Dry January … for cows …2025

Drying off cows requires excellent attention to detail.

Sansaw Estate Update January 2025

With festivities over, it is time to focus on the year ahead and the swift onset of calves which officially starts in February. However, we already have 6 calves on the ground from early calving cows!

We dried off our last group of cows in the second week of January to ensure they have a 60-day holiday before they have a calf. Drying off cows involves sealing their teats to stop the production of milk. This is a delicate process and requires excellent attention to detail and cleanliness to prevent any unwanted mastitis. Cows’ diets are reduced to reflect the lower energy requirement when not in milk. Some cows will then be housed, whilst others are transitioned on to a diet of fodder beet and silage.

Plans are afoot to plant 1800m of new hedging along with 80 new hedgerow trees. This will enhance wildlife corridors as well as providing shelter for livestock.