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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

1 Milk Harvesting

Movement of cows to and from paddock to dairy– Check to see where the herd is now and where it is going next– Perform pre use check of motorbike– Apply sunscreen and protective clothing, when applicable– Put on safety helmet. Never carry passengers– Ride to collect herd, exercising appropriate care and adhering to farm speed

restrictions– Upon reaching paddock, open gate– Drive out around cows and herd quietly towards gate– Use farm safety approved tapes across tracks– Observe troughs and fences. Fix problems where possible. If not possible,

report problem on return to the dairy.– Push cows into laneway– Go back and wind up/shift temporary electric fence if required– Gently move herd towards the dairy at comfortable walking pace, taking note

of any sick or lame cows– If cows are not walking do not try to force from the rear but walk through them

to keep them moving– Check that the yard gates are open to allow free flow into the yards do not

force from behind if not sure– Secure cows in holding yard.– Check with milkers to determine end of previous herd (if applicable)– If not finished, assist milkers by cleaning up or giving a break– When putting the cows away, follow last cow out and reset gates for next

herd– Lock herd away– If a cow is down lame or sick - treat or immediately report to appropriate

person for assistance– Work as a team - communicate effectively with each other– Report any bike mechanical faults

Start up and operation of milking plant and feed system Rotary (Cups on)

– Remove wash line hose from platform– Wet down walls and concrete

www.thepeopleindairy.org.au of 27 Monday, October 12, 2009

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– Press RED button to start hydraulics– Press Green button to start milking machines – Check the emergency stop mechanism and ensure that it is functioning

before beginning milking– Purge water from lines– Connect hose to vat and open valve– Check vat is turned on– Make sure that hands are dry when touching electrical switches– Run platform– Press Blue button to turn on feed system– Open gate to allow cows to enter platform– Check that feed is being delivered.– To prepare for cupping up, stand about 4 cow spaces from bridge – Do not place head under the protective rails when cupping up heifers or short

cows. Seek or give assistance when required.– Check for mastitis– Help...Detecting Mastitis 1. Strip any suspect quarters. Check for abnormal

size of a quarter. Check any abnormal heat.– Help... For further information on mastitis prevention and control is available

from www.countdowndownunder.com.au – Mark and chain any cows with mastitis for catching and treatment– Mark and chain any cows that are sick or lame and chain for catching and

treatment– Press Red attach button – Control cow flow using backing gate– Control cow flow on and off the platform– Put cups on clean dry teats– If a cow comes around remove chain and check she is milking out– Keep the work area in a clean uncluttered state. Hang up the hoses.– Change over gates to allow new herd to enter yard– Change filter socks between milking– Don’t run in the dairy– Start the clean up while awaiting cows to finish milking

Herringbone (Cups on)– Wet down walls and concrete– Press Green button to start milking machines– Drain water from lines– Connect hose to vat and open valve– Check vat is turned on




– Make sure that hands are dry when touching electrical switches– Press Blue button to turn on feed system– Do not operate the pit wash down pump from pit areas. Walk out to air space

and turn on and off from this area. Electrical cords not to be left without water proof join in place

– Open gate to allow cows to enter platform– Check that the feed delivery system is delivering the correct ration. ( Please

weigh the grain ration that is delivered by the feed system weekly to ensure accuracy

– Do not place head under the protective rails when cupping up heifers or short cows. Seek or give assistance when required

– Check for mastitis.– Help...Detecting Mastitis. Strip any suspect quarters. Check for abnormal size

of a quarter. Check any abnormal heat.– Help... For further information on mastitis prevention and control is available

from www.countdowndownunder.com.au– Mark any cows with mastitis for catching and treatment– Mark any cows that are sick or lame and catch for treatment– Put cups on clean dry teats– Ensure that all cows are milked out in all quarters.– Do not over milk. Keep cups swinging constantly.– Keep the work area in a clean uncluttered state. Hang up the hoses– Change over gates to allow new herd to enter yard.– Change filter socks during milking– Don’t run in the dairy– Start the clean up while awaiting cows to finish milking.– Control cow flow on and off the platforms– Avoid leaving the pit to chase cows in to the dairy.– Help ……..Further information is available at www.cowtime.com.au– Do not spray water on electrical fittings– Check the blue inline filters to detect mastitis

Cups off and application of teat disinfectants Rotary (Cups off)

– Stand within a metre of the control panel at exit – Ensure ability to operate the emergency stop control– Take care if leaving position to remove cows from the platform. Watch for

reversing cows.– Set the platform speed to ensure that the operators can comfortably complete

their tasks giving consideration to repetition




– Help ……..Further information is available at www.cowtime.com.au – Make sure hands are dry when touching electrical switches– Wet down walls and concrete– Do not spray water on electrical fittings– Check the blue filters to detect mastitis– Check that cows have been milked out in all quarters– If the cow is milked out gently remove the cups by cutting the vacuum in the

appropriate manner– If the cow is not milked out, chain up and send around again– Teat spray all milked cows ensuring that all teats are thoroughly covered with

teat spray– Avoid exposure to concentrated teat dip, keep the diluted product away from

eyes– Mix teat spray and apply strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's

instructions– At the end of milking set up cups on jetters ready for the wash– At the end of a herd, push the cows out onto lane and shut exit raceway

gates– Start the clean up

Herringbone (Cups off)– Teat spray all milked cows ensuring that all teats are thoroughly covered with

teat spray– Avoid exposure to concentrated teat dip; keep the diluted product away from

your eyes.– Teat tip should be mixed and applied strictly in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.– At the end of a herd push the cows out onto lane and shut exit raceway

gates.– Start the clean up

Identification, reporting and treatment of cows for mastitis, lameness, and other illnesses

