Wairarapa dairy nexus grows

The Wairarapa Dairy Women's Network is gaining momentum as more dairy-farming women from all walks of life join the group.
Co-ordinator Mari Verboeket says a variety of women are joining the group and their enthusiasm creates a positive, ambitious environment.
"It is great to see the diversity of women both in age and stage of dairying that attend these events," she said.
"It's fantastic to be involved in such a positive group - what a passionate, capable and enthusiastic network of women we have."
The group recently held an "Udder Workshop", sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough, at which Adrian Evans of South Wairarapa Vets gave an interactive presentation on how cows' udders work, causes, prevention and treatment of mastitis, and the importance of the dry period.
This was followed by a dissection of an udder at the South Wairarapa Vets clinic in Carterton, which Mari said was "informative and showed the theory in practice".
"Part of the session involved a graphic demonstration of how intermammary drugs work," she said.
Last week Kirsten Tatham, a physiotherapist at Greytown Medical Centre, gave an "enlightening and entertaining" session on how to prevent back injuries in the lead-up to calving.
The group's next session will be a calf-rearing workshop at which Mr Evans will run a practical session. The event will cover how to obtain optimal calf health and get the best out of calves, and how to prevent disease. It will be held on August 2 at Berwick Farm, Kuratawhiti St, Greytown, hosted by Rachel Van Beek and Jane Smallwood.
"All dairy women, whatever their role on the farm, are welcome."
For more information contact Mari on (06) 370 8187 or Jane on (06) 304 7099.