Moo-ving Day is coming our way on 1 June so it’s time to keep an eye out for farm animals on the move for the start of the dairy season.

The annual moo-vement of farm animals is a big day for farmers in our community each year as it signifies the beginning of the dairy season and means farmers may need to relocate animals which can sometimes have an impact for drivers on rural roads and for those living on some residential streets.

“Moo-ving day is an incredibly important activity for farmers each year and we are very mindful of their need to relocate stock as well as our responsibility to protect residential zones and paper roads, which can be impacted by this event,” says James O’Connor, General Manager, Infrastructure & Community Operations for South Wairarapa District Council.

“We want to see a smooth transition of farm animals from one property to another so we have shared guidelines with farmers to help make this process work well for all. We have also published these guidelines here.”

Moo-ving Day guidelines for farmers

• make sure you have enough drovers on hand to help control the gentle movement of farm animals on paper roads and some residential streets

• let the community know about moo-ving day when possible and advise residents to close gates on streets used to move animals

• be aware of the impact of moo-ving day on the community as animals can cause damage to berms, paper roads and even properties, if there have been heavy rains, if gates are open or plants are on the walking route of the livestock

• Facebook messages and flyers (dropped in letterboxes) are practical ways to let residents know when stock may be heading down residential streets to alert residents to close gates, if possible