– The operator who collects the cows should make a list of any lame or sick cows

– This list should be given to the cups on operator to enable the identification and marking of the cows

– Lame cows ,sick cows and cows with mastitis should be marked according to farm protocol and chained on for ease of identification

– The cups off operator will need to draft these cows to enable treatment– Key in sick cows for auto drafting– Herd records should be kept according to farm protocol




– Take care with down cows. Seek or give assistance when required.

End of milking procedure Rotary

– Turn the set platform hose on to wash down the cups and platform– When the milking is finished press the green button at bale 40 to purge milk– Remove the hose from the vat– Place cups on the jetters once the cow flow has finished and press the red

attach button – Make sure that the jetter cups are clean inside and out before fitting cups– Press the yellow manual button– Make sure that both the red and yellow lights are on– Stop the platform at the wash position– Connect the wash hose– Replace the filter socks– Switch the machine to wash cycle– Add chemicals to chemical specification following chemical protocols– Start the wash– Take care with hot water and chemicals. Heed signage and follow

instructions– Walk around to make sure that ALL units are working– Clean up while the first rinse goes through– After the first rinse check the filter socks and rinse off if necessary– At the end of the wash cycle remove the cups from the jetters and position to

allow for the next milking– Finish cleaning up and position the hoses back where they are out of the way– Position hoses, leg clamps and loose objects to ensure that they pose no

safety risk Herringbone

– Turn the set platform hose on to wash down the cups and platform– When the milking is finished drain milk from lines– Remove the hose from the vat, wash down milk room floor– Place cups on the jetters once the cow flow has finished and press the red

attach button– Make sure that the jetters cups are clean inside and out before fitting cups– Press the yellow manual button– Make sure that both the red and yellow lights are on– Replace the filter socks– Switch the machine to wash cycle




– Start the wash– Take care with hot water and chemicals. Heed signage and follow

instructions– Walk around to make sure that ALL units are working– Clean up while the first rinse goes through– After the first rinse check the filter socks and rinse off if necessary– At the end of the wash cycle remove the cups from the jetters and position to

allow for the next milking– Finish cleaning up and position the hoses back where they are out of the way– Position hoses, leg clamps and loose objects to ensure that they pose no

safety risk.

Overseeing the milking procedure– Ensure that staff receive adequate training to be able to carry out their tasks

safely– Ensure that staff move around the dairy in a safe manner. No running or

skylarking.– Ensure that rubber matting is in place at cups off and cups on– Ensure that no unauthorised person enters the vat. Ensure that there is

always a back up person on standby when an authorised person enters the vat.

– Ensure that all milking staff are trained in the safe handling of chemicals in the dairy and are aware of the safety issues with each chemical

– Get or give assistance when lifting heavy objects– Oversee the milking, ensuring that the staff work as a team, are organised

and perform efficiently– While working at your tasks, keep a watchful eye on staff performance in all

the major milking tasks– Provide training for staff in mastitis detection and treatment, OHS in the dairy,

and general techniques– Oversee the keeping of records for Quality Assurance and management

purposes– Ensure that sharp edges are removed from hand held wash down hoses– Ensure safe handling of cattle– Ensure safety devices are working– Ensure that there is no smoking in the dairy or in confined spaces– Observe milking machine, feed system and cooling performance. Organise

repairs or adjustments.– Observe feed quantities and reserves and ensure that there are adequate

supplies into the future– Oversee safe milking practices




– Set milking targets, inform staff of performance against targets– Record starting and finishing times. Check against historical data for

efficiency.– Record milk volumes after each herd– Ensure that the teat sprayer is operating properly and that the teat spray is

applied safely by the operator– Ensure that kicking cows are identified/marked– Ensure that sick cows are drafted for treatment– Ensure that the filters are checked and cleaned/changed if required between

herds– Ensure that the machines are washed and the clean-up is performed to

specification.– When lifting bulk loads with the front-end loader or forklift ensure that the load

is secure with straps or chains– Use the whiteboard to communicate any messages for the next milking team– Oversee the fitting of breathing apparatus for working in dusty conditions

2 Animal Husbandry

Treatment of common ailments Downer cows

– Ensure that all downer cows are treated quickly. If you suspect milk fever or grass tetany give a 4 in 1 pack under the skin.

– Take care with downer cows. Seek or give assistance when required.– When treating downer cows, take care to avoid injury if thrashing about.

