Milking Season Brings Stock Crossing Message

As the milking season gets under way and cows wend their way from shed to pasture the council is reminding farmers of their road use responsibilities.

Using the public road to cross the herd is a privilege not a right so we ask farmers, sharemilkers and staff to be aware that certain conditions are involved, points out Tararua compliance team leader Clayton Locke.

In order to keep the road safe for motorists the requirements are that herds are directly supervised whilst crossing the road and that the road surface is cleaned of excrement immediately after each crossing to avoid damaging the seal.

Supervision was necessary to avoid wandering cows becoming a nuisance and a traffic hazard. Part of a herd has been impounded for wandering despite repeated warnings to the owner, Mr Locke said.

For cleaning, a high-pressure hose or sweeping are advised. Other options are the use of a stock mat or tapes that are no higher than 100mm off the road surface but both must be removed after each crossing.

To reduce road mess and supervising time good practice was to hold the entire herd in the race prior to crossing, Mr Locke said.

Other alternatives for the council were to issue a “no crossing” notice or to instruct the installation of an underpass.

Further information is available at service centres.