With forecasts indicating the potential for another dry summer, many Waikato dairy farmers may need to consider drying off part or all of their herd earlier than planned. An early, well-managed dry-off can help preserve cow body condition, reduce feed demand and set cows up for a productive following season.
However, successful dry-off decisions require planning well in advance, particularly as industry expectations around dry cow therapy continue to evolve. From 1 January 2027, the use of blanket antibiotic treatment at dry-off will become increasingly difficult to justify, with a stronger industry focus on selective dry cow therapy and responsible antimicrobial use.
If drought conditions force an earlier-than-planned dry-off, farmers may need to make decisions quickly. Having up-to-date herd information available will help veterinarians determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for individual cows.
Key records to have available include:
These records help identify cows that may benefit from antibiotic dry cow therapy and those that may be suitable for teat sealant-only treatment.
If drought conditions develop rapidly, demand for dry-off consultations and product authorisations could increase significantly. Planning now, booking herd tests, and having a clear dry-off strategy in place can help protect cow welfare and support next season's production.
Talk to your local Vetora veterinarian about preparing a dry-off strategy for this season.
