Thus, with all cows calving together, ten months later, all cows can be turned dry together resulting in a closure of the milking facility for about seven weeks each year. The basic decision to be made is the choice of season to initiate the lactation period. If the advantages of grazing forages are to be maximized, calving should occur three to four weeks ahead of the onset of the grazing season. Then, every cow will be peaking in production just when the forage is most abundant and also most nutritious. Where land is best used for production of pastures, and when these pastures are to be used to greatest advantage, late winter freshening maximizes the conversion of forages to milk.
Intensive grazing accomplishes the best harvesting at least cost.
There are other virtues for seasonal dairying. Most importantly, duties of the manager are arranged sequentially rather than simultaneously. This facilitates greater concentration on execution of management tasks, resulting in better management for the herd. The lifestyle is markedly more versatile for the dairy family and employees. Feed purchasing advantages are possible.