Seek assistance if desired. Lame cows

– Identify and draft lame cows for treatment– Take care when confining cows in the crush. Take care not to be kicked or

crushed within the crush. Seek or give assistance when required.– Use the ropes according to instructions to tie feet for examination– Check between claws for foreign objects– Clean feet and pare over-grown hooves– Apply blocks to less affected soles of bruised feet using the instructions

supplied– Treat cows with penicillin when heat is detected or infections are obvious– Help….. Information on dairy cattle feet disease and treatments are available

at www.westvicdairy.com.au/lameness– Help…..obtain the poster on lameness from your local vet practice or Dairy

Industry body Sick cows




– Record cow temperature, check for mastitis and diarrhoea or for metritis if freshly calved

– Use stethoscope and ketosticks to test for LDA– Administer appropriate medications according to standard treatments chart – Seek veterinary assistance for conditions that require further attention– Assist veterinarian when needed

Management of transition cows– Organise lead feed for transition cows– Deliver lead feed as required– Check calving cows at least every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours

at night– Assist any cows that have not calved within 2 hours– Record your visit in the calving log and record the numbers of any cows that

need checking next visit– Tag any new calves and record details of calf and mother in the calving book– Following milking walk all the transition cows to the dairy– Fit breathing apparatus when working in dusty conditions as per farm

protocol– Set the feed system to lead feed– Load the cows on the platform – Chain on any freshly calved cows for drafting. Mark the fresh cows according

to farm protocol.– Strip each quarter of the fresh cows and gently milk some milk from them,

collecting the colostrum for the calves– Treat and record any treatment cows– Check off calving cows against the list generated from the calving cow book.

Make sure that that they have all been entered on the computer system.– Teat spray all the cows as they leave the platform– Return the cows to the calving area, check feed and water and lock them

away– Only climb silos up the safety ladder– Exercise care when checking silos. Never enter silos.

Newborn calf management– Check the newborn calf and ascertain if it is a heifer or bull– Tag all heifer calves suitable for keeping with the yellow numbered heifer tag

in the left ear and the NLIS tag in the right ear– Record details of mother and calf in the calving book– Tag all bull calves with NLIS tag in the right ear. Record details of mother and

calf in the calving book.




– Ensure that all calves have had sufficient colostrum before leaving cows– Take care when around agitated cows.– Twice daily collect calves in the trailer and move gently to the calf shed– Separate the bull calves and place them in the bull pen and place the heifers

in the new heifer pen– Take care when lifting the calves into the trailer. Seek or give assistance

when required. – Ensure that bobby calves have a dry navel before sale– Ensure that no bobby calves are sold if ill or showing signs of diarrhoea– Gently place the calves into the clean pens. Spray navel with iodine spray.

Ensure that there is an adequate cover of sawdust for calf comfort.– Ensure that all heifer calves have had at least 4 litres of colostrum in the first

6 hours

Management of preweaned calves– In first week of life feed the young calves 3-5 litres per day split 12 hourly,

ensuring each calf receives its allocated amount. – Feed 5 litres of milk once per day after the first week– Group calves according to drinking speed and progress to assist with

operational efficiency– Ensure that the calves have unrestricted access to clean water and calf

pellets– Keep supply of pellets up at all times– Clean out any fouled water troughs daily and ensure that the straw holders

are filled. Dispose of any fouled or dirty straw.– Check for any sick or sluggish calves. Isolate, mark, treat and record

according to farm protocol.– Wean calves after 6 weeks of age when group is consuming 1.5 kg pellets

per day– Vaccinate all calves with 7 in 1 vaccine prior to weaning– At the end of the season thoroughly clean out pens and refurbish with clean

sawdust

Replacement heifer management– At weaning, dehorn calves, treat with anthelmintic and move to the calf

paddocks– Perform a pre maintenance check on the tractor and pellet feeder prior to

transporting the pellets from the silo to the pellet feeders– Fill pellet feeders, straw holders and check troughs for cleanliness and

volume daily– Vaccinate all calves with 7 in 1 at 4-6 weeks after the pre weaning injection




– Take care using needles. Dispose of needles in the sharps disposal container.

– Weigh the heifers within 2 months of weaning. Drench and administer the cobalt, copper and selenium bolus.

– Weigh and drench the heifers again 4 months after weaning

Artificial insemination Planning

– The day before AI start date tail paint all cows red and stick heat indicators on all heifers

– Be careful when climbing up and down on AI platform. Take care moving about on raised AI platform.

– On start day chain all cows showing heat (tail paint or heat indicator well rubbed, dirt or muck on flanks, thick discharge from vulva) for the cups off operator to draft for insemination

– Following insemination tail paint blue and record mating and bull details in AI book

– Populate the computer program with matings daily– Plan and implement the AI program including semen selection and cow

selection, ensuring that adequate supplies are on hand for AI start date– Use the AI practices tool from the InCalf Herd Assessment pack

www.incalf.com.au to assess past performance– Use the AI practices tool to evaluate performance during the current AI

program www.incalf.com.au– Consider attend an AI refresher course

AI technique– Semen storage

Ensure that the tank is full of liquid nitrogen when delivered. Arrange for regular top ups during the program.

Lift only one straw at a time using the tweezers– Thawing semen

Only thaw straws that will be used within 10 minutes Thaw in water kept at 32-38 degrees for at least 30 seconds

– Dry each straw thoroughly with paper towel before loading into a gun– Keep the loaded gun free of contamination and out of the direct sunlight– Inseminate the cow as per training. Do not forget to use www.incalf.com.au to

refresh technique theory.– Ensure that AI records are kept and entered into the computer program– Take care using liquid nitrogen. Use tweezers to remove straws. Do not allow

nitrogen to come into contact with exposed skin.




