The events were held across the country during September to help farmers and staff sharpen up their skills at mating time.
Dirks said in-calf rates have continued to decline since the 1970s, with one of the biggest problems being perception.
“Ninety-five percent of farmers think they are in the top 50% but perception is not reality,” she said.
“Farmers are in denial. Most of us think our skills are not the problem.”
Farmers thought the number one cause of poor in-calf rates was non-cycling cows, with heat detection being rated well down the list of causes.
But cows assumed to be non-cycling may just be a missed heat, Dirks said.
InCalf trial work showed heat detection was the number one issue for low six-week in-calf rates on 25% of farms.
She reminded farmers of the reasons they should put more emphasis on heat detection, because more cows in-calf early equates to more milk in the vat and consequently more money in the bank.
Other benefits are more replacement AB calves, fewer empties and the potential for shorter AB, calving and calf rearing periods. Farmers can become reliant on heat detection aids and forget their eyes are the best tool, LIC business development manager Sue Cliff said.
“Heat detection should be number one,” she said.
“If that cow is ovulating and you don’t put her up you are not going to get her in-calf.”
Likewise if farmers put cows up for mating which are already in-calf there is a risk of losing that pregnancy.
“We do become reliant on heat detection aids,” she said.
“The mating period on your farm is the most important. It’s going to make you the most money. The aids are great, but they are only aids. The best tools are your eyes and your brain.”
She also warned that while technology could help, some could be a hindrance. An example was automatic gate openers which took away the opportunity to observe cows bulling in the paddock.
