24 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Douglas Farming Positive results from change to feed system Russell Fredric Constantly seeking ways to improve animal performance and farm systems is the bread and butter of most farmers. Mossburn farmer John Douglas and his lower order sharemilker Jason Checketts are no exception when it comes to looking to new genetics, operational improvements and creating ef ciencies, whether planned or imposed by government legislation. On the latter point, the Douglas farm’s intensive winter grazing system was changed to meet rules introduced in the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020 as part of the Essential Freshwater reforms. “On our farm here we have changed from a fodder beet system to a grass and baleage system,” John says. “We make tubes of baleage on our free-draining paddocks on our run off, and during the winter an electric fence is run along the full length of these bales. The fence is shifted just millimetres a day and the cows eat under it and because it’s a freedraining paddock they’ve got plenty of area to loaf and ruminate.” This system has additional bene ts from a nitrogen loss/run-off point of view as well as in the cow’s ruminant activity, while there are no issues associated with transitioning onto and off fodder beet. “It’s the same diet right through the winter and into the spring. I think it’s being creative, somewhat under pressure to change, but also responding to a challenge and we’ve come up with an opportunity for change.” Along with the bene ts for the land, this system is less labour intensive than the time it would otherwise take to shift feed breaks every day. The 390 hectare farm, which supplies Open Country, peak milks 965 cows through a 60 bale rotary with in-shed feed and is supported by a 135 hectare run-off. This season, John and Jason have been focused on making changes to the genetic make-up of the Kiwicross cows. “The reason for that is to get a medium-sized, ef cient cow that can produce 90% to 100% of her body weight in milk solids. We introduced some new genetics last season and their calves are just on the ground now. “We are looking for a cow that’s got capacity, with a sound structure and that’s got good udder ligaments so that the udder holds together well. What we’ve noticed in the calves is that they are quite robust, they’ve got good bone, they are standing out, but it’s probably too early to draw any meaningful conclusions.” Another focus this year has been on reducing the somatic cell count which is now measuring around 75,000 to 80,000 per millilitre due to actively culling the “worst offenders and a rigorous dry cow therapy” along with attention to hygiene detail in the milking shed. “All those things add up to a lower somatic cell count and a happy team.” John has completed ve terms as a Southland District Council councillor and while he did not stand in the recent elections, is no less concerned about issues close to the rural sector. Of particular concern is the long-standing lack of co-investment by successive central and local governments in roading and bridges. Of the 1000 bridges in the district, about 150 need renewing while posted [speed and weight restricted] bridges are an impediment to getting produce to market,”John says. “Being a rural district with 5000 kilometres of roads and a low population, roading and bridges is a major concern.” Jason Checketts (left), John Douglas with Jon Pemberton, chairman of the Ag Proud Charitable Trust. VETSOUTH ARE PROUD TOWORK ALONGSIDE DOUGLAS FARMING » Livestock cartage » Bulk cartage » Fertiliser spreading » General transport » Rubbish removal Operating from branches in Te Anau, Mossburn, Lumsden, Queenstown, Cromwell and Invercargill, we have the resources to assist our customers with: Queenstown 121 Gorge Road Ph: 03 441 3620 Invercargill 3 Victoria Street Ph: 03 214 4959 Cromwell 147 McNulty Road Ph: 03 445 0824 Lumsden 4 Pluto Street Ph: 03 249 7050 Mossburn 16 Devon Street Ph: 03 248 4030 Te Anau 52 Caswell Road Ph: 03 249 7050
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