Dry cow therapy Dry cow application

– Dry cow therapy should be administered immediately after the final milking– Ideally do not put cows back in yard after last milking prior to injecting dry

cow therapy– When applying dry cow therapy, use a tail jack to minimise the risk of injury to

operator– Clean and sterilise all 4 teats carefully before infusing antibiotics into a

quarter– Scrub with a fresh ‘teat wipe’ or a fresh 70% alcohol-soaked swab (e.g. tissue

or toilet paper)– Use a new swab for each teat. Swab teats on the far side of the udder first,

followed by teats on the near side.– Treat quarters in reverse order; near side first, far side last – Insert only the tip without touching it with fingers or contaminating it with

manure – Do not allow the sterile nozzle to touch anything prior to infusion, if the nozzle

becomes contaminated discard the tube– If applying a teat sealant after antibiotics, do so at the time antibiotics are

applied, before moving to the next teat.– Apply an iodine based teat dip or spray to disinfect the teat end– Do not move the herd long distances for 2 days after drying off to avoid loss

of dry cow antibiotic due to leg action and milk let-down– Observe dry cows over the next week and examine any cow that is lethargic

or has swollen quarters– Avoid bringing the cows into the dairy as it will stimulate milk production.

Observe in the paddock.– If mastitis is obvious then treat the cow as if with mastitis during lactation.

Strip the quarter completely twice daily and treat. – When cleared up re Dry Cow and observe with-holding period protocols

Cattle handling and welfare– Ensure that all cattle are identified with an NLIS tag – Ensure adequate quantity and quality of water, food and air to maintain good

health– Where possible do not subject cattle to undue stress caused by separation

from familiar cattle for longer than necessary – Provide sufficient space to stand, lie down, stretch and groom, and to perform

normal patterns of behaviour– Allow cattle to travel along tracks without duress from excessive force– Provide animals protection from disease or injury




– Ensure appropriate treatment in the event of injury or disease– Protect animals from adverse extremes of climate or unseasonal changes in

weather conditions, where possible– Ensure that the cattle are not stressed by undue forcing with the backing gate– Ensure protection from unnecessary, unreasonable or unjustifiable pain,

suffering or injury– Electric prodders must not be used on dairy cattle or calves

Overseeing animal husbandry program– Ensure that all staff are trained to handle cattle safely– Take responsibility for overseeing the total animal husbandry program

Heifers– Ensure compliance to the calf rearing program– Oversee the calf rearing ensuring that vaccinations and drenching are

completed to the farm protocols– Ensure that the heifers make the set target weights– Ensure adequate feed supply and clean water delivery– Oversee drenching and herd health program– Arrange treatment for sick heifers

Adult cattle– Ensure that all cattle are individually identified with NLIS tags– Plan and oversee herd health programs, AI programs, PT programs – Ensure that sick cows are identified and treated immediately– Ensure that all lame cows are identified and treated quickly– Oversee animal welfare issues– Ensure that staff are provided with adequate training to perform their roles in

animal husbandry– Ensure that all procedures are performed safely. Take care, seek or provide

assistance when required.– Take care when confining cows in the crush. Take care not to be kicked or

crushed within the crush.

3 Feed Management and Delivery

Pasture management and delivery– Perform farm pasture walks to assess the grazing plan– Set rotations according to cow requirements and grass availability– Plan rotations to minimise total walking in a 24 hour period– Set up paddocks using the electric fences, according to the pasture plan for

the month– Set up tapes to allow the herd access into the paddock




– Only use grazing and laneway tapes that are clearly visible to other farm employees

– Do not use wire across laneways– Set fences to allow unlimited access to water and try to limit back grazing– Always set up the next fence well in advance of herd requirement– Pull down old fence when removing herd from the paddock– Ensure pre and post grazing observation is practised to enable pasture

growing and utilisation decisions

Conserved forage feed delivery Hay

– Collect fodder operations sheet from the office– Perform the preoperational check on the tractor and feed out machinery as

per farm protocol– Collect hay bales from the hay storage area and deliver them to the hay

feeders– Be alert to moving machinery– Be aware of the presence of other farm personnel especially on shared

tracks and when reversing– Remove strings and place the hay in the feeders– Ensure that all string and plastic is collected and properly disposed of– Do not stand or move under the hay or silage bales that may be on the

tractor forks– Take care of falling bales when cutting strings– Record feeding schedule in log

Silage– Ascertain feeding schedule from log– Perform the preoperational check on the tractor and feed out machinery as

per farm protocol– Detach the feedout cart from the tractor at the silage pit– Pull back the plastic cover to expose the clean face of silage – Collect a grab of silage and load into the silage cart ensuring it is free of

rocks, tyres , plastic etc. – Drive carefully to the paddock that has been selected to dispense the silage– Take care. Watch the gate posts, swing wide and carefully align the

machinery through the gate.– Be alert to moving machinery and watch out for personnel and cattle– Unload the silage to give a constant row, allowing a good three cow lengths

between rows




– After delivering the full allocated amount of silage return the equipment ensuring it is in full working order for the next time. Clean down as per farm protocol.

