Cowmanagement UK March 2017

V O LU M E 15 N O 2 MAR CH/APR IL 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

GR A S S L AN D U P D A T E

BREED IN G

D A IRY D I RECTI ONS

Pointers on maximising milk yield from forage

Kiwi cross-bred sires suit UK’s low-input systems

Succession – the conversation you should be having now?

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TOPGRASS Only the best varieties from leading plant breeding programs are used in TOPGRASS seed mixtures Latest high sugar grasses Maximum fibre digestibility

Higher yielding, better quality varieties to boost grassland productivity and animal output

Top yielding varieties Improved use of fertiliser

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ForFarmers

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info.forage@forfarmers.eu

www.forfarmers.co.uk

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CO NTENT

FEATURES

Cow Talk Overalls off: ice skater Roger Evans ForFarmers Nutritional News/ Thompsons Nutritional News 41 CRV Avoncroft Breeding Information 49 NMR Dairy Management News 50 Events and contacts 4 11 19 35

REPORT

12 Measuring, monitoring and reseeding are key to grazing success for Cornwall-based unit FEEDING

16 Palatability is key to utilising grazed grass/Welsh dairy unit takes Dutch approach to improve forage quality BREEDING

22 ’Kiwi’ cows are thriving on UK units H E A LT H

38 Vets and producers urged to identify potential risk factors for Johne’s disease

Chris Knowles “Be brave – and have faith in your grass” 12

Editor Rachael Porter Grassland focus

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rass – that’s what this issue is all about. Not only do we have our annual grassland and forage special, but their are also several other reports with a ‘grass’ focus. Our feeding and herd reports, and even our breeding article, has a ‘grazing’ angle.

So there’s no getting away from the ‘green stuff’ and we hope that they’ll be a few nuggets of information nestled within our pages that could help you to make a little more of the white stuff from forage this year.

If you need inspiration – perhaps you’re thinking of taking a more extensive route or just want some pointers on making the most of this year’s grazing – then take a look at our article about Cornwall-based producer Chris Knowles on page 12. He’s seeing a whopping 85% of his herd’s annual milk production from forage.

Our special, which starts on page 25, takes a look at the potential to increase the amount of home-grown protein fed to UK herds, how to optimise and

maximise ley lifespan, and also offers some tips on getting more from your grassland – be it for silage or grazing.

We’ve the first of two articles that make up the final part of our series on ‘dairy directions’ on page 44. We talked to two leading business consultants about succession. Both agree that not only is it ‘good to talk’, but also that you can never have conversations about future plans too early. And it’s also vital to inspire the next generation – it’s not just about handing over the reins.

Our article on page six came about following a reader’s request for more information about investing in automatic calf feeding. We get some pointers from a vet, a tech specialist and a producer on how to make sure the system you select suits both you and your calves’ requirements. Plenty of homework and drawing up a ‘shopping list’ are key.

And Roger Evans joins us, as usual, with a column that will provoke a few thoughts and raise a smile.

Main article Automatic feeding

Special Grassland

Dairy directions Succession

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25

44

Tips on selecting a laboursaving calf-feeding system to suit your set up

Maximising grass utilisation, optimising ley lifespan, and home-grown protein

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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It’s never too early to start planning for the next generation to take the reins

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CO NTENT

FEATURES

Cow Talk Overalls off: ice skater Roger Evans ForFarmers Nutritional News/ Thompsons Nutritional News 41 CRV Avoncroft Breeding Information 49 NMR Dairy Management News 50 Events and contacts 4 11 19 35

REPORT

12 Measuring, monitoring and reseeding are key to grazing success for Cornwall-based unit FEEDING

16 Palatability is key to utilising grazed grass/Welsh dairy unit takes Dutch approach to improve forage quality BREEDING

22 ’Kiwi’ cows are thriving on UK units H E A LT H

38 Vets and producers urged to identify potential risk factors for Johne’s disease

Chris Knowles “Be brave – and have faith in your grass” 12

Editor Rachael Porter Grassland focus

G

rass – that’s what this issue is all about. Not only do we have our annual grassland and forage special, but there are also several other reports with a ‘grass’ focus. Our feeding and herd reports, and even our breeding article, have a ‘grazing’ angle.

So there’s no getting away from the ‘green stuff’ and we hope that there will be a few nuggets of information nestled within our pages that could help you to make a little more of the white stuff from forage this year.

