13 min listen
How to minimise workload and reduce stress during the busy spring period
FromThe Dairy Edge
ratings:
Length:
19 minutes
Released:
Jan 4, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Waterford farmer, Steven Fitzgerald, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the how he manages labour to minimise workload and reduce stress during the busy spring period.
Steven explains that preparation ahead of the calving season and making a clear plan for who is responsible for each role at calving makes things easier and reduces duplication.
Compact calving (90% calved in 6 weeks), OAD milking in February and getting cows out to grass from early February are key drivers of efficiency in spring.
Steven prioritises feeding colostrum to calves as quickly as possible, as he believes it prevents sickness and ill thrift if calves don’t receive sufficient colostrum.
Start and finish times are also important and Steven aims to finish each evening at 6 pm, regardless of the time of year.
For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
Steven explains that preparation ahead of the calving season and making a clear plan for who is responsible for each role at calving makes things easier and reduces duplication.
Compact calving (90% calved in 6 weeks), OAD milking in February and getting cows out to grass from early February are key drivers of efficiency in spring.
Steven prioritises feeding colostrum to calves as quickly as possible, as he believes it prevents sickness and ill thrift if calves don’t receive sufficient colostrum.
Start and finish times are also important and Steven aims to finish each evening at 6 pm, regardless of the time of year.
For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
Released:
Jan 4, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Spring Fertiliser & Fodder: On the first Dairy Edge podcast the focus is on spring fertiliser and fodder. Guests include Brian Garry, nutrition expert from Teagasc, Moore Park, dairy farmer, John Leahy and David Wall, research officer from Johnstown Castle. For more information g by The Dairy Edge