J Stratford

Very impressed by an article in Wednesday’s Beacon, May 28, re: “Lameness in cows” quoting veterinarian Neil Chesterton.

This should be ready by all dairy farmers. Frankly, I was horrified. One reads of caged hens and pigs in tiny enclosures where they can barely move; this was just as bad.

I watch Country Calendar and over the years it’s easy to see which farmers really care for their livestock and those who are roughshod.

Aside from a fabulous programme on the night of Sunday, May 4, there was another that I well remember.

An elderly husband and wife team originally from Europe came to New Zealand from their farm in America. Admittedly, they had only a few cows but their care was unbelievable. No dogs yapping, no shouting, yelling or prodding – just gentle words and kind-ness – happy cows – yes.

In the Sunday, June 1, Country Calendar, a couple had put in automated milking and a back scratcher. The farmer quietly introduced each new cow to the system, one on one, and taught them how the system works.

Cows are quite intelligent and with patience, caught on quickly. Happy cows going in to be milked any time of the day or night without fear of being shouted at and pushed out of their right pecking order, leading to fear and slipping.

Imagine no more getting up early to milk. Children watch and learn from their parents. How would you like to be treated? However, as the vet stated, not all lameness is caused by one problem, there are other causes as well.

One other thing that riles me is paddocks with no shade trees from the blazing sun.

With the climate heating up and going to get worse, it should be made mandatory that some kind of protection be provided. This also includes horses and cattle on the meagre runs alongside the railway lines out of Whakatāne.