Craig Lynskey – Split calving
We do split calving – six weeks of spring mating and three weeks of winter mating.
There are three reasons why we do split calving: matching the grass growth curve, capitalising on the winter milk premium and not wasting good cows if they are empty. If they are empty in spring we carry them over for autumn calving so that way we are not getting rid of good cows.
Therefore, the girls get two cracks at getting in calf and if after the second mating they are still empty then they get cut but at least they’re given a second chance.
All autumn-calving cows are mated to beef breeds so they are sold as four-day-olds and at that time of the year the market is good.
Vijay Patil – Spring calving
We prefer spring calving because half of the farm is clay and the other half is pit soil. Both soil types are helpful to grow more grass, especially up until early summer when we make silage to use over times when feed is short.
I do regular weekly farm walks to find the average cover as well as the growth rate that are helpful in making decisions on feeding, round length and surpluses.
We focus on six-week calving to synchronise calving and early calving means more milk production that helps us achieve our production target.
And who wants to milk in winter when it is cold and dark and the grass growth is low? That would mean feeding more supplement and it is harder to find staff when you are winter milking because there is no rest for them.
Next month’s topic: Effluent, what to do with it. Use it as fertiliser or remove from the farm?
Tell us how you manage your farm effluent and be in to win one of two AgHatMax Helmets courtesy of Forbes and Davies. Entries close on February 15. Individual entries will be accepted as well as those from a warring duo.
