Serratia-linked Mastitis a wake-up call for Waikato farmer
Waikato farmer Craig Clausen had an unpleasant experience after an outbreak of mastitis cases on farm, suspected to be caused by the pathogen Serratia.
The farm stocks 570 cattle and 2086 sheep.
Layout is about 123 main paddocks and 10 holding paddocks with electric and seven-wire fencing, and post and batten fencing on the boundaries.
A five-year stocking record is available, so is a five-year history of fertiliser input for the same period.
Last financial year 132.8 tonnes of Superten/Sulphur Gain, DAP S Super, Pasturezeal G2 and urea fertiliser was spread. Over the same 2013-14 year the farm produced 141 bales of hay from its own grass and bought in 100 bales.
A wide laneway runs down the centre with side races either side. Farm water is pumped over the property from a stream to five holding tanks then gravity-fed to troughs in each paddock.
Bayleys Waikato spokesman Mike Fraser-Jones reports there are two homes on the property: a three-bedroom Lockwood type with double garaging, and a smaller three-bedroom home with a stable. Water for both is bore-fed.
Says Fraser-Jones, “Buildings include a three-stand woolshed, near new sheepyards with a curved three-way drafting race, a four-bay implement shed, hay barn, and cattleyards and pens leading into a loading facility.”
Tenders close on October 23.
