Liam - Waikato

With nearly 20 years in dairy farming and heading into his fifth season on the current farm, Liam says herd health challenges around mastitis and somatic cell count (SCC) were a key concern when he started.

“We were having high cell count issues when I started here, and improving teat condition has played a massive part in reducing mastitis cases and bulk cell counts,” says Liam.

Liam began using FIL’s Active Teat Conditioner three seasons ago to improve teat condition more effectively through the walk-over teat spraying system he already had in place. Using FIL’s Intelliblend automated blending system and Iodoshield Active teat spray, he applies a 5% emollient blend year-round. During higher-risk periods, this is increased to 10%.

“When I start seeing dry, cracked teats from wind or mud, I bump up the emollient level. The Intelliblend system gives me flexibility to adjust depending on conditions.”

Liam says when he first started using Active Teat Conditioner the results were noticeable quickly. “Within two days the teats were already a lot softer and smoother. Within three to five days you could really see the difference.”

The improvements have translated into measurable herd benefits, including a significant reduction in clinical mastitis cases and a drop in SCC from an average of around 200,000 to approximately 125,000 this season. Three seasons ago, when the products were first introduced, the average SCC was 280,000. The herd recorded only 13 clinical cases of mastitis this season. “Cow comfort has also improved massively. We were getting cows kicking cups off before, and now there’s none of that since using Active Teat Conditioner. Milk flow is better, and quarters are milking more evenly,” says Liam.

Liam uses Active Teat Conditioner year-round during milking, including in springer cows before calving to support early lactation health.

He also values the product’s formulation that contains quality skincare ingredients including Aloe Vera, Allantoin, and Mānuka honey. “It’s comforting knowing there are ingredients that support teat health without affecting milk.”

Liam credits FIL’s strong local support as well. “Our rep, Tania Earnshaw, has been fantastic. Great on-farm training, milk testing support, and helping us fine-tune our wash systems.”

“I would definitely recommend Active Teat Conditioner. It’s helped improve cow comfort, reduce mastitis, and improve our SCC performance.”