|
The best decisions are made early in the season
This season shaped up as another challenging one for dairy farmers in different regions of Australia. To help dairy farmers set-up for the season – with or without rain – Dairy Australia, with the help of industry commentators and experts, provided information to help farmers with their planning process. Each week, Season Set Up highlighted some of the key decisions being made on farm and provided relevant information and insights.
|
Dairy farmers are excellent decision makers. At this time of the season, they are making decisions around these areas:
1. Submission rates
2. Weaning calves
3. Feeding systems.
|
|
 |
1. Monitoring submission rate
The first 20 days of mating: what’s good performance, how many cows etc?
Good heat detection programs can have a major impact on overall herd reproductive performance.
While it seems obvious that cows not detected on heat will not get pregnant to artificial; insemination (AI), the key to ensuring semen is not wasted and cows conceive at the right time is accurate heat detection.
READ MORE..
|
|
2. Weaning calves should not be a big hassle
It makes economic sense to wean calves as soon as is reasonable because it markedly reduces the cost of rearing heifers.
Feed costs are lower, labour inputs are reduced and incidence of ill health is less.
READ MORE..
|
|
3. Flexible feeding systems offer options
Dairy farmers with little or no pasture and using high levels of purchased feeds this season are looking at the different types of flexible feeding systems and deciding which one best suits their own needs.
READ MORE..
|
|
|
|