– Take care while backing the cart into the implement shed. Watch for other farm personnel.

– Record feeding schedule in log

Concentrate feed delivery At dairy

– Press Blue button to turn on feed system– Perform a weekly check to ensure that the delivery is accurate– To perform the check, use the ice-cream container to collect all the feed

dropped from one feed dropper– Fit breathing apparatus when working in dusty conditions – Weigh the amount, remembering to adjust for the weight of the ice-cream

container– Ensure that all guards are in place. Report any mechanical failures for repair.– Recalibrate the feed system if required as per feed system instructions– Monitor the concentrate in storage. Alert the Farm Manager if supplies are

running especially low.– Do not enter silos. Attempt all jobs from the outside. Look up silo protocol.

The calf pellet feeders– Perform the pre-operational check on the tractor and pellet cart– Back the pellet cart under the calf pellet silo. Remove the cover to allow the

cart to be filled.– Fill the pellet cart to the fill line and pull the cover back into place– Fit breathing apparatus when working in dusty conditions as per farm

protocol– Observe the silo window and arrange for an order to be sent to feed supplier– Do not enter silos. Attempt all jobs from the outside.– Dispense the pellets into the calf pellet feeders, taking care not to spill any– If the area around the feeders is too muddy or dug out attach the chain to

drag the feeder to a better position. Plan this when the feeder is close to empty.

– Return the pellet cart to the shed. Give it a weekly wash at the wash down bay or more frequently if required.

Fodder crops– Set up the electric fences as per the fodder plan for the day and check the

troughs– Allow the cows to graze the strip




– Check the cows regularly, especially in the first few days.– Check that there is adequate hay in the rings if feeding fibre with the fodder

crop– Only use grazing and laneway tapes that are clearly visible to other farm

employees

Water supply The reticulation system

– Gain a thorough understanding of the water reticulation system including pump operation and function, location of stop valves and trough plumbing

– Use the farm water reticulation map to follow the pipeline system Pumps

– Check pump function weekly as per maintenance schedule. Listen for any unfamiliar noises that may indicate bearing or impellor wear.

Pipelines– Investigate any wet spots and repair where necessary

Troughs– Exhibit zero tolerance to overflowing troughs. Fix or replace ball valves

causing overflow.– Clean all troughs that are soiled or contain algae. Include a monthly trough

check in your work program.– Always check that troughs are functioning prior to cows entering the

paddock– Check the trough while collecting cows for milking

Determination of feed intake– Measure and record daily milker, dry cow and replacement heifer intakes– Calculate intake requirements for all stock– Determine ration for stock based on feed availability– Discuss with management the most appropriate feeds for the diet based on

cost, availability and quality– Utilise herd production data and feeding program software to fine tune rations– Monitor milk production based on feed inputs and adjust accordingly

4 Pasture Production and Cropping

Forage conservation– Identify pasture surpluses from pasture plan– Remove identified surplus from the rotation– Determine if it is going to be conserved as silage or hay

Silage




– Prepare the silage pits ready for ensiling surplus grass– Ensure that all guards are in place. Report any mechanical failures for repair.– Work safely, giving consideration to safe machinery operation– Perform the pre-operational check on the tractor, mower and tedder as per

farm protocol– Cut grass. Use tedder to aid wilting.– Be careful rolling silage as the tractor may roll on uneven surfaces– Roll the stack between deliveries to extrude air– Seal with silage plastic using dirt, around edges, tyres to hold the cover firm

and sandbag seams and joins. Hay

– Perform the pre-operational check on the tractor, mower rake and hay roller as per farm protocol

– Ensure that all guards are in place. Report any mechanical failures for repair.– Work safely, giving consideration to manual handling limits– Work safely, giving consideration to safe machinery operation– Cut the grass at flowering stage– Allow sufficient time to cure and dry to 80% dry matter– Rake into even windrows– Roll into firm water resistant rolls– Stack in adjacent hay yards for ease of feeding out. Push rolls up end to end

to reduce weather damage.

Fertiliser and nitrogen applications– Use fertiliser test data and recommendations to plan fertiliser applications

within budget– Issue orders as required to the fertiliser agent setting out clear spreading

instructions for NPKS – Ensure staff are aware when fertiliser trucks are on farm– Ensure that all gates are opened for the fertiliser spreader– Ensure that the gates are shut after the fertiliser truck

Pasture maintenance, renovation and cropping Planning

– Plan the yearly cropping and pasture renovation program considering budget constraints

– Ensure fertiliser and seed is ordered to allow for delivery well in advance of requirement

– Where possible be sufficiently ahead in planning to ensure that all pastures to be renovated or paddocks to be cropped are weed sprayed in the previous spring




Pasture renovation - oversowing– Spray out weeds using recommended chemicals– Clean up with dry cows or heifers– Work safely, giving consideration to manual handling limits and safe

machinery operation– Perform the pre-operational check on the tractor and direct drill as per farm

protocol– Calibrate the direct drill as per operating instructions– Oversow the selected paddock

Cropping– Spray out grasses and weeds using the spray recommendation– Cultivate the paddock as per instructions to create an appropriate seed bed– Work safely, giving consideration to manual handling limits and safe

machinery operation– Roll the paddock– Perform the pre-operational check on the tractor and direct drill as per farm

protocol– Calibrate the direct drill as per operating instructions– Seed the paddock– Roll the paddock

Weed and pest management– Planning

Examine the yearly weed and pest plan. It is broken down into monthly action plans.

