Poor leadership on animal welfare

Rural News

Dairy boss in calving strife

28th Sep 10, 2:26pm by Tony Chaston

The chairman of Fonterra being caught out last night by the media on his own farms induction practice, was a very poor look for the dairy industry.

While he was undoubtedly set up, and his interview edited to remove balance from this controversial topic, this will cause damage to this industry's animal welfare reputation.

His defence is that his farm is following the industry guidelines of reducing this practice on a yearly basis, in my opinion is not good enough for this farming leader.

If this practice requires time to implement why has the extension jewel in the South Island, the Lincoln University Dairy Farm, have a policy of no inductions and has successfully maintained production targets and breeding goals in the top 10% of the industry?

Management and feeding practices are available to get cows back in calf early, with little affect on production, and a production-at-all-costs mentality by a small percentage of dairy farmers will further fuel an irresponsible image many are trying to repair.

Up to 200 calves were induced on Fonterra chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden's Putaruru farms this calving season in a controversial practice to lift milk production. The practice, which Sir Henry has not denied, has prompted claims of hypocrisy, as Fonterra says it doesn't support inductions, and even a call for Sir Henry to stand down while the matter is investigated.

Sir Henry, whose family owns four neighbouring farms close to Putaruru, admitted the controversial induction practice on TV One News last night. Asked why, Sir Henry said: "It's like many other farmers, it's about driving productivity. It's to get cows to produce milk over a longer period of the season, which is productivity."

Reminded that Fonterra had stated it did not support the practice, Sir Henry said: "But I'm supporting phasing it out over a period of time."Sir Henry, son Simon and Fonterra did not return calls today.

"That's not a very good look," Richard Wild, president of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, told the Waikato Times from Scotland yesterday. "I don't want to comment about any particular individual ... but we recognise now it's not an acceptable practice."

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25 Comments

by Casual Observer | 29th Sep 10, 10:24am 1285709053

Save the calf and kill the mother, or kill the calf and save the mother? Late calvers if not induced ususally get their heads chopped off.

Management and feeding practices are available to get cows back in calf early, with little affect on production.

Tony, these are??? Please don't make sweeping statements without the detail.

By the way, I don't agree with inducing but a more balanced article would have been more credible..

by Colin Riden | 29th Sep 10, 11:32am 1285713167

Tony, Casual Observer has a point.

The text of your link to this article more accurately captures the underlying issue - poor leadership. There are much bigger issues for the dairy industry and Fonterra shareholders on that subject than Sir Henry being "in calving strife".

by Brent | 29th Sep 10, 12:57pm 1285718267

What about in New Zealand our taxes go towards inducing humans the hospitals have buckets full of them no one is crying out over that

by Kunst | 29th Sep 10, 2:33pm 1285723994

Thank you Tony to bring the issue to our attention.

There are much bigger issues for the dairy industry and Fonterra shareholders on that subject than Sir Henry, and animal welfare – great !

by Kunst | 29th Sep 10, 2:52pm 1285725136

I wonder how NZfarmers working alongside sustainable practices, looking after their environment and high animal welfare standards think, reading comments like the ones on top. It must hurt not only their businesses long term, but also their NZfarmers pride.

Anyway I’m not surprised more educated people of Western societies are eating less meat.

by Tony Chaston | 29th Sep 10, 3:03pm 1285725801

My point is that vet data shows that only 2% of national dairy herd is induced, surely a sign that most farmers consider it a non acceptable farm management practice. The induction rate of the van der Heyden herd was reported to be 11%. Does this show good leadership on an issue the industry agrees to eliminate?? While I do not profess to be an expert on dairy, the management and feeding comments were based on the Lincoln University Dairy Farm's non induction policy ( and backed by excellent production and breeding results), and Ross Hyland's (NI dairy correspondent) comments on The Farming show yesterday. He said he was opposed to inductions and believe good feeding with high energy feeds would solve most of the issues that inductions tried to solve.

