On the other hand, there is an opportunity now for cows to gain good condition – but it will only happen if they get enough quality silage and are not packed into cubicles too tightly.

Even at this stage, in early December, the focus needs to be on the February-calving cows that are under condition score (less than 2.5). See our Dairy Know-How video on body condition scoring below if you want to refresh yourself on picking out thin cows.

Is there anything additional you can do? Bring them all into one group? Improve feed face access by locking fat cows away from silage during the day? If silage is poor quality, then extra feeding is worth it – especially to young cows. Remember: most of the feed in the last month before calving goes to the developing calf. For me, even at this early stage, I would group cows by calving date and condition score. It allows you to control feed intake for the different groups.

Dairy management: December planning for better structure

Dairy management: fluke control

Dairy management: silage quality

Some farmers are slow to open the pit, but maybe it is better to open the pit and keep some really good-quality round bales for next spring.