Learn how to boost herd milk yield at webinar led by cow behaviour expert

A cow behaviour expert will help dairy farmers learn how to observe the body language of their cows and translate it to herd management at a Farming Connect webinar this month.

Dutch vet Joep Driessen, of CowSignals®, says the best performing farmers understand the needs of their cows.

By reading a cow’s body language, longevity and performance can be increased.

At a Farming Connect webinar on 19 November, Mr Driessen will encourage farmers to be aware of key physical signs in their cows.

Awareness of these and a focus on the essential needs of food, water, air, light, rest and space can increase production, from three to five lactations, and reduce costs, says Mr Driessen.

The webinar will be linked to an update from Erw Fawr, a Farming Connect demonstration site near Holyhead, where a project focusing on the health and wellbeing of freshly calved cows is underway.

Rhys Davies, Dairy Technical Officer at Farming Connect, says the information discussed will allow Welsh farmers to understand the latest thinking in the management of dairy cattle.

“It will encourage farmers to look, think and act on what the cow is showing,” he says.

“Joep will explain why, when observing cows, farmers should ask themselves what do I see, why has this happened and what does it mean?”

To take part in the webinar, which will run from 19:30 – 20:30, you must register your interest by 15:00 on the day. Visit gov.wales/farmingconnectevents or email delyth.evans@menterabusnes.co.uk

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.