If you need inspiration – perhaps you’re thinking of taking a more extensive route or just want some pointers on making the most of this year’s grazing – then take a look at our article about Cornwall-based producer Chris Knowles on page 12. He’s seeing a whopping 85% of his herd’s annual milk production from forage.

Our special, which starts on page 25, takes a look at the potential to increase the amount of home-grown protein fed to UK herds, how to optimise and

maximise ley lifespan, and also offers some tips on getting more from your grassland – be it for silage or grazing.

We’ve the first of two articles that make up the final part of our series on ‘dairy directions’ on page 44. We talked to two leading business consultants about succession. Both agree that not only is it ‘good to talk’, but also that you can never have conversations about future plans too early. And it’s also vital to inspire the next generation – it’s not just about handing over the reins.

Our article on page six came about following a reader’s request for more information about investing in automatic calf feeding. We get some pointers from a vet, a tech specialist and a producer on how to make sure the system you select suits both you and your calves’ requirements. Plenty of homework and drawing up a ‘shopping list’ are key.

And Roger Evans joins us, as usual, with a column that will provoke a few thoughts and raise a smile.

Main article Automatic feeding

Special Grassland

Dairy directions Succession

6

25

44

Tips on selecting a laboursaving calf-feeding system to suit your set up

Maximising grass utilisation, optimising ley lifespan, and home-grown protein

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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It’s never too early to start planning for the next generation to take the reins

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C O W

TA L K

Highly productive mixture available for silage A grass-seed mixture designed for silage production is available from the forage grass team at Barenbrug this spring.

Hybrid 4 x 4 is a highly productive hybrid ryegrass cutting ley, ideally suited to three- or four-year rotations.

Capable of producing yields that are up to 10% higher than traditional ryegrass mixtures, Hybrid 4 x 4 is made from a blend of Barsilo (a diploid ryegrass) and three tetraploid ryegrass species: Kirial, Aston Crusader and Novial. These deeprooting grass varieties make efficient use of soil nutrients, creating the

ultimate medium-term silage mixture.

Growing at temperatures as low as 5° C, the mixture can give producers a long growing season and enable them to produce silage throughout the year.

With a tight heading date range and excellent disease resistance, this mixture can deliver up to four cuts per annum with a first cut possible in early May, and a potential yield of up to 16t DM/ha in the first year.

The mixture also provides multiple opportunities for slurry and digestate application.

Change of focus and a new event for RABDF Major reforms were announced by the RABDF in early March, which will see the organisation narrow its focus to areas where it can offer unique benefits.

It will cut peripheral or duplicated activities and plans to step up its influencing work.

Part of the change of direction will be a new technology and innovation-based event, Dairy-Tech, to be held in February 2018 at Stoneleigh Park. Focusing on the science and technology of dairying and

the cutting-edge tools that will support a wide range of systems, Dairy-Tech will be RABDF’s annual flagship exhibition, replacing the proposed National Dairy Event that was scheduled to take place in September.

“A long and rigorous review process has brought RABDF to this point and while every option for the future of the charity had been considered, feedback from industry and members made it clear there was still an important place for

RABDF in the dairy sector,” said RABDF chairman Mike King.

“Since reviewing the organisation’s activities it has become clear that RABDF hasn’t been playing to its strengths or delivering sufficient depth. It didn’t evolve with the times and lost sight of its specialisms. Our revised strategy is to focus on where we can deliver genuine and sustained value, on our own, or in collaboration with others. We won’t just raise issues – we’ll follow them through.”

Sulphur is key to boosting silage protein Low crude protein silages, recently found on many units across the UK, could be due to falling levels of sulphur on grassland, according to new trials. Analysis of forage samples, carried out by CF Fertilisers, show that sulphur accounted for around 30% of the variation in silage crude protein.

“Sulphur is essential in the production of two vital amino acids – methionine and cystine – and without it proteins cannot be synthesised efficiently,” said independent grassland specialist George Fisher. “In one trial, where sulphur levels were restored to optimum, proteins increased by 7% and yields lifted by nearly two tonnes per hectare. And, at another site, a one-tonne of dry matter per hectare yield increase was seen where sulphur was applied, compared to the unit’s standard-practice urea regime, and proteins increased by 5%.”

