Once-a-day milking is a viable option that more dairy farmers should consider, says a Massey University emeritus professor.
Colin Holmes says it cuts milking costs and allows more farm and family time. «The majority [of farmers] won’t do it. They feel that performance will suffer and, as a result, profitability.»
He says some farmers have a lot of debt and even a small loss of milk production might make their farms unmanageable.
Holmes was a guest speaker at a seminar at Christine Finnigan’s Glen Oroua farm. «It’s a very big step to go to once-a-day-milking.
«Christine agonised over the winter before she went once-a-day milking. Then she started and it didn’t fall apart.»
Holmes says cow health is far better. «The udder is the only thing under more pressure and I have been amazed at how well the udder holds up. Less than 5 per cent of cows are culled because they don’t cope with once-a-day in that first year. But they are sold as milkers.»
He says more people should consider it. «It would take good, solid economic data to show that once-a- day people do OK and then more dairy farmers could judge for themselves. And we don’t have that data.»
Holmes says it’s coming.
«These cows here will be different from a twice-a-day herd. The ones that don’t suit once-a-day have gone over the four years. Gradually they end up with cows that all suit once- a-day milking.»
Source: Stuff
