade or gather information on the
rules or compliance requirements, the expo is an opportunity
to talk to product and service suppliers, as well as the
regional council, to ensure an investment will help achieve
the best result for an individual farm.
The Effluent Expo is on March 26 at the Mystery Creek Events
Centre, from 9am-3.30pm. For more information,
visit waikatoregion.govt.nz
Canterbury/North Otago DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Regional Leader/
mid-Canterbury
Virginia Serra
021 932 515
North Otago
Chrissy Williams
021 227 6476
North Canterbury
Noelle Fox
021 246 2775
Western Canterbury
Juliette Lee
021 323 834
South Canterbury
Erin Sinclair
021 243 7337
InsideDairy
27
REGIONAL UPDATE
NORTHLAND
BAY OF PLENTY
Cow body condition score targets will be discussed at a series of
events in Northland in March.
Repro Rock events will look at how farmers can improve
their profit margin by focusing on their herd’s reproductive
performance.
Northland regional leader Tafi Manjala says meeting body
condition score targets is particularly important.
“Farmers have a lot to gain by getting their herd to achieve a
body condition score five for mixed age cows and 5.5 for two and
three year olds,” says Tafi.
A competition amongst farmers to see how much they can
improve on their herd’s body condition score targets will also be
discussed at the events on March 8, 12 and 13.
The results of DairyNZ’s water use study will be presented at a
Smart Water Use Ideas Exchange event in Mangakino on March 5.
DairyNZ consulting officer for Central Plateau Moana Puha says
the results from the study show just how much water is used on
a farm.
“Water is a valuable resource and the measurements taken in
the water use study will help farmers identify where they can make
savings on their own farm,” says Moana.
The event will identify ways farmers can be more efficient with
water in the farm dairy, provide information on water meters and
give farmers the opportunity to hear how others have saved water.
For more information on the event visit dairynz.co.nz/events.
For more information visit dairynz.co.nz/events.
Northland DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Bay of Plenty/Coromandel DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Regional Leader
Tafi Manjala
027 499 9021
Regional Leader
Sharon Morrell
027 492 2907
Far North
Kylie Harnett
027 243 6503
Western Bay of Plenty
Wilma Foster
021 246 2147
Lower Northland
James Muwunganirwa
021 242 5719
Whakatane
Cameron Bierre
027 288 8238
Whangarei West
Helen Moodie
021 816 365
Central Plateau
Moana Puha
021 225 8345
South Waikato
NORTH WAIKATO
South Waikato farmers will have a chance to see robotic milking
in action on March 5.
A Smaller Milk and Supply Herd (SMASH) event will take place
on John Fisher’s Cambridge farm, where robotic milking machines
have been used since 2011.
SMASH chairman Noldy Rust says the day will be informative for
dairy farmers.
“We’ll look at his robotic milking machine set-up and see this
exciting technology in action,” says Noldy. “John will also share
why they decided robotics was for them, how the farm has been
set-up to work with it and the lessons learnt so far.”
For more information and event updates, visit the SMASH
website smallerherds.co.nz.
North Waikato regional leader Duncan Smeaton is urging
farmers to learn how to identify yellow bristle grass.
The message comes as the invasive annual ryegrass moves
through the North Waikato region.
Duncan says while it is too late to control yellow bristle grass this
summer, farmers can instead prepare themselves for next season.
“Start by recognising the plant and checking for it on your farm
and then next season, get rid of it,” says Duncan.
“Dairy cows are likely to avoid grazing areas heavily infested with
the plant due to the bristly seed heads, but unfortunately, they will
eat enough seed to spread it around the farm in their dung.”
Yellow bristle grass – the ute guide can help farmers identify
and get rid of the pest plant. For a copy phone 0800 4 DairyNZ
(0800 4 324 7969).
North Waikato DairyNZ Consulting Officers
South Waikato DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Regional Leader
Wade Bell
027 285 9273
Regional Leader
Duncan Smeaton
021 245 8055
Te Awamutu
John Vosper
027 475 0918
South Auckland
Sarah Payne
027 486 4344
Otorohanga
Sarah Dirks
021 770 859
Hamilton North
Phil Irvine
027 483 9820
South Waikato
Amy Johnson
027 483 2205
Matamata
Aleisha Broomfield
027 474 3258
Paeroa/Te Aroha
Joan Barendsen-Heald
027 293 4401
Hauraki Plains
Fiona Wade
021 242 2127
28
dairynz.co.nz
TARANAKI
West Coast/Top of the South
Acting regional leader for Taranaki, Katrina Knowles, will take
on the regional leader role permanently after the recent
resignation of Jo Bishell.
Katrina covered for Jo while she was on maternity leave last year.
Jo and husband Dion have taken an opportunity to grow their
farming business by taking up a 50:50 sharemilking position
milking 500 cows next season.
