Balanced diets key to keeping cows in milk
Waikato dairy farmers are well-placed heading into the peak of summer, thanks to favourable growing conditions late last year that resulted in abundant onfarm feed reserves.
The retailer's online ordering platform, launched last June, was revolutionary in the supplementary feed world, allowing farmers more transparency and control when placing orders. The ability to now order custom blends means farmers have even more control and flexibility.
It's quick and easy to use, says RD1 nutrition operations manager Mike Borrie.
"Farmers input into the system will come straight through to RD1 Nutrition for processing. We've had good feedback on our existing online ordering tool. They've found it simple and straightforward. And they enjoy the flexibility of being able to place an order any time, day or night.
"Now being able to make custom blends online we are sure will be a welcome initiative."
The custom blends tool features an online blend calculator for reckoning the tonnage rate for whichever feed and ratios are selected. The range includes PKE, tapioca pellet, wheat bran pellet, biscuit/cereal meal and cottonseed meal.
Online ordering through RD1 is only available to Fonterra farmers, as is the ability to see supplementary feed pricing. "They can see our pricing daily and place orders online."
Currently the blending service is only available in the North Island – Tauranga and New Plymouth.