by Trev | 30th Sep 10, 8:54am 1285790074

Very very poor interview. If you watch it in full then you can't help but cringe at the reporter conducting the interview. Henry, although ambushed, did relatively well to stay seated and not walk out. She was like a dog with a bone when the point had already been made. He induces some cows, within guidelines, and is phasing it out as per regulations. Everything after the first 90 seconds was just repitition of that and going around in circles. Give us some balance TVNZ.

by Belle | 30th Sep 10, 12:00pm 1285801258

Yes it is insulting to the farmers who dont induce any longer that Mr Vanderhayden continues and continues at a rate that outdoes the average. Leaders should be leading the way by example, I guess it is an old concept, but it is a goody.

For me it is a cruel means of calving a cow...it cannot be seen, but the extra pain will be there. Towards the end of pregnancy the body prepares itself to expel the calf, this takes several weeks. The connective tissue softens, the cervix softens. The vets hormone shots cannot possibly replicate this. No matter that the calf maybe smaller, the body is not ready. To say that cows will be sent to the works if not induced is a lie. These days any cow that is in calf is precious, considering the massive empty rates in the dairy industry. Induction adds to the empty rate as it leaves the cow open to higher incidences of infection and death.

by Casual Observer | 30th Sep 10, 3:20pm 1285813200

Belle: As you are not a dairy farmer, it is from a point of ignorance you say To say that cows will be sent to the works if not induced is a lie.. Late calving cows always got the chop when we were herd owners as we believe you can be breeding fertility issues by keeping them. Dairy farmers raise on average 20% replacement stock. So that means up to 20% of their cows are replaced. This can be a result of deaths, high somatic cells, low production,empty cows and late calving. If a cow can be induced it will give the cow a chance to remain in the herd and not be culled. Inductions can be as a result of a dud AB technician, or a lack of skill of farm staff on picking up 'on heat' cows. I have sheep/beef farming friends and they do cull on late lambing/calving. That is, they send ewes that lamb late, and beef cows that calve late, to get their heads chopped off.

Just as mischevious is your sweeping statement of 'massive empty rates in the dairy industry'. Data to back your statement up please.

As a woman who has had a totally chemically controlled labour I can assure you that it is not as bad as people who haven't had one thinks, and like to promote it as being, is.

Tony, you are comparing apples with oranges by using LUDF data. LUDF is an irrigated Canterbury farm, that uses relatively high rates of nitrogen. The data is only relevant to other irrigated relatively high nitrogen using farms in Canterbury. It is not relevant to non-irrigated farms. They aimed in 2009/2010 to have an 87% in calf rate after 12 weeks - that is they would accept a 12% empty rate (off to the works the 12% go, Belle). There are farmers out there that would consider this to be the top end of acceptability, not the normal end. 420kg/ms/cow is considered good production, not excellent. There are farms in Southland, non irrigated, producing at this rate and better. I didn't hear Ross Hyland, however as his business Seales Ltd, 'is a livestock feed manufacturing business distributing 'custom blended' quality stock feed directly to farmers' he could hardly be considered to be unbiased in his comments. All farmers would agree that well fed cows are what we all strive for, but even well fed cows won't solve the problem of a dud AB technician or a farm staff member who can't, or are too lazy to detect 'on heat' cows.

by Belle | 1st Oct 10, 6:24pm 1285910641

Perhaps Cas ob you should look more closely at the condition of cows before blaming the ab tech or staff because in my vast experience its more often the mineral deficiencies, the rotten uteruses, (more than likely due to induction) and starvation of an animal in full production. And considering I have a run of more than 6000 cows I know what I am talking about. I know the herds that are induced, I see the gunky micks, smell the rotten pus, and hear what the staff have to say.

by Casual Observer | 1st Oct 10, 6:53pm 1285912424

When an entire run of farmers is affected and the AB Company offers big discounts for the following season, it is not cow condition Belle. I agree there are cases where there are mitigating circumstances relating to cow health - just as all AB technicians are not competent in the their first year. There are many reasons for a cow not getting in calf and occassionally there is a dud technician.

