Tighter Calving, More Days in Milk: One Waikato Farmer's SGL Story
When Fraser Hasnip returned to his family farm in Pirongia, Waikato, he saw an opportunity to do things differently.
The events form part of DairyNZ's work to help boost the region's herd reproduction results – a priority for both dairy farmers and the DairyNZ regional team.
Over the five events, speakers will include DairyNZ scientists Kevin Macdonald and Dr Jane Kay; DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey and Bay of Plenty regional leader Sharon Morrell.
DairyNZ consulting officer Wilma Foster says the events give farmers an opportunity to have their questions answered.
"It's great having members of the DairyNZ research department coming to address the issues of nutrition around mating. There are a lot of fallacies out there and having scientists able to come and talk about these issues with farmers is invaluable."
Wilma says there are strong incentives to focus on getting mating right.
"For dairy farmers, better results mean more cows in calf early, more milk production, more replacement AB heifers, streamlined calf rearing and an easier mating the following season. This is the basis of genetic gain and herd improvement," says Wilma.
"As well as nutrition, we will cover a range of factors affecting reproductive performance, including bull management and the management of weaned calves."
The events will look at options for intervening with non-cycling cows or 'ambulance options'.
Wilma says intervention is undesirable but sometimes necessary.
"Non-cycler strategies include once-a-day milking, preferential feeding and hormonal treatments. We'll be considering profitability and management tips to get the most out of each option. As always, timing is everything," says Wilma.
For more information visit www.dairynz.co.nz/events or phone Natalee Swinyard, events and administration coordinator, on 07 349 6825. All events run from 10.45am-1pm.
Event details:
Tuesday, September 18
Bryan and Tesha Gibson
1188 Tutukau Rd, Reporoa
Supply no. 78941
Guest speaker: Sharon Morrell, DairyNZ Bay of Plenty regional leader
Wednesday, September 19
Andrew and Robyn McLeod
1185 Welcome Bay Rd, Papamoa
Supply no. 21349
Guest speaker: Kevin Macdonald, DairyNZ senior scientist
Thursday, September 20
Guy Pennington
761 Tihoi Rd, Mangakino
Supply no. 78250
Guest speaker: Dr Jane Kay, DairyNZ team leader - nutrition
Tuesday, October 2
Jim Hitchcock
56 Sharp Rd, RD 2, Rotorua
Supply no. 78541
Guest speaker: Chris Glassey, DairyNZ farm systems specialist
Wednesday, October 3
Peter Overdevest and Tania Akehurst
Horomanga Rd, Galatea
Supply no. 22294
Guest speaker: Chris Glassey, DairyNZ farm systems specialist
