The worst drought in 100 years in association with high feed prices and lower milk prices made the previous season one which many dairy farmers would like to forget (or at the very least, never have to experience again).

The extreme seasonal and economic conditions forced many farmers into a situation where they had little choice but to compromise their management decisions in order to ensure their survival. As a result, on many farms some of the ground that had been gained in milk quality was lost. 

The single biggest opportunity that every dairy farmer has to regain a significant chunk of that lost ground is at drying off.

The opportunity to cure existing on-going infections as well as prevent new infections during the dry period and at calving offers the best chance to regain that ground. Wherever possible, every dairy farmer should carefully consider the options at drying off to make the best and most economically sound decision possible, and then ensure that the treatments are applied in the best and most hygienic manner.

Countdown recognises this opportunity and has produced a lift-out for dairy farmers which is included in the May-June issue of The Australian Dairy Farmer.  It contains a Fact Sheet to assist with the decision on treatment options, and also a practical guide and tips on how to make the application of the treatment as successful as possible.

Farmers can use this lift-out to help ensure that all staff are adequately trained and prepared for the task – the potential benefits make getting it right very worthwhile.

If extra information is required, or you are unsure about treatment options, then consult your vet for extra advice and assistance.

A little extra time spent on making the right decisions and planning the drying-off procedure will reap the best rewards and give you the best chance of making up lost ground.

"Make drying of count - get you lift out in this month edition of the Australian Dairyfarmer"

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