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It's Mating Season - Your Cows are Ready...AreYou?
Most farmers have started the mating season orabout to start with it. For some, this means waking up in the wee hours of themorning to stand for hours in the shed watching cows, to take out the ones thatshow signs of being on heat.
A successful mating period is not just aboutmaximising your herd's reproductive performance. It's also about taking care of yourselfmentally and physically throughout this time.
Here are some simple tips to help you get throughthe mating season:
1. Get plenty of rest.
This could mean adjusting your sleep schedule soyou are able to get enough hours of sleep. Adults aged 26 to 64 years shouldget an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Not getting proper sleepcan lead to lack of alertness, impaired memory, and serious health problemssuch as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, or stroke.
2. Make time for downtime.
Make relaxation a priority. Disconnect fromsocial media or at least limit the time you spend online. Good rule of thumbwould be to eliminate gadgets for one hour before sleep and after you wake up.
3. Get moving.
Standing for hours in the shed can get boring.You can use this time to get a bit of simple exercise in (like stretching orjogging in place). Exercise can help you feel less stressed and put you in abetter mood.
4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
It's simple - eat better and feel better. Drinkwater regularly. Dehydration can give you a headache and will make it harderfor your brain to concentrate.
5. Talk to someone.
Working on a farm can feel isolating. It helps tokeep in touch with your mates to just talk about what you're feeling. Don't forget to lean on a gate and talkto a mate. If you don't feel comfortable with talking to someone youknow but need support, you can talk to a trained counsellor by calling ortexting 1737 any time.
