Efficient Farming for a Merry Christmas: Tips to Ease the Christmas Day Workload
Source: The DairyNews
Christmas Day may still require farmers to don their wellies and complete essential tasks for proper livestock care.
While work is unavoidable, there are measures to minimize the time spent in the yard, allowing for quality family time.
Workland Preparation
The goal is to limit tasks to essential activities like feeding, milking, herding, and cubicle liming. To achieve this, complete extra tasks in the days leading up to Christmas. Ensure an adequate supply of necessities such as cubicle lime, gloves, milk filters, and concentrates. Order any short-supply items before shops and coops close for Christmas. Conduct a thorough inspection of machinery and implements to prevent costly breakdowns. Check oil levels and fuel, and promptly repair any damaged hoses or fittings.
Livestock Management
Even if cows are dry on many dairy farms, essential tasks remain. Liming cubicles and feeding are ongoing responsibilities. To minimize feeding on Christmas Day, place extra silage blocks that can be pushed up as needed. On farms with milking cows, feeding and milking are unavoidable, but planning can optimize efficiency. For farms using a total mixed ration (TMR), consider preparing a second mix on Christmas Eve to reduce yard time.
Christmas Day
While spending time with family is crucial, livestock care remains a priority. Farm safety should be a top consideration, especially with additional people, potential weather challenges, and the temptation to rush tasks. Avoid hurried work, as it increases the risk of accidents. Be mindful of others in the vicinity and take the necessary time to complete tasks safely.
By adopting these measures, farmers can strike a balance between necessary work and valuable family time during the festive season.
Workland Preparation
The goal is to limit tasks to essential activities like feeding, milking, herding, and cubicle liming. To achieve this, complete extra tasks in the days leading up to Christmas. Ensure an adequate supply of necessities such as cubicle lime, gloves, milk filters, and concentrates. Order any short-supply items before shops and coops close for Christmas. Conduct a thorough inspection of machinery and implements to prevent costly breakdowns. Check oil levels and fuel, and promptly repair any damaged hoses or fittings.
Livestock Management
Even if cows are dry on many dairy farms, essential tasks remain. Liming cubicles and feeding are ongoing responsibilities. To minimize feeding on Christmas Day, place extra silage blocks that can be pushed up as needed. On farms with milking cows, feeding and milking are unavoidable, but planning can optimize efficiency. For farms using a total mixed ration (TMR), consider preparing a second mix on Christmas Eve to reduce yard time.
Christmas Day
While spending time with family is crucial, livestock care remains a priority. Farm safety should be a top consideration, especially with additional people, potential weather challenges, and the temptation to rush tasks. Avoid hurried work, as it increases the risk of accidents. Be mindful of others in the vicinity and take the necessary time to complete tasks safely.
By adopting these measures, farmers can strike a balance between necessary work and valuable family time during the festive season.
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