Chantal, Derbyshire’s answer to Olivia Newton-John, shares her thoughts on the passing of the seasons. Tell me more, tell me more!

We are well into summer and hopefully it has continued with the warm weather. As I write this the sun is shining and many of you are out in the fields making hay. From recent years it is difficult to predict where we will be tomorrow, let alone in a month.
I am optimistic, as I say each year, that when we get to summer it will quieten down and we can concentrate on those little jobs that are put off during spring. Carrying out more TB Advisory Serive (TBAS) and Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP) visits, starting projects for next year etc. Those of you who haven’t had us out yet, TBAS is a great biosecurity audit as well as helping with reducing TB risk and it is free! The AHWP is another way of having us out on farm with APHA covering the cost. Contact the office if you would like to discuss a visit from one of us.
Over the years we have had many similar conversations with you all during the long winter months. “Once the cows are out I will have time to do …………”. If you are on top of harvest and the weather is agreeable, don’t let the opportunity slip by.

It’s the chance to do what I think of as the summer jobs, things that either due to weather or the fact sheds are full can’t be carried out for six months of the year. They can be large and require a lot of time and effort or they can be smaller and just need a day or two to sort.

The big jobs would be structural changes and repairs. The cow tracks that have been washed away with the heavy rainfall and need redoing; sorting ventilation in the shed so that it works better when the long winter months come; concreting the yard to help improve the ground underfoot.
Following another wet year improving drainage was on the top of a few peoples’ lists. This is much easier to sort when big machinery can make it onto the field without sinking!
Another area to think about is fixing the pinch points that stop cow flow either round the parlour or in the shed. This could be making an outside loafing area with some gates, or re-grooving concrete in the collecting yard or at the feed fence. These generally are less of an issue in drier weather but come the rain they will be a problem again. Cows like to feel stable, so making sure this is the case will improve their confidence as well as reducing hoof issues.
The possibilities are endless and I’m sure everyone will have at least one job that will make life easier when we get to winter.
We are very aware of how hard you all work twelve months of the year, so wanted to give a little reminder at a time where you may be able to do something about it. I for one am conscious of how frustrating it can be missing the opportunity to tick things off the list!
If you need any help from us, you know where we are. Anyone who has found this a useful reminder please send us before and after photos, we love keeping up to date with life on your farms!

Grooving, and re-grooving – not to be confused! (credit – Grease and Kirby Cattle Services Concrete Grooving & Hoof trimming)