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www.age.co.nz Thursday, May 21, 2020
MOVING DAY
ON THE DAIRY FARM
Moving Day on Monday 1st June – road drivers please be considerate June 1st is traditionally the day when sharemilkers and other farmers change properties. It is one of the biggest days in the dairy farming calendar every year. Over a few hours, thousands of dairy cattle and associated stock will be on the move, along with sharemilkers, their families, vehicles, and household goods. Federated Farmers is asking for drivers to be aware of these stock movements on rural roads. “Moving Day involves moving the whole household too. We’re asking people driving in rural areas to be aware that there may be a larger than usual number of stock on the road or
in stock trucks. “If you encounter stock on the road then please be patient and please do not honk your horn as that will startle stock.” Large numbers of cattle on the roads can leave slippery residue, points out Darren Cottingham, director of DT Driver Training (www.drivingtests.co.nz) Farmers try to mitigate the worst of the mud and e˛ uent as they can be held liable if it contributes to a crash, but it is di˝ cult to eliminate it all and if there is light rain it can be almost as slippery as ice, Darren says.
Tips and tricks
Motorists should look out for evidence of cattle being on the road – trampled verges, mud and e˛ uent, and signage warning of livestock ahead - but also bear in mind that these might not be visible at night. There will be warning signs well in advance – the law is three times the speed limit in metres, for example, if it’s 80km/h, there will be a sign at least 240 metres before the herd. Companies should warn their drivers if they will be heading into rural areas, and rental vehicle agencies should make their clients aware of the potential danger, advises Darren.
• Get in touch with your insurer well before the move - there might be more things to discuss than you think. It’s a good idea to know the physical address, building details, any plant or machinery details, and the details of your sharemilking or contract milking agreement if applicable. • Use professional cleaners to do a full house clean - book early. • If you do clean the houses yourself make sure you do it to a standard that you would be happy with if your family were moving into the house, i.e. do a really good job • Make sure you know when the house you are moving into will be vacant • Check if there is the possibility of having 24 to 72 hours between families/tenants leaving and arriving. This can take the pressure o˜ . • Pack VERY important items separately. These should travel with you, e.g. phone chargers, Sky TV remote, ipads for kids, Important documentation including passport, visa, marriage certiÿ cates, insurance policies, motor vehicle ownership documentation etc.
Must haves for move day • • • • • • •
Movers’ contact details Mobile phone & charger Laptop computer & charger Pen & paper Cash Snacks & drink Applicable medicine
Motorists need to be patient when they come across moving cattle
Source: www.dairynz.co.nz
Massey Ferguson Trusted farm machines with a reliable back up service
300 High Street, Solway, Masterton Shorty 027 294 5010 • 06 370 0390
www.tfmtractors.nz
GREEN HARVEST