New Zealand dairy farmers are making great progress in reducing antibiotic use at dry-off - but how do we keep that momentum going? With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, selective dry cow therapy has become an important tool for protecting both herd health and the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. The key is making smart, informed decisions that safeguard milk quality while keeping cows healthy.
In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Cooper, a Veterinarian and DairyNZ’s Senior Technical & Policy Advisor, and Veronica Oostveen, a Southland dairy farmer and DairyNZ Area Manager. They break down the latest research and share practical strategies to help you:
- Use data to make smarter treatment decisions
- Cut antibiotic use without compromising cow health
- Manage dry-off risks effectively
- Apply proven strategies that have dropped somatic cell counts
Veronica shares how selective dry cow therapy has improved her herd’s health and performance, and Mitch explains why responsible antibiotic use matters for our future.
Tune in for the latest research and insights.
Find the DairyNZ tools and resources mentioned in this episode:
dairynz-guideline-14-dry-cow-strategy.pdf
dairynz-technote-14-dry-cow-strategy.pdf
Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz
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