NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

| 85 nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Milldale Farm: Graham & Glenys Bell Meticulous attention to cow health a farm focus Graham and Glenys Bell have achieved Fonterra Grade Free status through low bulk milk somatic cell counts in their herd for many years. Russell Fredric F onterra somatic cell count champions, Wai- kato couple Graham and Glenys Bell, are making the most of the opportunity to pass on their knowledge to yet another generation. The owners of Milldale Farm, Te Aroha, have owned their present property for 16 years and peak milk 360 cows through a 26 a-side her- ringbone shed on 105 hectares effective. They have proudly achieved Fonterra Grade Free status through low bulk milk somatic cell counts in their herd for many years. Somatic cell counts over 400,000 cells per millilitre result in milk being graded (demerited) by Fonterra. After their daughter and son-in-law left the farm two seasons ago to lease a farm, the Bell’s took on first time contract milkers Ashlee (Ash) Cannons and Annah McNeil. While they have big shoes to fill, Graham says they have a great attitude. “We employed Ash and Annah due to their keen attitude and willingness to learn. It wasn’t easy for them to come in an learn the extra that is done here, a real challenge which they seem to enjoy,” Graham says. That ‘extra’ includes meticulous attention to the cows’ health involving a well-prescribed Contract milkers Annah McNeil and Ash Cannons with Milldale Farm owners Graham and Glenys Bell. prevention-rather-than-cure regime, especially in relation to udder health and mastitis, some of which is untreatable. Colostrum cows are teat sprayed before and after milking, high risk cows are attended to before calving as well. Good cow shed procedures, strict hygiene and efficiency are also factors, as well as trying not to have cows calve in muddy areas, both for prevention of mastitis and mismothering, while also keeping stress to a minimum. When calving starts, every night the herds are checked for cows that will calve during the night. “Those cows come up and get spread around 12 small paddocks around the cow shed. This system eliminates interference from other cows and also keeps the other mobs more settled and not running after other cows calves which caused issues. Those issues can include a blown teat seal, dripping milk resulting in picking up bugs prior to calving. It also allows quick and easy access to the cowshed for any calving problems. “It’s a little bit of effort, but we feel that tim- ing is important for both issues. Each cow gets a starter drench which helps prevent metabolic issues. As well as achieving a low somatic cell count and great overall animal health, Graham and Glenys’ passion and care also pays handsomely in an enviably low empty rate of just 4.5%. Ash and Annah are not the only ones to be benefiting from the Bell’s mentorship; eldest daughter Tania, who is sharemilking, is close on her parents heels. “She actually got second place getter for somatic cell count last year.” MAXIMISE FERTILISER RETURNS Modern Trucks with GPS Technology More Accuracy | Better Results COMPUTERISED BULK SPREADERS LTD PETER JONES - Ph 027 496 3370 or 07 887 4000 Cartage and Spreading Specialists servicing Morrinsville Te Aroha and Districts for 33 years.