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Target 10 Communicator
February 2011 Edition
MONTHLY REMINDERS
Pasture
- It is about time to start thinking about the areas that will be sown down in the autumn, and whether this will be done with irrigation or with the autumn break.
- Start getting organised for autumn fertiliser applications now by working out and ordering what you need so that it is there ready to go when you want it to.
Stock
- Use strategies to keep the cows cool while the weather is hot so that there are no set backs (in both the cows and the young stock).
- Make sure stock have plenty of access to clean and cool water. On a hot day, a lactating cow can drink anywhere up to 150 – 200L/day.
- Check that the diet is meeting the requirements of stock. There are a number of indicators that can signal the need to check the balance of the diet.
- Check for pink eye.
- Make sure that immunisations are up to date and that the stock are drenched if required.
Business
- Plan to learn something - new this season. Participate in one of the upcoming courses, field days or farm walks on around the region this month.
- Take a break, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Plan it, and even send a deposit so that you are locked into going.
Safety Messages
- Remember to carry the fire extinguisher on the tractor – you will never know when you will need it.
- Don’t exceed the lifting capacity of your front-end loader – some of the large square bales around are much heavier than bales you may be used to.
