Science coming second in water decisions
Emotions and values now come first in water quality assessment and science comes second, says a water quality specialist with DairyNZ, Tom Stephens.
Over the next four weeks StockSense events will be held in Waikato, Manawatu, West Coast, Canterbury and Southland, with workshops for both junior and senior dairy farm staff.
July heralds the start of a new calving season. Dairy farmers nationwide begin their 'busy period' when calves are born and set up as the future of the milking herd.
The junior workshop focuses on practical skills to get staff ready for calving, while the senior workshop focuses on the new requirements for humane slaughter on-farm and udder health.
Taranaki farmer, Tim DeBeer, attended last week's Stratford StockSense event and said the junior workshop was practical for developing calving skills.
"I'm new to dairy farming and it gave me a good heads-up for what to expect over calving and how to prepare for it," says DeBeer.
"The session on the birthing process was really helpful. I learnt the signs and stages of labour, how to tell if the calf is presented properly for birth, how to use ropes to assist if the calf is in the wrong position and when to get the vet in.
"The sessions were interactive, but really clear and easy to understand so I got a heap of value from it."
He benefited from the tips for reducing stress over the busy season.
"I really like how the workshop provided advice for staying healthy over calving. I actually went out and bought a crock pot. Having hot meals ready when I get in late from the farm sounds like a good idea."
DairyNZ's animal husbandry and welfare team manager, Chris Leach, says in the senior workshop, farmers are updated on the recent welfare code change which prohibits the use of blunt force for euthanasia of calves, except in unforeseen emergencies.
"Most dairy cattle, including calves, are generally not slaughtered on farms by farmers anyway, but are sent to processing facilities. The amendments to the code of welfare make it much clearer what is an emergency and what is acceptable practice on farms when that situation does arise.
"Farmers learnt what humane options are available, what best practice looks like and skills training to ensure the very best standards of welfare are achieved on farm," says Leach.
"In the Healthy Udder session, most attendees went away with a draft policy and a procedure for managing mastitis in their colostrum herd. There were some really good discussions about strategies to reduce mastitis."
Participant numbers are limited and farmers must register online at www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense. Events are free for all levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff and a free barbecue lunch is provided at each event.
STOCKSENSE EVENTS
June 25 – Tikokino
June 26 – Masterton
June 27 – Palmerston North
June 30 – Te Awamutu
July 1 – Putaruru
July 1 – Ashburton
July 2 – Reporoa
July 2 – Papakaio
July 3 – Culverden
July 7 – Piopio
July 8 – Winton
July 9 – Milton
July 9 – Mangakino
July 10 – Gore
July 15 – Hokitika
July 16 – Westport
North Island events: 10am-2pm
South Island events: 11am-3pm
Farm location will be provided upon registration
