Peak Stress Warning for Dairy Farmers

Monday, 16 August 2004, 4:14 pm
Press Release: Donald Fraser Finance

With the ground saturated, mud up to the top of their gumboots and calves everywhere it is a very stressful time at present for dairy farmers, warns farm finance specialist Donald Fraser.

_The additional work around calving, feeding calves and feeding the herd as well as milking means long hours, and lack of sleep can take its toll,_ says Fraser.

_Financial pressures are also greater at this time of year, so farmers and their partners should be on the watch for signs of serious stress, and take time out or get help when things start to get on top of them._

Fraser points out that early spring is a critical time in cow nutrition that sets up peak their season and total production levels. The continual cold, wet weather means farmers have a difficult balancing act getting enough feed into their stock without destroying pastures.

_Most farmers need to provide additional high energy supplements and manage grazing very carefully until the spring flush arrives about mid-September,_ he says.

_Its production._

For more comment contact Donald Fraser, principal of Fraser Farm Finance, phone 07 863 4885 or 021 951 170

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