To produce a good dairy ration, grass

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silage with 18% crude protein is required.

But 2016 saw the average at just a little more than 14%. “It’s not long ago that we had between 70kg and 80kg of sulphate simply falling out of the sky and onto land every year, but this has now fallen to below 10kg per hectare and, in many areas, below 5kg per hectare.”

CF Fertilisers’ Mark Garrett added that a good policy for ensuring adequate sulphur is applied to grassland is to start by checking the nitrogen requirement.

“Where slurry is used after both first- and second-cut, the main requirement is for N or NS, with only a modest requirement for NPKS compounds. NKS products are particularly beneficial where P index is high and soil potash levels need to be maintained.

“Don’t forget that grass crops remove a lot of potash from the system and slurries and manures do not contain much plant available sulphur. If the P index is high

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but the K index low, particularly if it’s on a lighter soil type, producers should consider using SingleTop (27N + 12SO3) in spring, then KayNitro Sulphur (25-0-13 +7SO3) in the summer,” he added.

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Valuing forage pays dividends Although producers recognise the value of home-grown forage, many are still not maximising that value, according to new research.

In a survey of 550 producers, by forage experts Germinal, 98% Ben Wixey said that forage was an important factor in the long-term profitability and sustainability of their businesses, with two thirds saying they were striving to ‘do better’ with forage.

This was backed up by another survey of more than 100 producers, by nutrition and silage product specialists Volac, which found that 90% of respondents thought that greater use of grass silage was either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important in reducing feed costs.

“It is clear that producers understand the importance of good forage, but there has been very little improvement in the nutritional value of silage during the past decade,” said Volac’s Derek Nelson.

“Crude protein levels have nudged up a little, but there has been no real improvement in dry matter yield or energy levels in silage despite better silage products, machinery and improved grasses.”

The Volac survey pointed to some gaps

in producer understanding of grass-silage fermentation. A quarter did not realise the importance of excluding air from a clamp; 60% did not realise that fermentation involves converting crop sugar into acid; and nearly 30% thought that fermentation was largely dependent on the bacteria naturally present on the grass.

To help producers maximise the value of their forage, the company will be launching a ‘cut to clamp’ website, which offers free online advice from forage experts and the option of free on-farm visits and audits with recommendations for silage-making improvements.

Germinal’s Ben Wixey says that good silagemaking discipline is important, but only if the grass itself is in good condition and performing well.

“In our survey, it was encouraging to see that a fifth of producers are reseeding at least 10% of their grassland every year, but half are still reseeding less than 5% each year.”

He calculates that a comprehensive reseeding programme would cost £516 per hectare.

“Even if that only delivered a modest 10% increase in dry matter yield, and a 5% increase in metabolisable energy, then the extra milk delivered in the first year would be 2,238 litres per hectare. That’s worth worth £582 at 26ppl – a profit of £66 per hectare in the first year alone.”

Grass leys and forage crops for cost efficient milk production

Alkalise cereals to boost protein yield Producers looking to grow their own highprotein feed crops could well be better off harvesting more feed wheat and boosting its protein content through alkalisation.

“Some producers grow lupins, lucerne or even beans in a bid to offset their bought-in protein bill. But this can be a false economy when reliable yields on these alternative crops can be elusive,” said FiveF Alka’s Malcolm Graham.

“Why risk a lower yielding, albeit highprotein, crop when you can produce at least as much protein per hectare from a well-grown wheat crop.

Mr Graham explained that through alkalisation producers can add some highly concentrated protein to conserve and enhance the grain during storage. “What’s more, alkalisation allows producers to feed more cereal in the ration without triggering acidosis. “Some producers are even able to double or triple the standard cereal inclusion rate and still deliver the final feed protein level they require – all without causing any problems for the cow.”

Call 01472 370117 for your new grass handbook or email enquiries@limagrain.co.uk

Mr Graham added that alkalisation of homegrown cereals can also help producers to reduce their reliance on growing maize, which can be problematical in some areas.

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Draw up a wish list and rese

Check list for ‘auto m Whether it be to save on labour or improve calf growth rates to push heifer performance to ‘the next level’, what should producers look out for when investing in automatic calf feeders? Here a vet, a tech specialist and a calf rearer tell us more. text Rachael Porter

W

hen clients say that they’re thinking of investing in an automatic calf milk feeding system, typically to save on labour, it’s music to vet Sarah Caldwell’s ears. And during the past few years she’s certainly seen a lot more of her Cornwallbased practice’s dairy and beef herds installing milk feeders. “They are growing in popularity and the technology – and it’s potential to improve calf growth and health – is great.

