As January gets under way, there will be a range of jobs that should get priority over other tasks. On spring-calving herds, make an effort to sort these jobs before the workload ramps up at calving time.Where housing was delayed with the mild autumn, this may have pushed some of the usual management jobs back to January.
As January gets under way, there will be a range of jobs that should get priority over other tasks. On spring-calving herds, make an effort to sort these jobs before the workload ramps up at calving time.
Where housing was delayed with the mild autumn, this may have pushed some of the usual management jobs back to January.
While every farm is different, outlined are a few jobs to tick off the list this month.
1. Soil sampling
Soil samples are best taken around six to eight weeks after the final grazing of the season. That means fields grazed up to mid-November should be sampled now.
Make a point of soil sampling these fields before the slurry season opens again. Target fields that struggle to grow grass or are marked for reseeding later in the year.
2. Fluke drenching cattle
Grazing into mid-November may mean cattle have yet to be treated for fluke. If this is the case, dose cattle early this month using a product that targets mature fluke.
Be mindful of withdrawal periods for cattle that will be finished or those sold live and suited to a short intensive finishing period.
3. Scanning autumn cows
For autumn-calving herds that mainly calve from August to October, breeding will be nearing an end and heat activity should be relatively quiet during January.
Cows can be accurately scanned around 40 to 50 days post-service, which means it may be worthwhile scanning these cows at some point this month.
4. Pre-calving minerals and vaccines
On farms that start calving in February and March, January is the time to introduce pre-calving minerals to cows.
Minerals can reduce problems such as cows holding the placenta, as well as lethargic calves that are slow to stand and suck.
January is also a good time for vaccinating against scour and gives plenty of time for an immune response to build.
5. Get calving sheds ready for action
Use your time in January to prepare sheds and pens for spring calving. Wash shed and leave to dry, then disinfect walls and floors.
Make any repairs or alterations to calving pens as necessary and upgrade shed lights to LEDs to improve visibility at night.
Finally, stock up on calving aids and order the next set of ear tags now to avoid any potential problems with delays in postage.
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