Only staff with chemical user training to handle chemicals Plan chemical purchases to enable the monthly spraying to be completed

– Spraying Conduct a pre operational check on the tractor and spraying equipment Check the weather outlook, if ok proceed Fill the sprayer as per training Do not spray or handle chemicals unless you have been trained Put your chemical protection gear on. Read instructions on chemical

container. Spray as per training Drive at 8 km per set pressure at 2 bar Spray the paddock as per training taking into account wind direction Take care with the wide machinery, consider other people, gateways,

trees, rocks, fences– Compliance

Attach the with-hold notification board to the paddock gateway as you leave

Fill in spray data sheets for the QA program

Irrigation Spray Irrigation




– In normal circumstances follow the irrigation plan– Activate pumps and pivots through remote phone connection as per

instructions– Take care with electricity and water. Ensure that electrical work is done by a

qualified electrician.– Check pump and pivot function– Ensure that spray nozzles are fully functional, if not clean or replace– Record any leaks or minor problems for repair– Ensure that the pivot performance is within specification– Use probes, pasture walks etc to monitor performance and requirements– Ensure that nothing is parked in the way of the pivot– Exercise care when climbing on a centre pivot

Flood Irrigation– In normal circumstances follow the irrigation plan– Regularly assess soil moisture with appropriate technique/sensors– Order water and irrigate when water is required– Irrigate with re-use dam early in the irrigation cycle– Ensure channels, drains and channel structures are free from weeds and

obstructions– Set up channel checks and outlets– Control water flow onto bays to achieve short flow onto bay time– Check outlets to ensure that they do not leak after shutoff– Maintain surface drains to minimise surface water time on bays– Read wheel meters and record findings before and after the irrigation season– Record water use rate (ml per hectare) for each section– Regularly check water usage against water budget

Effluent management Planning

– Ensure that effluent management and storage system is adequate for current needs

– Determine the time of year when effluent will be spread– Consider doing an effluent analysis to determine rate of application of

nutrients for best effect– Check effluent pumps, hoses, pipes and irrigators for state of repair and

attend to as required– Plan paddocks to be irrigated with effluent for most effective use.– Organise a contractor to spread solids on paddocks once annually

Maintenance– Keep all effluent drains cleared




– Scrape feed pad twice weekly when in full use– Ensure dairy yard cleaning system and drains are functioning correctly

Irrigating– Set up irrigator and pipes in paddock in preparation for pumping– Start up and prime pump – Check that travelling irrigator is set up appropriately and that its path is not

obstructed– Check irrigator every 3 hours to see it is still operating effectively– When handling effluent and its equipment, take appropriate personal hygiene

measures at all times including wearing of gloves and eye protection Monitor

– Monitor amount spread to ensure the amount required is being delivered– Record all effluent management processes in log after completion

5 Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance

Machinery maintenance Plant and equipment

– Ensure that all staff have adequate training in the safe operation of plant and equipment

– Ensure that all staff are trained in conducting pre-operational checks of plant and equipment

– File all operational manuals for each item of plant and equipment– Develop a log for each item of plant and equipment with alerts to flag

servicing requirements– Develop a set of standard pre operational procedures for each item of plant

and equipment– Ensure that all safety equipment, including guards is in place– Ensure that all trucks and tractors are fitted with reversing beepers– Ensure that all staff have adequate training in plant operation and individual

pre operational procedures– Maintain a log of staff training provided– Take care when lifting. Seek help or use mechanical devices when

applicable.– Ensure that all plant and equipment is safe to operate– Ensure that there is always a sufficient supply of spare parts especially

consumables – Keep an inventory of spare parts. Order requirements within budget.– Assist staff with operational enquiries and repairs– Ensure that all trucks and tractors are fitted with reversing beepers




– Maintain a log of staff training provided– Ensure that workshops are clean and tidy– Do not run internal combustion engines in poorly ventilated areas

Irrigation equipment– Run the inventory of spare parts. Order and receive spare parts. Complete a

yearly stock take.– Perform preventative maintenance as per irrigation management plan– Pay particular attention to leaking tower joints, mainline leaks, corroded bolts

and weakened truss braces– Ensure that nozzles are functioning to specifications and replace damaged

droppers– Conduct a weekly foot valve clean after dewatering the sump– Pay particular attention to inline filters and the pre pump filtering devices– Ensure that all safety equipment, including guards are in place– Ensure that all staff have adequate training in plant operation and individual

pre operational procedures– Take care when lifting. Seek help or use mechanical devices when

applicable.– Ensure that all plant and equipment is safe to operate– Ensure that there is always a sufficient supply of spare parts especially

consumables – Keep an inventory of spare parts. Order requirements within budget.– Assist staff with operational enquiries and repairs– Ensure that workshops and pump houses are maintained in clean and tidy

state– Do not run internal combustion engines in poorly ventilated areas

Building maintenance– Carry out regular maintenance to ensure that the buildings remain in an

appropriate state– Ensure that doors and windows function freely– Arrange for gutters to be regularly cleaned– Arrange for painting to be carried out as required– Ensure that all work at height is carried out to OHS compliance– Ensure that safety covers remain in place

Paddock infrastructure maintenance and development Water supply

– The reticulation system Gain a thorough understanding of the water reticulation system including

pump operation and function, location of stop valves and trough plumbing




Use the farm water reticulation map to follow the pipeline system– Pumps

Check pump function weekly as per maintenance schedule. Listen for any unfamiliar noises that may indicate bearing or impellor wear.

