Flood
3 min read
Flooding on a dairy farm can be devastating, but the page you're reading provides essential guidelines to mitigate its effects. It divides the process into actions to take before the storm, immediate actions during the flood, and steps to follow when the flood has receded. The page also discusses specific considerations for calf and cow welfare during calving, transporting stock, standing cows off, and managing feed to ensure the well-being of your animals. These strategies can help you secure your farm, protect your livestock, and recover more quickly after a flood. Make sure to follow these guidelines and consult with appropriate local resources.
The effects of flooding can be devastating on a farm business.
Knowing what to do will reduce the immediate impact of the flood and planning strategies to deal with the aftermath will allow for a quicker recovery.
It is highly likely more cows will calve early. Ensure regular calf pick-up can be achieved where practically possible. Keep up regular observation of cows and spot abnormal behaviour that can be a sign of metabolic disorders.
Try to supplement post calving (colostrum cows) with calcium. Ground limeflour can be mixed in with feed and fed in-shed, or made into a slurry with molasses and poured onto bales.
Cows being fit for transport and correct supplementation will be critical. Refer to the transport guidelines.
Refer to Additional resources
Call the DairyNZ Farmer Information Service on 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
You can also call the Rural Support Trust in your area or contact your local DairyNZ regional team member.