| 49 nzdairy Lameness turned into a big issue on the farm in 2019-20. They conducted a major campaign to tackle it, using their local Healthy Hoof provider from Cambridge Vets (Healthy Hoof is another DairyNZ initiative) to help them to identify problems and possible solutions. As a result, lameness was reduced from 34% to 13% of the herd, with a target of <12%. The strategies they employed included: managing the cows differently on the yard during milking, race renovations, and making sure the teamwas fully trained to tackle lameness identification and treatment. Controlling mastitis is an ongoing focus, with their goal being to pin cases to less than 10% of the herd every year. SmartSAMM helps with this process by providing information to help manage the issue. PGG Wrightsons Seeds is helping Owl Farm to achieve its target of 15t dry matter of pasture and crop harvested per hectare – they reached 13.7t in 2020-21. They were also instrumental in helping them reach 93% farm grown feed (highlighted in their Farm Insights Report). Each paddock’s yield data is analysed annually to determine which require fertiliser inputs, weed control, and adjustments to plant species or physical characteristics. The teamalso give each paddock a pasture condition score, and this information, along with herd logistics and access to shade and water, is used to decidewhere to growcrops, andwhich paddocks require pasture renewal. Owl Farm has set an earlier calving date and planted up 8% of the farm in summer brassica crops to better work with their low summer rainfall and mild winters. The introduction of Ecotain plantain into new pastures is a significant part of their strategy to tackle GHG emissions. They are also increasing the clover content in pastures to improve pasture feed quality over summer and provide natural nitrogen fixation as a part of their strategy to reduce the use of nitrogen fertiliser products. Westpac has budgeting oversight and offers financial advice on a regular basis. A farmbudget is put together in March, and includes the costs associated withmeeting the wagon wheel KPIs. Then it is regularly reviewed throughout the year, tomonitor progress and adapt to changing conditions. Forging strong relationships with their partners has proven to be a winning strategy for the Owl Farm team, and one that is available to all farmers. They also put the information gained to good use in sharing it with the many students who visit the farm, both from St Peters’ School Cambridge and further afield, inspiring young people to go into agricultural careers, often after studying at joint venture partner, Lincoln University. You can find Owl Farm’s Farm Insights Report on their website www.owlfarm.nz. EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@OWLFARM.NZ WWW.OWLFARM.NZ : @OWLFARM Proud to learn with Owl Farm Behind Owl Farm from the start Proud to be a founding partner with St Peter’s School. www.lincoln.ac.nz
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