– Pipelines Investigate any wet spots and repair where necessary

– Troughs Ensure that children are kept away from troughs Exhibit zero tolerance to overflowing troughs. Fix or replace ball valves

causing overflow. Clean all troughs that are soiled or contain algae. Include a monthly

trough check in your work program. Always check that troughs are functioning prior to cows entering the

paddock Check the trough while collecting cows for milking.

Milking system maintenance Preventative maintenance

– Ensure that power is isolated before making mechanical repairs. Do not make unauthorised electrical repairs. Call an electrician.

– Manage the quarterly preventative maintenance program by engaging contractors for rotary, milking machines and feed systems

– Keep QA records for machine maintenance Weekly

– Perform weekly maintenance checks paying attention to bearings etc. Always be observant. Engage service providers when required.

Daily– Observe machine function, answer staff queries perform minor adjustments

General– Organise rubber changes according to specifications– Ensure that adequate numbers of consumables are ordered and are on hand– Ensure that all safety guards are in place– Provide machine function and operation training to milking staff– Ensure that the dairy is free of obstacles that may potentially be unsafe– Ensure that the emergency stop cord is working– Provide dairy operational procedures and wall charts to assist staff with dairy

operation and function– Keep a log of all dairy training provided by name and date

6 Administration

Accounts, tax and records management– Sign to approve all orders




– Check off all deliveries– Match up delivery, dockets, orders and accounts– Prepare accounts for payment

Financial management– Prepare an annual budget in advance– On monthly basis, compare actual with budget– On a quarterly basis, update budget with new forecasts– Collect and appropriately store all invoices and delivery dockets on a daily

basis– Once weekly enter all new invoices/statements into the financial

management program– Update all accounts in the third week of each month and pay accounts– Prepare BAS statement and submit in the third week after the end of the

quarter– Income

Set key performance targets for production, feed inputs, grass consumed, fertiliser applied

Report performance against these key business performance indicators Involve staff in budgeting. Set targets and report performance against

them.

Strategic planning– Conduct an annual strategic planning session with all staff – Review the action plan quarterly

Natural resources management– Ensure compliance with EPA guidelines– Plan pond cleaning/pumping. Engage contractors.– Ensure that plantations and windbreaks are protected from cattle intrusion– Ensure that the river bank fencing is maintained– Ensure that all staff are aware of the safety issues involving effluent ponds– Ensure the effluent ponds are fenced to keep out wandering children and

animals– Ensure that drains are cleaned to prevent overflow– Arrange effluent pond pumping or cleaning to maintain function

Liaison with goods and service providers and supplies management– Plan with service providers for preventative maintenance as per maintenance

plan and budget– Engage service providers for emergency repairs when required– Plan bulk purchases of consumables, cleaning products, fertiliser. Negotiate

bulk deals with consideration to cash flow and budget constraints.




– Ensure that all contractors entering the property are compliant with contractors insurance

– Plan bought in fodder and grain requirements. Negotiate delivered prices. Ensure that purchases match requirements and cash flow.

Employee appointment and management Finding the candidate

– Write a job description to suit the position that has been identified– Advertise, use word of mouth, head hunt to find potential employees for the

job– Invite potential applicants to apply for the position with a written application,

a current resume and three referees– Check with referees– Determine which applicants you want to interview– Send a letter to non selected applicants, thanking them for their application

and advising them that they have not been successful– Conduct a formal interview with the selected applicants advising them that

you will be making a decision soon and thanking them for their interest– Offer the position to the preferred applicant– Ensure that the preferred applicant understands that the first three months

will be a probationary period after which a contract will be issued– Once the applicant has accepted the position, advise the unsuccessful

candidates offering them encouragement for their future careers – The employee should be given a written job description and key performance

criteria with clear indications of performance appraisal including time frame– Communicate your decision with existing staff

Settling in– Before the employee begins work conduct a formal induction. Ideally this

should include; the company and its ideals and strategies company policies (equal opportunities, sexual and racial discrimination,

OHS) expectations and general behaviour standard forms for employment, payroll, application for leave training opportunities and requirements reiterate remuneration and career development

– Ensure that the new employee reads the Farm Safety Guide and signs a form stating that they have read and understood it

