The right management choices can make a huge difference during and after an extreme weather event. Here are some key areas to think about:
Build pasture cover
Higher pasture covers provide better physical protection against pugging. Build this into the feed budget.
Animal Health
It is vital to keep cows healthy — especially if wet periods are close to mating. Be aware of magnesium deficiency, mastitis, and lameness.
Reduce the number of cows
The most effective way to improve the feeding of a milking herd is to reduce the number of stock on the property and ease the feed demand.
You could also graze off late calvers, graze replacement stock off farm, send cows to other farmers in a better position, send early culls away, or get non-dairy animals off your farm.
Head to the Dairy NZ website for more wet weather management tips, including the best grazing strategies.
Disclaimer: This blog has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms only. The blog should not be relied upon to provide specific information without also obtaining appropriate professional advice after detailed examination of your particular situation.
