They also need to be prepared for travel by giving them magnesium. The DairyNZ website has plenty of tips to help. Finding out what time the truck will arrive for pick-up (and letting staff know this) will allow stock to be taken off green feed for at least four hours before loading. Hay, straw and baleage, with free access to water, is recommended during this period. Cows can then empty themselves on the farm and not on the roads or in the truck. This will allow for a cleaner trip for those bikies and motorists!
Transporting cows is a risky business. The risk can be minimised by loading cows sensibly. As cows are valuable, some sharemilkers might consider insuring their cows for this period. The Carriage of Goods Act limits the liability of the carrier to $1500 per head of stock.
Some councils require a permit to allow cows to walk down the road. Also, NAIT details need to be updated.
Federated Farmers is also interested in the travels of sharemilkers and contractors who are members. We invite them to update their details with us by ringing 0800 327 646.
Finally, the public can help make things run smoothly by being considerate around stock trucks and taking care on the roads where cows have walked. An understanding of the process will help these two days pass quickly.
-Ann Thompson is a Federated Farmers dairy policy adviser.
