Ruth Kitchen – New Zealand Grazing

DEFINE YOUR EXPECTATIONS – Then find the best Grower or Owner that you can who will endeavor to meet your expectations.

Document the details of the arrangements you have agreed.

Measure and record all events relating to the animals.

Benchmark and review progress against those benchmarks – the more often – the better.

Communicate regularly and meaningfully.

Prepare to hold to account any poor performance.

Reward and recognise good performance fairly.

Plan to have a successful herd entry for first lactation heifers. They are likely to be the highest genetic merit group in your herd – and also the largest number by age group.

Audit and Verify your result against what you planned to achieve. Pregnancy results – first lactation milksolid performance – in-calf early for second lactation?

Be prepared to put a lot of thought, planning and effort into this project if you want to achieve the best result.