HubWatch – 15 August 2025

Milkers and colostrums separated on the 13th August to start supply for the season

Due to ground conditions being good we have identified paddocks for winter 2026 for both farmlets taking into account crop rotations and feed requirements with the intention to start as soon as the weather enables us. We are having early conversations with contractors to make sure we have them booked in early

We (like a lot o Southland) are experiencing higher than normal APC for this time of the season. While we are only in the early days of spring we are constantly considering ways to best manage this using a spring rotation planner to ensure high pasture quality in the second round and beyond. We are currently using the later calving cows to achieve post grazing targets given the great ground conditions we have. The spring rotation planner with a slow to start calving and high average pasture covers is currently tracking above balance date target for both farmlets (4th October for Standard herd and 24th September for the Future herd).

Brix testing all first milking colostrum and allocating to calves accordingly. Brix >22 is deemed gold colostrum. WE are noticing variability at cow level so have begun recording cow number to colostrum quality to better understand the differences. The question is - could this be a farmlet variation (wintered on Swedes v. baleage)?

Pre calving blood testing across both farmlets showed average to below average for selenium and average for copper. Magnesium was above average showing this has held well through winter. Given the lower selenium result all cows are receiving a selenium and Vitamin B12 injection at first milking as recommended by the vets.