Parlour: A lot of farmers are experiencing higher than normal TBC and thermoduric readings since they switched to chlorine-free wash routines. It’s also harder to wash plants when fat and protein is high, such as at the end of the year. Stainless steel is relatively easy to clean but plastic and rubber ware are more difficult. Check inside claw pieces for signs of build-up of scum; this is a sure sign that the wash routine or the products being used aren’t good enough.

Replace rubber ware such as long and short milk tubes and any bends or hoses on the main milk line. These should be replaced every couple of years. Liners and short-pulse tubes should be replaced during the dry period. It might be no harm to wash out the vacuum line also by sucking up hot water at the end of the line. Some milking machines have a valve at the end of the vacuum line to facilitate this. Get the milking machine tested by a certified technician to make sure that pulsation is correct.

Dry cow minerals: Minerals should be fed now to dry cows due to calve in February. Mineral specs have been well covered previously but the key ingredients that differ between specs are magnesium and phosphorus, along with vitamins A, D and E. Some farmers are asking about mineral bags past their best before date. I’m told the minerals in these bags will not degrade but the vitamins may. So best policy is to feed these first and use in-date products closer to calving.

Housing: Working to prevent mastitis doesn’t stop after the cows are dry. The first two weeks after drying off is a high-risk time for infections. You should continue to clean down and disinfect cubicle beds. Keep passageways clean and clip cows’ tails. Don’t forget about water. All cows, whether dry or milking, need sufficient access to clean and fresh drinking water. Cows also need access to water troughs, much like they do in a paddock, so the number and size of drinkers is important. There is evidence to say that water quality has a significant impact on cow health and performance.

Discussion groups: Most discussion groups adapted to the restrictions this year by switching to online meetings and meeting in person when they could. Everyone agrees it’s not as good as normal. The lack of social interaction, which is a key element to the success of any discussion group, was particularly felt. At this stage farmers should be putting their stats together for the end-of-year meeting on production and profit. Overall, 2020 turned out to be a much better year for dairy farming than was feared during the early stages of COVID-19.

The meeting on costs must take place at the latest in mid-January. The report should take into account family or own labour and it should also show the change in net worth over time. A positive change in net worth is where assets increase or liabilities, such as loan debt, reduces. It’s different to return on capital, which shows net profit before interest as a percentage of total assets. The amount of free cash after everything is paid for should also be looked at. Cash is king.