Rural Round Up No images? Click here We're loyal, not just local.Latest NewsVet Certification RemindersJust a reminder that any animal that receives a veterinary certificate for transport needs to be sent to the nearest abattoir. In the North Canterbury district, this is Silver Ferns Farms slaughter plant, Belfast or SPM in Darfield. Another important note is that a vet certificate is only valid for 7 days from the visit date so it is a good idea to book in processing space prior to organising a vet visit. The MPI has a good app – “Fit for Transport” that helps to clear up some questions about which stock is suitable for transport. Shearing DatesUnder the current COVID-19 restrictions, shearing can only occur if it is not possible to postpone it until after the lockdown or if emergency shearing is required. With the physical distancing required, most sheds will be using a restricted number of stands. Coupled with the current shortage of shearers a bottleneck is looming with fears of associated animal welfare issues. Therefore we advise you to discuss shearing dates with your contractor to ensure a steady workflow. NZ Shearing Contractors Assoc have issued some basic protocols about the COVID 19 restrictions. These will need to be discussed with your shearing contractor well before they arrive on-farm. You can assist by planning how your shed will work with 2m physical distancing and then clean/disinfect all common touch surfaces such as catching pen doors/latches, wool table, press-handles. Rain!!...and parasitesThe district received some fantastic and much-needed rain over the weekend. With a warmer-than-average April predicted, this should lead to some great pasture growth and help to ease the tough conditions! With mostly short pasture covers, animals are often grazing low which increases the number of parasites they pick up. It is important to remember that young stock and animals that have been under severe nutritional stress can struggle with the sudden influx of larvae. Monitor body condition scores and FEC. Maintain drenching programmes. These wet conditions can also expose sheep to flystrike, especially in ‘daggy’ sheep if there is a lapse in drenching program. Monitor for ‘dirty’ patches of wool especially along the back or around the poll and ears. Check the protection period on your last fly treatment. Consider treating with a cyromazine based product if not protected. Nitrate toxicityPlease be aware that with this recent rain, many crops/new grass /dryland pastures etc will be a high Nitrate poisoning risk, particularly if they have had recent nitrogen applications. You can get these plants checked via a test at the clinic, but also remember the usual rules of grazing these areas with care and using supplements such as Silage/Baleage or hays etc to minimise or 'dilute' the risk. We're loyal, not just local.www.ncvets.co.nz | enquiries@ncvets.co.nz Amberley 1 Osborne Rd Cheviot 14 Hall St Culverden 26 Mouse Point Rd Waikari 16 Karaka Road |