More than 15 years ago, Grober’s veal farming division – Delft Blue Farms – was the first North American farm to utilize the Specialist heavy-duty calf feeder from Förster-Technik.
Grober optimizes heifer calf growth through nutritional and management solutions, whereas Förster-Technik is the world’s largest manufacturer of automatic calf feeders.
“Through this relationship, the two companies understand that on-farm success happens when systems work together, not in isolation,” says Jerry Bartelse, president, Grober Group.
“The original collaboration between Grober and Förster-Technik was a successful solution combining first-hand experience, optimal nutrition, technology and management practices. For these reasons, and to further enhance the great opportunities in calf development, Grober and Förster-Technik have renewed their North American partnership.”
One of the first endeavors of the renewed partnership is launching a new web-based forum for producers, industry, academia and veterinarians – 40FIT CALF TALK, which made its North American debut at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.
This new forum is intended to support, educate and exchange ideas to promote group housing of calves using Forster-Technik automatic feeding machines and optimizing health and growth through nutrition.
“The concept of 40FIT highlights the critical first 40 days of a calf’s life and the importance of this period to realize the animal’s genetic potential,” says Thomas Förster, president, Förster-Technik.
Grober Nutrition will administer and moderate the forum, which will also feature external contributors ranging from academics to large, progressive producers.
“The awareness of group housing for calves is gaining momentum for many producers throughout North America, so a farmer-to-farmer forum where producers can share their best practices will certainly boost the success of our common customers,” says Jan Ziemerink, field specialist for automatic calf feeding for Grober and Förster-Technik.
Grober Nutrition will continue to support the leading suppliers of milking equipment (DeLaval, GEA, Lely) who distribute, sell and service the Förster-Technik automatic calf feeders.
Grober will also provide support to the dairy nutrition companies for whom they make private label milk replacer by providing feeding schedules and advice on machine-housing, as well as training on machine operation.
Sales, service and installation will remain under the milking equipment company’s responsibility. PD
—From Grober Nutrition news release
