Keeping it calm at calving time

Calving is a busy time. There are cows to be calved, calves to be fed, cows to be milked, calves to be culled, feed to be managed, books to be balanced, effluent to be monitored, cows to be treated, and the list goes on.

But the difference between busy and stressful is about the attitude you and your staff have. Busy is okay, it can even be fun. But being stressed isn't good for anyone.

Focusing on your people, with a good plan, regular communication and constant feedback will help keep you and your team in good spirits.

This is vital because a healthy, happy staff will provide the best care for calves and deliver the best result for farmers. Your staff are more likely to take notice, care about calves' welfare and go the extra mile.

Try the following seven tips to help keep your calving well planned and calm:

1. Have a plan:

Sit down as a team and plan out calving. What do you need in your calving kit? How often will the paddocks be checked for calving cows? What is the mastitis treatment plan?

2. Talk to each other:

Hold regular team meetings so everyone knows what is going on and who is doing what. Ten minutes a day is all it takes. Address issues as they come up, so the little things don't become big things.

3. Manage time off:

No one is productive when they don't get a break. Try to keep both you and your team's hours under control. This means at least one day a fortnight completely off-farm and no days longer than 12 hours.

4. Stay hydrated and fed:

People need regular food and hydration to make good decisions. Keep you and your team effective by having healthy snacks and drinks available in the dairy.

5. Lead by example:

If the day has gone a bit pear shaped then show leadership by fixing the problem. Don't blame others or fly off the handle. Keep calm and get on with getting it sorted.

6. Motivate each other:

Celebrate when things go well. It will create a positive mood in your team and keep people feeling motivated and valued. Have a laugh from time to time.

7. Remember the good things about calving:

Enjoy the great outdoors, the variety, and the fact that it doesn't last forever! Keep it in perspective.

- For more tips to help you communicate and manage your employees during the busy calving period, visit dairynz.co.nz/people.