Preparing your herd for autumn

As the busy summer season winds down, autumn presents a good opportunity for dairy farmers to take stock of herd health and performance.

One priority for many during this time will be reviewing and updating the farm’s herd health plan and annual National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP).

The NJMP is a vital part of responsible herd management, requiring farmers to work with their BCVA-accredited Johne’s veterinary adviser (BAJVA) to assess and mitigate the risk of Johne’s disease – a chronic, incurable condition that affects the gut of cattle, leading to reduced milk yields, fertility issues and early culling.

While the visible signs of Johne’s often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, the hidden costs can be significant. That’s why risk management and ongoing prevention are critical.

Autumn is often the time to review progress against last year’s plans, update the farm’s risk assessment and agree a strategy for the year ahead.

For many, this will form part of routine Red Tractor assurance visits, which require documentation of a reviewed and up-to-date NJMP.

Phase III of the NJMP, which launched earlier this year, introduced several important changes to strengthen disease control across the industry.

One of the most significant updates is the requirement for all herds to obtain an average test value (ATV) for Johne’s disease. This ATV provides a snapshot of disease levels within the herd and allows progress to be monitored over time.

To generate an ATV, farmers must now complete a 60-cow random screen as a minimum testing requirement, replacing the previously accepted 30-cow targeted screen.

This move aims to provide a more accurate picture of infection within the herd and drive more effective, data-led decisions on farm.

Vets and advisers are encouraging farmers to use this planning process not as a tick-box exercise but as a chance to make real gains in herd health.

Farms that consistently follow Johne’s control measures, such as testing and managing positive cows separately, improving calf hygiene and managing colostrum sources, see better long-term results.

The autumn herd review is a valuable opportunity to assess what’s working and what needs adjusting. A proactive approach to herd planning is more than best practice; it’s essential for business resilience.

Taking time now to review, plan and act could make all the difference in the year ahead.

Join us at one of our Healthy Herds Johne’s management meetings to find out more and develop your knowledge and learn from other proactive farmers.