14/12/2020

Week ending 14-12-20 farm notes:

FARM PERFORMANCE

Strong growth was maintained this week at an average of 69 kgDM/ha increasing APC to 2317 kgDM/ha.

However we have only received 424mm of rainfall for the season to date. Interestingly the trend in soil moisture levels indicate that pasture growth could drop by 20% next week as it did in mid Oct and early Nov. 

Ten culls left the farm this week averaging $647/each around $3.69/kg.  While we have taken a hit on the cull income our main priority was to manage SCC which dropped from 150 to under 100.  This is in preparation for declining growth rates and changing milking frequency to 3 n 2 once mating finishes.  These culls were not confirmed pregnant in the first 3 weeks, had repeated high SCC, and had either low PW or repeat mastitis etc.

Twice this last week the young herd was offered PKE to top up their daily allocation. We have slowed down when we can offering 6ha/day. Allocation is still at 18-19kgDM/cow/day. Milk production has stabilised around 1.6kgMS/cow/day. We have produced 734kgMS/ha STD and 261kgMS/cow STD.

Season to date we have feed 84t DM of supplements (583kgDM/ha and 207kgDM/cow). This is around 20tDM more than last season and reflects the variable growth rates we have had at Owl Farm this season.

With reduced milking numbers and only 11 calves remaining on the platform our daily demand drops to 55kgDM/ha/day.  From now on we want to maintain or increase our rotation length so with little rain on the forecast in the next week we will use PK to maintain intakes until crops start around the 10th Jan.

ANIMAL WELLBEING

We have been focused on the following animal welfare outcomes for the first half of this season:

• Carried out our first tail audit that we will now carryout annually before and after calving to measure status change,
• Reviewed the effectiveness of early days calf health by analysing total blood protein which determined 4 out of 5 calves had optimum transfer of passive immunity,
• Reduced lameness by 75% with a structured approach to yard management and race maintenance
• Reduced bobby calf numbers by 31%
• Got heifer liveweight back on track after drought through extra feed in partnership with grazier
• Exceeded BCS targets

BUSINESS HEALTH

Nothing to report

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Nothing to report

QUALITY WORKPLACE

The weekly routine requires flexibility to allow time for family and friends over the holiday period. This is a great opportunity to develop the team in different skills of running the farm.  This week LaArni our 2 IC carried out the farm walk with me and was in charge of pasture allocation while Tom was away.  Even though we may carry the farm walk out on different days with different people we still require a feed inventory for planning the week ahead. 

LaArni has been enjoying catching up with the Filipino farming community who have regular get togethers to reconnect and meet new people. Over 100 local farmers and their families celebrated Christmas near Te Aroha recently. Helping your team connect with others during the holidays can help those that have been away from loved ones for an extended period due to travel restrictions.

COMMUNITY

As we near the end of the year we reflect on what we have contributed to the wider community in 2020. Data was collected from 49 farm walks (soon to be 52) and communicated with 4128 people weekly. Over 1249 people visited the farm even with a Covid lockdown throw -in. This includes 34 classroom visits, hosting 19 industry events and 2 primary school visits.

The team at Owl Farm contributed 10 articles to popular dairy magazines and we have had a 40% increase in students at STP studying Ag/Hort and Ag Bus subjects with another 5 new classing starting up next year.

PLANNING FOR THE MONTH AHEAD:

• Finish mating
• Weigh calves
• Get started on crops
• Settle on summer milking routines
• Lots of holidays planned

Cheers Jo + Tom