The Rural Voice, 2019-08, Page 37make sure Jason and Ryan haven’t
missed anything as they enter the
sixth proAction module –
biosecurity. In September a Field
Services Representative (FSR) from
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will
come to the farm to make sure the
brothers have all their signage,
documentation and Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) in
place to meet all the requirements of
this fifth of six proAction modules.
They are among the first dairy
farmers to reach this level.
The brothers have already
completed milk quality, food safety,
animal care and traceability.
It’s intense. There is some sighing
and lots of paper ruffling as older
brother, Jason, finds receipts and
reports. He’s more resigned than
thrilled by all the paperwork but has
accepted that this has to be done.
Brother Ryan is looking on because
he will be taking over this task once
Jason starts his own dairy farm next
year.
As Sarah goes through the
checklists, it looks like the
brothers are doing well.
Medicines are properly stored. The
treatment program is bang on with a
four-step recording process:
1) The treated animal is marked with
red tape.
2) The animal and treatment are
written on the communal whiteboard
for all family members and milkers
to check.
3) The treatment is written down on
its proper form in the red binder.
4) The information is added into the
proAction software program called
Wizard.
Stocking density is excellent. An
addition on the barn has given the
144 milking cows 168 stalls. The
herd has lots of room with potential
for expansion.
The calves seen though the office
window are bedded in deep straw and
can see each other – another
proAction requirement. Check!
It’s now mandatory for all calves
to be given sedation and pain relief
when being dehorned. The brothers
have this procedure in place. Another
check!
What was not present on the farm
was a “wash station” for visitors
August 2019 33