As farms quieten down over the next few months, farmers should be taking the opportunity to get calf sheds disinfected.

These type of jobs are often put on the long finger during the summer months, with farmers under pressure to get everything in shape ahead of calving next spring again.

In reality, it is well worth taking the opportunity to get everything cleaned out and ready while calves are at grass. As well as that, the UV from the summer sun will act as a natural disinfectant.

Leaving straw bedding in the shed for an extended period of time will only increase the amount of bacteria present within the building, and could lead to the possibility of scour or crypto early next year.

Disinfection

Start the job by removing all bedding; most farms usually go with the route of power washing but steam cleaning is just as affective if not better at removing bacteria.

Ensure all dried faeces and other dirt is removed from walls, floors, crevices, and rails before disinfecting, as any build-up of dirt can reduce the products' effectiveness.

If scour or another disease has been an issue on your farm this year, it is important to determine which form of scour/disease was present.

This will help you decide which disinfectant from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's (DAFM) approved disinfectant list is the best to purchase to combat the bacteria on your farm.

Ensure all surfaces are thoroughly coated, and stick to the recommended contact time labelled on your product.

Rinse the disinfectant away using water before leaving the shed empty for three to four months, ensuring any disease cycles are broken.

It is also worth doing cubicle houses now while cows are out at grass too.

There is nearly always repairs to be done ahead of the winter season too, whether it be fixing gates, water throughs, cubicle, or sheeting.

Now is a good time to get these jobs done, especially for autumn calvers as they will not feel it until things start to get hectic once again.