I am also aware of a farm employee moving to a new job and (stupidly) bragging to his new workmates how he deliberately put up cows that were not on heat and deliberately didn't put up cows that were, because he had had a difference of opinion with his previous employer and 'was out to get the b.....d'.

Not everyone is perfect like you.

by Belle | 1st Oct 10, 7:10pm 1285913448

I am glad you just admitted it is 'occasional'. I never claimed to be perfect, just seen too much shit go down, far too many excuses for cruelty. I milked my own herd for 12 years, and living amongst very large herd owners I am appalled at the current practices. Sure bad things happened years ago, but these days it is on a scale that beggers belief. If you deny that then you are in cuckoo land.

by Casual Observer | 1st Oct 10, 10:47pm 1285926429

Do you call in the authorities when you see animal cruelty being committed on a scale that beggars belief Belle?

What is your proof that it happens on a scale that beggars belief? There are 12,000 dairy farms in NZ and you live beside, how many?

A community reflects those that live in it. If the community turns a blind eye to it and allows it to continue to happen then those members of the community not directly involved in it are equally gulity via apathy.

by Kunst | 1st Oct 10, 7:18pm 1285913916

Well said Belle. A good example of how good NZfarmers working alongside sustainable practices, looking after their environment and high animal welfare standards think. Other then that must hurt not only their businesses long term, but also their NZfarmers pride.

Anyway I’m not surprised more educated people of Western societies are eating less meat.

by Casual Observer | 1st Oct 10, 11:14pm 1285928041

Walter, you are making quite an assumption that just because someone cares for animals they also follow sustainable and good environmental practices. Believe me, they do not always go hand in hand.

You are correct that it is not good for a farmers profitability to have animals dying etc. That is why the vast majority of NZ dairy farmers do take care of their animals. Just as there are abusive parents,men that rape, there are people in charge of animals (who are not farmers) that abuse them. To say all parents abuse their children, all men rape and all farmers/animal owners abuse animals is simply emotive and not based on factual reality. That is not to say abusive behaviour is to be condoned, rather the behaviour of a miniority should not be held as that representing the majority.

by Kunst | 2nd Oct 10, 12:15am 1285931746

CO believe me… no sorry I don’t - I’m very critical what farmers are saying. From experience quite often they are misinformed about their own trade practices. Behind this is a well organised, nasty farming propaganda lobby. CO you are either part of it, brainwashed or otherwise you better consider more carefully what you are saying.

Considering the current world situation NZfarming is on a crossroad. The Crafar farm isn’t the only bad example.

NZfarmers committed to 100% sustainability including high standard animal welfare must organise them self far better and very important independently. Please read above.

CO you say: You are correct that it is not good for a farmers profitability to have animals dying etc. That is why the vast majority of NZ dairy farmers do take care of their animals.

CO that is exactly the reason, why we have a major and ongoing problem among the farming community.

Good moral and ethic standards/ responsibility should be the prime reason when it comes dealing with animals/ stock.

by Casual Observer | 2nd Oct 10, 9:05am 1285963546

How can you have a major problem when it is a minority causing it? Produce the facts, not emotion, to back up your claims.

Walter, I farm in an area where the region has already met a significant target set down for 2012 of Clean Streams Accord. Yes Walter, the whole REGION. In the community where our farm is based we have recycling bins that are used by all. We have wheelie bin collections for farm waste that farmers make use of. In the town where I live the council has only a 16% of households using recycling crates. Urbanites need to stop being so sanctimonius towards farmers.

I get a little tired of people such as Belle who make rants that label the entire industry as animal welfare abusers.

As far as I am concerned if people see animal welfare issues they should report it to the appropriate authorities (and that includes you). I have lived in a community where the community took action and by educating the owners and farm staff, turned a farm around.

