Inside Dairy October-November 2020

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over the fence...

As we head into October, things are back in full swing with herds in the shed and mating underway. This month’s Inside Dairy is all about milking. In particular, we look at how the maximum milking time (MaxT) strategy helps to improve efficiency in the dairy, not only shaving off time, but also leading to happier people and cows. It’s worth investing time into streamlining your systems in the dairy. MaxT is a proven strategy for this, originating from a farmer problem that DairyNZ researched and trialled with farmers. Hear what other farmers have to say about MaxT in this month’s articles. Many of you will be getting your heads around the new freshwater regulations. These rule changes have different impacts across the country, depending on your catchment and farm system. DairyNZ supports the intent of the regulations: to improve our waterways. We were supportive of some aspects, such as farm environment plans, but believe there are still some significant issues to work through. Like many groups, DairyNZ strongly advocated against a number of the proposed freshwater rules, but we couldn’t reach agreement with the Government on everything. We continue to champion an evidence-based, pragmatic policy that meets water quality aspirations in a fair, efficient way. We’ll keep communicating with you on this issue, and regularly updating our website – dairynz.co.nz/freshwater This month, we’re inviting farmers to vote for two candidates to join DairyNZ’s Board of Directors. Our Board plays an important role in setting our strategy and deciding research investment priorities, so we encourage you to have your say on who will represent you. See the candidate profiles on page two. Voting is both online and by mail, closing 20 October. If you haven’t received a voting pack in the mail yet, call the election helpline on 0800 666 946. (Note: we’re also seeking applications for two associate directors – see page 22 for details.) Finally, our AGM is on this month in Ashburton. We’re keen for you to join us to learn about the work we’ve completed over the past year, and our plans. The AGM is at the Hotel Ashburton, 21 October, starting at 6.30pm. Please drop me a line if you have any feedback – tim.mackle@ceo.dairynz.co.nz

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Contents

FEATURES...

3

It’s about time Milking is becoming more enjoyable for both people and cows since Gordon McFetridge decided to adopt the MaxT (maximum milking time).

12 Busting common MaxT myths

We demystify a handful of persistent MaxT myths that have been a barrier to some farmers giving the strategy a go.

25 Feeding a spring surplus in-situ

Cambridge farmers Ian and Natalie Butler hoped pasture deferral would be a game-changer on their farm. Has it been?

Inside Dairy is the official magazine of DairyNZ Ltd. It is circulated among all New Zealand dairy farmers and sector organisations and professionals.

Tim Mackle Chief executive DairyNZ

ISSN 1179-4909

DNZ03-217

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