Training– Arrange and provide training that is required for the employee to perform the

selected role– Fill in the training record




Performance appraisals– Ensure that employees receive adequate feedback and have the opportunity

to have an input into the business– Ensure that formal performance appraisals are conducted at least twice per

year– Set realistic goals for employees to achieve and ensure that training is

provided when required Standard operating procedures

– Ensure that the farm standard operating procedures are adhered to

Legal compliance, risk management and insurance OHS

– Ensure that all staff are compliant to safety obligations– Ensure that all staff have a copy of the Farm Safety Manual– Conduct an induction session for each new staff member prior to work

commencing – Ensure that the farm is adequately resourced with farm safety equipment and

protective clothing– Ensure that all sharp edges are removed from hand held wash down hoses– Oversee the review of emergency plans, procedures and safe work practices – Ensure the provision of and oversee the wearing of motor bike safety helmets– Ensure that safety practices in the dairy are adhered to– Ensure that labelling is used to indicate extremely hot water, drinking water,

water not suitable for drinking, waste water– Ensure that all steps and slippery areas are signed– Ensure that there are sufficient suitably sized personnel escapes in yards– Ensure that there is no smoking in confined places – Ensure that only qualified electricians are engaged for electrical work– Ensure that safety practices are adhered to and safety infrastructure is in

place around water and effluent ponds– Ensure that walkways are designed and constructed to eliminate pedestrian

danger from vehicles– Ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure to store dairy chemicals in a well

ventilated and lockable store and vet chemicals in a separate lockable fridge– Ensure that all plant and equipment is safety compliant– Ensure that there is zero tolerance to breaches of safety– Ensure that any hazard identified is removed from the workplace– Ensure that staff do not enter silos or confined spaces like underground

storage tanks– Ensure that silos are fitted with sight glasses




– Ensure that protected safety ladders are fitted to silos. – Ensure signage is in place on silos that indicates "Authorised entry only".

Control silo entry. Ensure that all silo jobs are attempted from the outside of silo.

– Oversee incident reporting– Reduce the risk of employees being affected by zoonoses diseases

(diseases that are transferable from animals to humans) by Ensuring the herd is vaccinated against leptospirosis Staff are vaccinated against Q Fever

– Ensure that staff are trained in prevention of zoonoses, including actions such as hand washing, eye washing after urine splashes and identification of potential hazards

– Adequately resource staff amenities for hand washing– Review all accidents and hazard reports and ensure that all necessary

corrective actions are applied– Oversee Worksafe compliance– Ensure that adequate numbers of staff have completed AG chemical courses

to enable chemical usage and weed spraying– Ensure that staff are made aware of the potential threats to safety posed by

all cleaning products, formalin, drenches, prostaglandins and iodine– Oversee the training register and ensure adequate time and resources are

committed to staff training– Ensure that all staff are aware of what to do if injured– Ensure that there are sufficient staff trained in first aid– Ensure that signage policy is adhered to for dangerous goods and chemicals– Provide designated car parks away from tanker and tractor tracks– Ensure adequate supervision of all visitors to the dairy including children– Ensure that noise levels are reduced to acceptable levels by physical controls

and that hearing protection is available– Conduct 6 monthly safety audits of the property, plant and procedures– Provide designated car parks away from tanker and tractor tracks– Restrict access to heights– Always have readily accessible and working phones and other

communication devices in place– Provide a suitably packaged and stocked first aid kit. Sign post to indicate

where the first aid kit is.– If tripping hazards cannot be removed highlight them with yellow paint or tape– Ensure that all children are aware of designated no go areas– If children must be at the dairy, provide them with a safe enclosed play area– If overhead obstacles cannot be removed cover them with brightly coloured

padding




– Notify staff if there are events occurring that may pose safety risks such as fertiliser trucks, track graders or hay trucks

– Provide fresh drinking water Harassment and discrimination

– Ensure that all staff comply with sexual harassment, racial discrimination and equal opportunity obligations

– Ensure that there is zero tolerance to breaches of racial discrimination, equal opportunity and sexual harassment

Insurance– Negotiate insurance within the farm guidelines– Ensure that every tractor, motor bike and vehicle is registered and insured– Ensure that public liability is at least $5 million

Staff records and pay– Keep all staff records including hours worked– Oversee payroll– Oversee compliance issues relating to taxation, PAYE and BAS

Workcover– Ensure that the Workcover register of injuries and incidents is filled in when

required Chemicals

– Ensure that staff engaged in spraying chemicals have completed a chemical users course

– Ensure that spray records are kept– Ensure that farm chemicals protective gear is available and used– Ensure that farm chemicals are stored in the locked farm chemicals shed– Ensure that farm chemicals containers are triple rinsed and disposed at the

council drum muster– Ensure that signage is in place for dangerous goods

Fire– Develop and oversee a farm fire plan and involve staff in an awareness plan

Animal welfare– Ensure compliance to animal welfare guidelines

Rostering and communication Rostering

– Develop a roster that is fair and gives consideration to life/work balance for employees. Share the load.

– Ensure that the rostering gives consideration to a safe workplace by ensuring adequate time off between shifts.

– Plan and negotiate leave to suit the employee and the business




Communication– Plan and conduct weekly meetings– Involve staff by assisting them to have input into the agenda, encouraging

them to present reports and involving them in actioning decisions– Use a whiteboard for day to day communication of urgent tasks, cows to

check, reminders, changes of routine, supplies.– Train staff in the effective use of the UHF radio network or mobile phones to

assist with the daily functioning of the business. Enforce standards.



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