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Initiative offers free cow condition assessments
DairyNZ media release
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
For immediate release
Initiative offers free cow condition assessments
Northland herds have the opportunity this season to be part of the DairyNZ body condition score (BCS) initiative which will see certified BCS assessors provide free body condition score assessments.
"Farmers, researchers and advisers all agree that getting cows in the right condition at calving is critical for milk production and reproductive performance – two key drivers of farm profitability," says DairyNZ developer – productivity, Sally Peel.
"Yet every year we see large numbers of cows calving at below target condition and consequently achieving below potential production and profitability."
In recognition of these difficulties, DairyNZ has developed the BCS initiative to help farmers achieve their cow condition targets by calving.
"We have trained advisers in body condition scoring and feed planning to support farmers one-on-one and to develop plans to address below target cows," says Sally.
Funded by DairyNZ, the BCS initiative offers three fully funded BCS consultations. Advisers will work with farmers to identify cows that are unlikely to reach a BCSof 5.0 by calving without some intervention and find workable solutions to getthese cows back on track.
“The BCS initiative means farmers can experience the process of BCS assessment and understand the benefits of getting cows to BCS targets,” says Sally.
“By using a certified assessor, they can be confident that the assessment is accurate and consistent with New Zealand standards.
“The programme has been moving around the country and is currently in its third year. We have already seen a lot of opportunities captured through the programme.”
DairyNZ are seeking expressions of interest from Northland farmers interested in taking part in the BCS initiative.
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, contact your local DairyNZ consulting officer or phone the DairyNZ Farmer Information Service on 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
If you would like to register online, visit dairynz.co.nz/bcsinitiative or phone the DairyNZ Farmer Information Service.
-ENDS-
ABOUT DAIRYNZ
DairyNZ is the industry organisation representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers. Our purpose is to secure and enhance the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of New Zealand dairy farming. For more information, visit www.dairynz.co.nz
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