The reaction of people such as myself, to people who rant and rail against the industry without acknowledging what efforts are being put in place to improve the situation is simply togive it no credibility.

Regional Councils have policies to ensure that farming is being conducted on good environmental practice. Those who do not comply are prosecuted (the same cannot be said for polluting urban authorities).

I practice sustainable farming and have covenanted native areas on the farm for the community to enjoy forever. Yes there are some farmers that do not play by the rules and they get punished for it. Despite your views, the industry as a whole is making progress.

You are happy to condem the whole industry while keeping your head in the sand over the good work that is being done by the majority. You want a perfect world, Walter. You are not going to get it. I suggest you read the Commissioners report on the Horizon One Plan. It might give you some understanding of why you are not going to get your perfect world.

by Kunst | 2nd Oct 10, 10:27am 1285968476

CO – Why are you good and proud NZfarmers working along high standards (100% sustainability/ animal welfare) not shutting out the cowboys ? Why are you not vigorously single out cowboys (publicly list them), who mistreat their animals ? Why are you farmers not report cowboys, who dump their dead animals in the countryside (riverbeds etc) ? Why are you farmers not report cases, where cowboys leave their dead animals in the paddocks to rot ? Why you farmers not talk and take actions nationwide about tree- planting on paddocks to shelter stock from weather conditions such as heat and cold/ mud etc. ? Why are you farmers not take actions against cowboys leaving their fertiliser and hay bags behind - decorating fences for months ? Why are you farmers not report cowboys, who still allow their stock grazing near water- ways or even walk into/ cross water- ways ? Why are you farmers not notify cowboys to repair their fences, in order to avoid accidents ?

This is only a small list of facts and only what one can see with the public eyes here in Canterbury/ Marlborough - 70% to 80% of all farms need major improvements. I’m sure this is just a reflection of the overall national standard of farm practice – not good enough.

http://www.nzs.com/business/agriculture/sustainable-agriculture/more2.html

Obviously a lot of work needs to be done from good and proud NZfarmers in order to lift the reputation of NZfarming.

by Casual Observer | 2nd Oct 10, 11:15am 1285971311

Walter - there are regional/local authorities who are charged with all of what you are asking of me. Personally, in the area I farm I see none of what you describe. Regional Council has multiple compliance officers on the road 5 days a week checking up on farmers. I am no more responsible for the actions of other dairy farmers than you are of any abusive/dope growing families in your area.

A community reflects those that live in it. If you see all of what you describe and turn a blind eye to it, then you are just as gulity as those who are responsible. It is not up to me to go around and police other farmers. It is up to those who live in those communities to raise the problems, within their community and galvanise their communities to do something. Down where we farm we try very hard to look for community led solutions. In the end community led policy and solutions will always work best.

I couldn't see where the link you provided proved your statement of 70-80% of all farms in Canterbury/Marlborough need major improvements.

by Casual Observer | 2nd Oct 10, 11:19am 1285971541

Walter it isn't going to make a wit of difference how much work farmers like me do to improve our dairy practices - people like you will never acknowledge it as you like to accentuate the negative.

by Kunst | 2nd Oct 10, 11:42am 1285972943

In many other trade organisations the perusing and acting along high standards is actually written into the constitution and applies to all members.

I classify your respond that of a typically “Kiwi Bloke” answer – without much pride to be a farmer and no real attention to details.

by Belle | 1st Oct 10, 7:36pm 1285915005

Hehe Kunst, they probably just cant afford it anymore.

by Bobby | 1st Oct 10, 8:12pm 1285917164

A dirty industry run by greedy people and the animals suffer. Whats new?

by Gummy Bear Hero | 1st Oct 10, 11:33pm 1285929235

You've made "blue" movies too ? Summed up the pornography industry to a tee , my friend . Free the chickens I say . Let the fowl flee before the foul film .............. So true !

by Casual Observer | 2nd Oct 10, 9:09am 1285963798

lol!