As the days get warmer, summer approaches and water demand increases, monitoring water supply on-farm will be crucial to keep cows in milk for longer.
With a promising pay-out on the horizon, now is the perfect time to put plans in place to help maximise financial gains. For dairy farmers, water plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, productive, and profitable cows. Each dairy cow needs around 70 litres of water per day. When water intake drops, so does animal performance – whether it’s lower liveweight gains or a noticeable dip in milk production, which can hit farmers where it hurts.
Making sure your farm’s water systems are in top condition before the heat sets in is key to maintaining animal health, sustaining your dairy operation, and giving you peace of mind.
For many farmers, keeping track of water supply is critical, but it’s often one of those tasks that only gets urgent attention when something goes wrong. A broken pipe or an empty tank can quickly throw your entire operation off course.
A more proactive approach can reduce risks, save valuable time, and avoid unnecessary stress, especially as climate patterns shift and droughts become more frequent.
NIWA has warned that New Zealand is set to get hotter, faster than previously expected, which may increase the pressure on water availability for livestock and essential tasks like plant washing and milk cooling.
With these challenges in mind, thinking ahead and putting plans in place to prevent disruptions makes sense. That’s where technology comes in.
Water monitoring technology makes managing one of your most precious resources easy and hassle-free. Tracking water levels and usage allows you to address issues early, optimise consumption, and reduce wastage. Some solutions even send an alert to your phone if supply drops below optimum levels, which means you can jump on any issues quickly.
Gallagher Head of Land & Water Care Wayne Tarr says solutions like these give farmers control and peace of mind.
“By automating water checks, farmers have more time to focus on what they do best, improve efficiency and create more a more resilient farming operation.”
With labour shortages and unpredictable weather, automating water monitoring can reduce workload while making sure cows stay hydrated and productive.
Keeping cows in milk for longer directly impacts farm profitability. Smart water management is crucial to achieving that success.
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