Ann Thompson: Get cows ready to be moved

Sharemilkers are gearing up for "Gypsy Day".

As the dairy season comes to a close, sharemilkers will be gearing up for "Gypsy Day".

It coincides with Queen's Birthday Weekend again this year and as it's the last long weekend until October, there will be plenty of traffic around.

The Brass Monkey Rally is also on over this weekend, when motorcyclists from across New Zealand meet up in Central Otago.

From May 31 to June 1, Gypsy Day is the time of the year when sharemilkers move to another farm with their cows. Some cows travel by truck, while others walk. It's not an easy move and sharemilkers have a lot of things to do to prepare for this upheaval of farm and family. It's important for sharemilkers to cover off the terms of their contract and ensure that the agreed feed is left on-farm.

Cows will need to be fit for travel, able to bear weight on all four limbs and be in good condition to withstand the rigours of transport.

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.