FMG understands how important it is to support Angus cattle farmers to protect their assets as well as to be there to support when things go wrong.
FMG was created by farmers for farmers and has been supporting rural New Zealand for over 115 years. Our teams live in the communities we work in, so we understand the risks, challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities.
FMG understands how important it is to support Angus cattle farmers to protect their assets as well as to be there to support when things go wrong.
Angela Hogg, FMG’s Rural Segment Manager says with mating on the horizon in December, over the coming months farmers should be focusing on bull testing.
“Those all-important pre -mating checks are so important. Make sure you check your bulls for any defects pre-mating and once the bulls are in with the heifers,” says Angela.
She says FMG’s claims data shows 30% of all bull claims involve injury to pizzles. This then leads to vet appointments or needing to get a replacement bull, which of course, interferes with getting on with farming.
She says checking the bulls in the first days of mating is crucial. “You must make sure they are performing correctly, and penetration of the cows is seen, and that no injuries have occurred.”
Angela says it’s also timely to remind farmers of the biosecurity risk that bringing new animals onto the property can create. At the moment we still need to be aware of MBovis, among other issues. The MBovis Info hub for farmers has resources and helpful questions to ask to ensure you’re not compromising your on-farm biosecurity. This can be accessed by visiting www.mbovis.govt.nz
“If you’re looking to purchase or lease bulls and bring them onto your property make sure you get assurance from the seller/lessor/grazier of the animal’s health. That includes TB status, vaccination, and disease and treatment history before you buy or accept bulls onto the property,” says Angela Hogg.
Other important steps to protect your farm/livestock include:
- Make sure your bulls all have tags and movements recorded on the NAIT system, where applicable.
- Keep all newly arrived bulls separated from existing mobs for at least 7 days and contact your vet straight away if there are any signs of disease or illness.
- For further information on how to reduce the risk of MBovis on your property head to the online Mycoplasma bovis info hub.
- For more FMG Bull risk advice head to our fmg.co.nz Advice section
*This article was first published in Angus NZ Oct 2021 ENews Newsletter
