Free software training for farmers
Dairy farmers across New Zealand have the opportunity to attend free software training which could open the door to improved cow conception rates during the upcoming mating season and better pasture management.
The training is just one of a programme of 31 workshops being held by dairy farmer cooperative LIC from one end of the country to the other in September and October this year.
The majority of New Zealand dairy farmers use LICs herd recording programme, MINDA, to manage individual and herd information and the upcoming set of workshops will help farmers get even more value from MINDA.
LIC General Manager Farm Systems Rob Ford said technology is more a part of modern dairying than its ever been. "Todays farmers need information at their fingertips about various aspects of the herd or farm so they can make decisions at the right time. They also need to be able to tailor this information so its unique to their farming goals and system.
"Our job, as their cooperative, is to provide the training they need at the right time, in the right place and in the right format so theyre able to attend and immediately have new tools they can put into place on their farms."
Two workshops are on offer to farmers - one in the morning, and the second in the afternoon.
The morning session is designed to help farmers get to grips with MINDA Land & Feed Basics so they are more able to offset weather extremes, be compliant with environmental requirements and, overall, achieve more efficient use of pasture.
The afternoon session is designed to help farmers improve their ability to manage and analyse cow and herd mating performance during the upcoming dairy mating season. Mating with MINDA will show farmers how to analyse their calving pattern, identify, record and manage at-risk and non-cycling cows. They will learn how to create mating groups, identify short returns and, overall, improve their recording of matings.
Rob Ford said each of the workshops is 1.5 hours in duration and tea/coffee will be served. "Were always talking with our farmers and know that these two workshops will be very popular, so anyone wanting to attend shouldnt delay as places are limited.