Friday, 31 May 2024 11:55

Keeping cows from slipping

Written by  Staff Reporters
Farmer Andy Gower says cows slipping on the ramp leads to significant financial losses and animal welfare concerns. Farmer Andy Gower says cows slipping on the ramp leads to significant financial losses and animal welfare concerns.

Andy Gower and his wife Ange have been operating Parawera Farm for 19 years, where they milk 350 dairy cows.

Their farming operations faced significant setbacks due to unsafe conditions on their 2-year-old herringbone shed, where the concrete surface had become dangerously smooth.

The Gowers experienced two costly incidents where cows slipped on the ramp, resulting in significant financial losses and animal welfare concerns.

“When one cow slips over on the ramp, you just think, maybe she was just being silly,” says Andy.

“And then when it happens a day later with the second one, you know you’re in trouble. Two cows at $1,700 a cow, that’s $3,400. Both cows do an average of 400 milk solids at $8 per solid. That’s $9,800 gone just like that. That was the moment for both of us. We don’t like seeing young girls like this,” he says.

To fix the problem, the Gowers chose NumatAGRI VGrip matting based on previous positive experiences with the brand in their old shed. They had explored various options at field days and found that this product the best, especially in terms of design that prevented slips.

Installing the NumatAGRI mats proved straightforward and efficient. Initially, the cows were hesitant due to the new surface texture, but within three days, they adjusted well, confidently navigating the ramp without any slips. The installation process was swift, completed in just three hours between milking sessions, minimising disruption to the farm’s operations.

The introduction of the mats has transformed the safety and efficiency of operations at Parawera Farm. The cows now exhibit no hesitation when using the ramp, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. The ease of maintenance with the mats has also been notable; cleaning procedures remained as simple as with concrete, with excellent drainage that allowed for quick and easy washdowns.

Andy was pleased with both the product and the service provided by the company.

“Everybody from the salesmen to the guys installing it have been awesome to deal with. They just rock up, get the job done quickly, and the results speak for themselves.”

Andy says the installation of matting at Parawera Farm has not only safeguarded the welfare of the cows but also protected against potential future losses related to animal injuries.

“It just shows the value of investing in highquality, effective safety solutions that deliver both immediate and longterm benefits for farm operations,” he says.

More like this

Safer feeding for dairy cows

Cows ingesting metal objects in conserved feed is typically going to end in tears, quite often with a trip to the knacker’s yard.

Merlo adds to its all-electric range

While electric vehicles, despite subdued sales at present, seem to be finding converts in the car industry, one wonders if they have a place in agriculture.

Claas offers new cylinder option

Renowned as market leaders in the self-propelled forage harvester sector, Claas has used its experience of chopping a wide range of crops on farms worldwide to improve the heart of the machine – the chopping cylinder.

Tractor to help budding farmers

Jeff Farm is a 2433ha property near Gore, owned and run by the Salvation Army since the early 1950s after it was gifted by farmer Edmund Jeff, with the stipulation it be "used to train young people with a passion for agriculture, who would not otherwise have such a career option" - for a career in the New Zealand agricultural industry.

Featured

Govt limits forestry conversions

Farmers have welcomed the Government’s move designed to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Beef genetics survey

New Zealand's primary sector is being called on to help shape the future of the country's industry by sharing views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools.

Consider a career in hort

OPINION: As the fourth generation of my family working in horticulture, I’m proud to be continuing the legacy and honoured to do so carrying the current title of the Young Grower of the Year 2024.

National

Pork imports furore

Pork farmers says a significant influx of imported pork is causing them concern.

TB testing in-house

OSPRI will carry out on-farm TB testing, following AsureQuality's decision not to renew their contract.

Machinery & Products

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo…

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Loud noises!

OPINION: One of the strongest arguments for Act’s Treaty Principles Bill is probably its opponents’ total inability to raise a…

Barks like a dog

OPINION: Landcorp is putting a brave face on its latest result, highlighting its progress on KPIs like climate change and…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter