18 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Fonterra’s Longburn Farms Ltd Longburn Farms brings Mastitis under 5% ‘Discovering that even heifers at calving could carry major pathogens like Staph. aureus led us to implement new biosecurity measures.’ - Izzi Panettiere. Their goals were to reinforce best practices by adopting selective dry cow therapy, reducing mastitis cases, and improving the team’s workload. Mastitis doesn’t have to be stressful,” says Manager Jake Ferreira. “As a team, we have successfully reduced our mastitis levels to less than 5% of the two herds while using selective dry cow therapy. We get plenty of sleep, spend only the necessary time in the shed. It’s a good life, we have our mornings, we have time to breathe.” Running two neighbouring farms in the Manawatu equipped with 1 x 50 Bale Rotary and 1 x 32 aside Herringbone Shed, over 900 cows with split calving is a busy operation. In 2022, the team decided to embark on a new approach that would streamline their operation. Their goals were to reinforce best practices by adopting selective dry cow therapy, reducing mastitis cases, and improving the team’s workload. A scientific and team-focused approach was important to achieve this, and their FIL area manager suggested the Farm Medix system may be a good tool to add to the tool box. “At first, it sounded too good to be true” Ferreira says with a wry smile. “We were sceptical, but it seemed affordable, and with prospects of a more efficient operation, and better animal health we decided to go all-in, no half-assed measures.” He grins, “Now we see that the time we invested has more than paid off.” “Getting buy-in from the team was key ,” Jake adds. “Trying something new isn’t always easy; it’s change management. Proudly supporting Fonterra’s Longburn Farms Forage Services is proud to be associated with Fonterra’s Longburn Farms Join the growing community of farmers transforming their farms with Farm Medix 07 958 9978 | www.farmmedix.com LOOKING FOR REAL ANIMAL HEALTH RESULTS? FARM MEDIX DELIVERS.
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