SC farmers already meet welfare code
Changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle are not expected to affect farming in South Canterbury.
The changes, set to come into effect on October 31, require farmers to address behavioural needs and off-paddock systems including feed-pads, standoff pads, wintering pads, and loosehoused and free-stall barns.
‘‘Meeting behavioural needs is essential for dairy cattle welfare,’’ National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) chairwoman Dr Gwyneth Verkerk said.
‘‘It is very important that dairy cattle can lie down and rest in all management systems, including on pasture, on crops, and in off-paddock facilities.
‘‘Dairy cattle like to lie down where it is comfortable and dry. They refuse to lie down on hard, wet or muddy ground and can become stressed as a result,’’ Verkerk said.
Federated Farmers South Canterbury dairy chairman Ads Hendricks said since the area did not have a high rainfall, in most years the changes would not affect dairy farmers.
Hendricks said the amendment would encourage farmers on the margins to get into line with this practice.
‘‘Most changes in the new rule from MPI were already best practice for dairy farmers anyway.
‘‘We ourselves use a paddock that needs resowing as a sacrifice area to accommodate the animals so they have enough space to lay and socialise giving them more space if weather conditions require this.’’
Farmers who supply Fonterra and those who are insured would automatically have had to adhere to these regulations when signing on, Hendricks said.
‘‘As part of your dairy diary for Fonterra you have to comply to rules around these issues and have to fill in your practices as part of your annual farm audit/ inspection by Ag-assure independent dairy assessor,’’ he said.
Chief veterinary officer at New Zealand Veterinary Association Dr Helen Beattie said the best way to improve the welfare of livestock was for vets and farmers to work together.
‘‘Where possible, and so long as there is no suspected offence, it is advantageous for veterinarians to be on-farm and providing advice and support to farmers to improve the health and welfare of animals under their care.’’
Safe for Animals campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald said while it was good to see code changes, the welfare of dairy cows would continue to be at risk.