25 June 2014

1 minute read

Oceania

DairyNZ’s StockSense events will focus on practical skills to ready farm staff for the calving pen, while senior staff will have workshops on udder health and humane on-farm slaughter.

Taranaki dairy farmer Tim DeBeer went to last week’s StockSense event at Stratford and said the junior workshop was practical for developing calving skills.

"I'm new to dairy farming and it gave me a good heads up for what to expect over calving and how to prepare for it," says Tim.

"The session on the birthing process was really helpful. I learnt the signs and stages of labour, how to tell if the calf is presented properly for birth, how to use ropes to assist if the calf is in the wrong position and when to get the vet in.”

North Island events are held from 10am-2pm and South Island events are held from 11am-3pm.

Participant numbers are limited and farmers must register online at www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense.

Events are free for all levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff and a free barbecue lunch is provided at each event.

Events can be found at Waikato, Manawatu, West Coast, Canterbury and Southland over the coming four weeks.

TheCattleSite News Desk