The impact of recent floods in the Riverina on the welfare of dairy herds will be discussed during a workshop organised by Dairy Australia for farmers from 10.30am on Thursday 5 April. Veterinary scientist Dr Chris Petzel from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will lead the workshop to advise farmers on how to address problems associated with a wet and muddy dairy environment, including lameness and mastitis. Dr Petzel said, “The water logged paddocks and laneways can lead to hoof problems. When the cows lie down, the risk of mastitis increases dramatically. Through the workshop, I will give farmers advice on how to tackle these problems and encourage them to be proactive in handling what can become serious milk production issues.” A lecturer in cattle medicine in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Dr Petzel has a strong interest in production medicine. He has worked as a vet in Australia and the United Kingdom. The CSU academic will lead a further workshop with dairy farmers from Forbes in central west NSW on Friday 20 April.