Spring Tips from the team!
Spring is a crucial season for dairy farmers as it brings warmer weather, maintenance schedules & calving management. Here are some key tips from our team to help maximize efficiency and herd health this spring:
Herd Health & Calving Management
- Monitor fresh cows closely for signs of metabolic disorders like milk fever, ketosis, or retained placenta.
- Prepare calving pens by keeping them clean, dry, and well-bedded to prevent infections.
- Ensure proper colostrum management to give newborn calves the best start.
Facility & Equipment Maintenance
- Inspect and clean waterers to ensure cows have access to fresh, clean water.
“Plan and order your fans now so they can be installed before the heat of summer arrives. Waiting until you need fans, means you won’t have them until this time next year.”– Dan Veeneman- Dairy Cooling Specialist
Ventilation Maintenance- If the farm has belt driven fans, its time to check if they need a new belt or pully tensioner, grease and clean the blades and housing. If the farm has direct drive fans, no maintenance is required except to clean the fan blades and housing with a boom lift and power washer. Don’t forget to clear the motor fins of debris (not with the power washer).
“Fans are designed to handle the barn elements, however, its crucial when using a power washer to avoid spraying any areas around the motor housing that has a wire/power cord port and around the control wires.” – Josh Brooke- US Sales Manager
Milk Production & Quality
- Maintain proper nutrition by balancing forage and grain intake for peak milk production.
- Monitor milk components and adjust rations as needed.
Calf & Heifer Care
- Adjust bedding and check ventilation in calf barns to prevent respiratory issues as temperatures fluctuate.
- Provide clean, dry housing to prevent muddy conditions that can lead to disease.
- Plan vaccination schedules to keep young stock healthy.
“Spring is the perfect time to plan ahead for the summer months, considering feed, cooling, and labor needs. Spring can quickly lead into hot weather, so it’s important to start preparing for heat stress. Make sure cows have shade and good airflow and consider adding cooling systems if necessary. -Sue Hagenson- Senior Dairy Consultant
- Make sure all fans are in good shape – do belt replacements and cleaning
- Check Soaking Systems – water coming out of all nozzles, water filter is clean/replace, no nozzles leaking, correct water pressure
- Work Hard and be Good to your mother!
