Bobby calf regulations in time for calving

New regulations cover the care of all calves that are under 14 days of age and permanently separated from their mothers.

Why mention spring when it seems we haven't had much of a winter yet?

This lull in the dairy farmer's life when most cows are dried off does offer the opportunity to think about calving and what this entails.

This spring there will be regulations in place to cover the care of bobby calves. This means the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will be able to hold farmers, transporters and meat processors more to account by issuing infringement notices and fines.

They can also prosecute if they find calves are not being well cared for.

The regulations cover the care of all calves that are under 14 days of age and permanently separated from their mothers.

The parts of the regulations that will affect farmers and the infrastructure on farm are to do with loading facilities and shelter for those calves going off farm to sale or slaughter.

Farmers have until spring next year (August 1, 2017) to put in place facilities that will allow calves to walk on to transport.

By that time they must also have provided suitable shelter for these calves while they await pick-up.

We know that calves can't be made to walk when they don't want to, so those loading the calves will still be able to pick them up and place them on to the transport.

Federated Farmers also knows most farmers do have suitable shelter for these calves already, and many will also have a suitable loading facility available now, too.

For those that don't, it's up to farmers to provide something that suits them and their transport operator. DairyNZ has some guidelines to help. See www.dairynz.co.nz and search for 'bobby calves'.

The other regulations will come into force from August 1 and we are sure farmers will have no difficulty complying with them.

This is to do with making sure the calf is at least 4 days old and is strong enough to manage the trip.

Farmers should check with their processor or saleyard operator to find out how long the journey is likely to be, as there will be a limit of 12 hours from pick up to the final destination.

Processors are aware of this time limit so will work with you.

Knowing when the transport will arrive will help with your calf feeding schedule too.