Katrina says Jo has contributed a lot to the region during her
eight years at DairyNZ.
“Jo has showed great passion toward her role as a consulting
officer and regional leader and the regional team wish to thank
her for the contribution she has made.”
For information on events in the Taranaki region visit
Discussion groups on the West Coast in March will focus on
autumn management over the next month.
DairyNZ West Coast consulting officer Ross Bishop says farmers
will be busy ensuring they finish the season strong.
“There are a number of topics we will be focusing on at
discussion groups in the next few weeks,” says Ross.
“Rotation lengths, cow condition score targets and somatic cell
count levels will all be on the agenda.”
“These are all important focus areas as farmers look to either
continue milking or dry off towards the end of the season,” he say.
Visit dairynz.co.nz/events for information on discussion groups.
dairynz.co.nz/events.
Taranaki DairyNZ Consulting Officers
West Coast/Top of the South DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Regional Leader /
North Taranaki
Katrina Knowles
South Taranaki
Steve Canton
021 246 5663
Coastal Taranaki
Michelle Taylor
027 507 7663
Central Taranaki
Shirley Kissick
027 704 5662
021 831 944
Lower North Island
Nelson/Marlborough
Stephen Arends
021 287 7057
West Coast
Ross Bishop
021 277 2894
Southland
Farmers will need to be extra vigilant about autumn feed
management, pasture cover and supplement supplies heading into
winter, says Lower North Island regional leader Kevin Argyle.
This summer has been very dry and will have an impact on how
feed supply needs to be managed, says Kevin.
“Complete feed budgets and dispose of known culls early before
starting to feed out significant amounts of supplements. It is also
important to monitor cow condition to ensure cows with a lower
body condition score are dried off early so they can reach a BCS of
five at calving.
“The current dry conditions could well impact on maize silage yield
and quality so factor this into feed budgets and decision-making.”
Feed management will be one of the topics covered in discussion
groups over the next few weeks. For information on discussion
groups visit dairynz.co.nz/events.
Two Milksmart events are being held in Winton and Otanomomo,
near Balclutha in March.
Information will be provided on the latest research on milking
efficiency and use of milking technology.
The workshops, suitable for all levels of the farm team, follow a
flexible format which allows attendees to sit in on as many, or as
few, of the 14 different milking-related workshops as they like, at
a time of their choosing.
The workshops, on March 5 and 7, are the final events in a
nationwide series which has included involvement from milk
harvesting experts Mel Eden, Neil Chesterton and Josh Wheeler.
To register visit milksmart.co.nz.
Southland/South Otago DairyNZ Consulting Officers
Lower North Island Consulting Officers
Regional Leader
Kevin Argyle
027 499 9020
Regional Leader
Richard Kyte
021 285 9843
Rangitikei
Kevin Argyle
027 499 9020
South Otago
James Lawn
021 615 051
Wairarapa/Tararua
Hawkes Bay/Northern
Manawatu
Southern Manawatu/
Horowhenua
Leo Hendrikse
021 286 4346
Tuatapere/Dipton
Anna Kempthorne
027 220 6691
Kim Fraser
021 222 9023
Central/Western Southland
Richard Kyte
021 285 9843
Abby Hull
021 244 3428
Hokonui/Northern Southland
Tessa Geddes
021 309 563
Eastern/Southern Southland
Nathan Nelson
021 225 6931
InsideDairy
29
DairyNZ Cashflow
Budgeting Workshops
– autumn 2013
Keeping your cashflow positive
Location
2013 Dates
Kerikeri
April 22-23
Morrinsville
May 20-21
Cambridge
May 6-7
Budgeting provides a way to take stock of costs and create
a plan to produce milk more efficiently. Workshops will
provide attendees with practical techniques for managing
cashflow and improving profitability.
Rotorua
May 6-7
Stratford
May 8-9
Palmerston North
May 14-15
Over the past two years 300 farmers have attended these
budgeting workshops. Those farmers have seen advantages in
using their budgets:
Ashburton
May 15-16
Timaru
May 13-14
• to improve cash surpluses
• for planning and identifying areas for improvement
on-farm
• when deciding if job opportunities or new ventures
are viable
• to reduce debt or apply for finance
• to prepare for scenarios such as production or milk
price changes
• to enhance discussions with bankers
and accountants
• to make profitable changes.
Invercargill
April 4-5
DairyNZ’s popular Cashflow Budgeting Workshops continue
this autumn.
During the two-day workshop, farmers will develop a
cashflow budget for 2013-14.
To find out more or to register,
go to dairynz.co.nz/cashflow
Spaces are limited and registration essential. The workshops
are subsidised by DairyNZ for levy-paying farmers and a fee
applies ($100 plus GST single, $150 plus GST double).