Training

Accurate body condition score (BCS) assessment is essential to support animal and farm management decision making. The BCS Assessor Certification trains rural professionals to help standardise condition scoring across New Zealand.

BCS training is open to all but is recommended prior to assessment. It will guide you through theory and practical hands-on learning.

The BCS competency assessment determines your ability to accurately and consistently body condition score.Assessment is required for those who have not passed an assessment before or for those whose certification lapsed more than 2 years ago.

To maintain Certified Body Condition Score Assessor status you need to attend a calibration event annually after passing the BCS assessment.

If you are looking to build your milk quality and mastitis management skills, check out these DairyNZ recommended training courses.

The Healthy Hoof programme focused on the prevention of lameness. The programme was a simple, stepwise approach to managing lameness on dairy farms caused by physical factors. NZVA now offer their own lameness training.

The NZIPIM Certified Dairy Farm Systems Consultants focus on identifying risks and opportunities on farms through a whole farm systems approach, providing tailored recommendations.

If succession planning is on your radar and you are not sure how to involve the whole family in the process, the Rural Governance Development Programme helps to establish a safe zone for collaboration and communication.