The new second edition is here - jam-packed with new content, updated vital statistics, facts and figures. From feed to farm financials, it's all here right at your fingertips.
Chapter 1 - People
Dairy farming is about people. It is the people who make the decisions, do the work, and make farming successful and enjoyable - and our dairy farms need to be enjoyable, safe and rewarding places for them to work.
Chapter 2 - Business
Good financial management provides more control and more choice.
Chapter 3 - Pasture based production systems
Excellence in pasture management and feed budgeting is required for retaining New Zealand’s competitive advantage in dairying.
Chapter 4 - Cow feed requirements
Determine what energy is required for different scenarios. Allocate just enough feed, not too much or too little, from using information in the following pages.
Chapter 5 - Nutrition
The nutritional characteristics of pasture and other commonly used feeds and the advantages and disadvantages of their use.
Chapter 6 - Feeding supplements
Determine whether supplements other than pasture can be used to improve profitability.
Chapter 7 - Animals
Important information for managing a herd. Body condition score targets, breeding dates, calf rearing, animal health and welfare requirements.
Chapter 8 - Milk
Udder health and milk quality is important to farm productivity and profitability. Every farm stands to gain from less mastitis.
Chapter 9 - Fertiliser
Good knowledge of your farm’s soils and intelligent use of fertilisers can save valuable dollars.
Chapter 10 - Effluent
Dairy effluent is a valuable resource which, when managed well, increases pasture production, and reduces fertiliser costs.
Chapter 11 - Infrastructure
Well planned, managed and maintained farm infrastructure can make a big difference to the day-to-day running of a farm. See this section for recommended dimensions and management tips for farm infrastructure such as feed and stand-off pads, tracks, water supply, milking sheds, and yards.
