Jonny Russell - Waikato

“I think FIL products are superior. And… we’ll see savings in the long run.”

Sharemilker Jonny Russell likes to do something once and do it right. Changing to FIL teat care and dairy hygiene products last season has proven to be the right move: teat condition is significantly better and the plant is cleaner. He puts this success down to having a better programme and using better products.

Jonny is a 50/50 sharemilker with Glenshee Trust at Whakamaru in the South Waikato-Central Plateau area. He milks 620 cows.

Last year he switched to FIL, putting in place new teat care and dairy hygiene programmes with the help of FIL Area Manager Robbie Kirk.

Jonny’s tailored teat care programme incorporates FIL Teatshield Active and Active Teat Conditioner.

“Our teat spray programme is definitely showing results,” says Jonny.

“FIL’s Teatshield Active was appealing because it contains Manuka honey which has great healing properties; I’ve used manuka honey myself to heal sores and wounds. And, because we try to do all we can to achieve good results, we also use Active Teat Conditioner. The result has been healthy teats, whatever the weather conditions.”

Teat condition is challenged throughout lactation and increases significantly when it is cold, wet, windy and muddy. Only FIL teat care products contain Manuka Honey. Teatshield Active is built with an advanced emollient matrix to assist with cell rejuvenation and the conditioning of cracked and damaged teats. The emollient level of 550g/L provides excellent year-round protection and restoration of teats in most environmental challenges.

During early lactation or when teat condition is poor, it is important to teat spray with additional emollient such as GEA’s FIL Teat Conditioner, to maintain condition during the risk period.

“With the added support in dairy hygiene from FIL, I think we have a better focus on keeping the plant clean too” adds Jonny. His dairy hygiene programme combines the cleaning properties of Quantum Red, Quantum Powder and C3.

Described as “bullet proof”, Quantum Red is one of the premium acids on the New Zealand market – it will work in any plant and with any water type. Quantum Powder contains one of the highest active levels compared to some other product on the market. And, C3 is a heavy-duty chlorinated cleaning product, ideal for removing any build-up of bacteria in the milking plant.

“We add the C3 to make sure we really give it (bacteria) a good kick in the guts” notes Jonny.

Based on the performance of FIL products, Jonny is a big advocate.
“I think FIL products are superior. And, even though there is a cost, we’ll see savings in the long run.

“I like the fact that the products are made right here, in Tauranga. Being New Zealand made, they should work well in our farming systems and they do.

“There’s responsibility for the environment in play. FIL takes responsibility for recycling their drums. As farmers we must do our best to make a difference and I believe FIL is doing that too.”