Maize and pasture means more milk
MANY FARMERS are chasing production this season and suppliers are already reporting high demand for supplementary feeds. Feeding supplements will almost always increase production, but they will only...
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Covers prompt winter warning
DON’T LET ample pasture now lull you into a false sense of security with winter just round the corner, says farm management systems firm Farmax. “Some farmers could tend to be complacent when it comes...
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Don’t hold back on feed, Holstein breeders urge
Passion for farming and their animals runs deep for David and Pip Fullerton, known for their international genetics work with Holsteins on their “top-performing” South Waikato farm, comments feed...
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Test for trace elements first
Farmers should consult with a veterinarian to determine if cows are deficient in trace elements before supplementation. DairyNZ provides the following information on trace elements; Cobalt Required for...
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Good feeding is top priority for Oz calf breeders
Australian farmers Trevor and Anthea Saunders are dedicated Jersey breeders. Anthea controls the calf rearing on their farm in Warragul, Victoria, determined to give them the best possible start. So...
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Growing calves to full capacity
Ensuring every calf goes into the herd at target weight makes sure a Patea, Taranaki, dairy farm is running at full capacity, even on once-a-day (OAD) milking, says calf feed maker Fiber Fresh. Robert...
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Measuring quality of colostrum can no longer be left to chance
Last month we discussed the importance of colostrum, the consequences of insufficient colostrum feeding and how to assess colostrum management on farm. This month, we introduce the concept of colostrum...
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Strategies to manage low pasture cover
Many farms are running with lower than target average pasture covers (APC) this time of the year. The months of June and July were cooler than normal so pasture growth rates have not been where they...
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Focus on feeding – vet
Sheep and beef farmers need to focus on feeding their best stock well, according to Martin Walshe, practice manager of Hunterville Vets. He told Rural News that if farmers can feed and keep ewes and...
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Save on calf rearing
Animal nutrition company SealesWinslow says weaning calves from milk when they reach 65kg could add to the bottom line if a good value meal and pasture is added to the diet early on. Wendy Morgan,...
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Feeding supplements in a low payout year
The challenging milk payout will have many farmers scrutinising budgets for ways to reduce spending. Many farmers ask whether they should still feed supplements and how much they can afford to pay for...
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Silage: quality in equals quality out
Quality silage is a stable feed made from quality pasture preserved in the absence of oxygen by quality fermentation to minimise any loss of feeding value, says DairyNZ. It is impossible to produce...
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Fatter and fatter
US ranchers are letting cows gorge in feedlots for up to 60 days longer than usual. And this is translating into good news for burger lovers: the price of beef is expected to fall soon, ending its run...
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Feed focus pays off in Oz
Australian dairy farmers Casey and Bonnie Taylor are noticing the difference after changing their cows' diets from Freddo Frogs and low G.I. bars. That's not to be taken literally of course, but the...
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