“My only caveat is that producers should make sure that the time they free up from not having to handfeed calves is spent on other calf rearing husbandry tasks and not just used as ‘free time’ or diverted away from young stock.”

Hygiene and monitoring growth are areas where most producers could improve in terms of calf rearing. Improving hygiene can have a massive impact on calf health and daily live weight gains.

“So if less time spent feeding calves means more time spent mucking out and pressure washing calf pens and/or assessing stock and closely monitoring growth with weigh bands, that’s fine by me.”

Close attention Miss Caldwell, a specialist in calf and heifer rearing at Calweton Veterinary Group, says that alarm bells only ring if a producer talks about installing an automatic feeding system as if it will be the answer to all their calf-rearing woes. “It won’t be – it could even make things worse if management isn’t already good. It’s not a ‘fix all’ solution. But it can free up time, providing the system suits the calfrearing set up.

“Many systems will feed whole milk as well as calf milk replacer so it’s important to check. And the automatic feeder should also be managed well.”

What she’s driving at here is that the feeders also require close attention – regular cleaning, as well as calibration and maintenance. “Teats and tubes need to be checked and cleaned. Some systems have teats that are automatically cleaned between calf

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and research the market

to matic’ investment feeds, and I think that’s a good idea for hygiene and calf health reasons,” she says.

Teats should also be changed regularly. “If they’re worn, the calf will ‘gulping down’ milk too fast and this can cause digestive upset. There’s a risk that milk could end up in the calf’s rumen. So check teats regularly and replace when worn.”

Data recording What about ‘add ons’? “If the system has a weighing platform – I love that! I know it can be a little extra maintenance for the producer – to make sure it’s free from straw or other debris that can stop it from working – but in terms of monitoring calf-growth rates, it doesn’t come any simpler.

The work’s done for you.”

But Miss Caldwell says that producers should think about what they’ll actually use, in terms of tech and data, when buying a system. “It’s a bit like buying a fancy mobile phone with lots of extra Sarah Caldwell: “More time functions, but not actually should be spent on calf knowing how to use them. So husbandry” do your homework, look at what’s on offer and what you think will be useful.

“If the system records data on intakes, feeding frequency, weight gain or other health or growth parameters, will you actually use it? I’d rather see a producer investing in a basic system, that they maintain and use well, if they’re not so good at handling the tech and data from a more sophisticated David Ball: “Draw up a system. ‘shopping list’ before you invest “After all, using an automatic in an automatic system” feeding system will free up time to weight and measure calves manually. So monitoring growth rates and overall management should improve, whatever system is installed.”

She says that where she’s seen them in action, calf health and heifer rearing targets have certainly improved. “There’s no doubt that for many herds and calf-rearing set ups – particularly the larger ones with significant group sizes to feed – automatic

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Milk replacer ‘concentration’ reminder Whether producers are hand feeding calves or using an automatic system, Sarah Caldwell is urging them to check that they’re feeding the correct concentration of milk replacer. “Check what’s actually being fed to the calf.

All too often I’m seeing calves that are not gaining weight as they should be, only to discover that their milk is being over diluted.

systems offer huge benefits to staff and livestock. And I think they’re a key area of interest at the moment, even though the industry is only just emerging from a prolonged period of low milk prices, because producers know they’ll see a return on their investment.”

AHDB Dairy’s technical manager David Ball says that producers should draw up a ‘shopping list’ before investing in an automatic calf feeding system. “There are several systems, from different manufacturers, on the market. But what’s key is deciding what you actually want the system to do. What are your expectations?

“Do you want it to step up feeding as the calf grows and step it down again, gradually, to optimise weaning? Do you want it to weigh the calf, to help monitor growth rates? Do you want it to measure how many times the calf visits the feeder, how many times it feeds, how much it drinks at each feed? There’s a lot to think about and the best thing to do is to speak to the manufacturers – including Volac, Lely, Holm and Laue, and Förster Technik – to see what they

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“Make sure you measure the water that you add to powder, up to the required volume.

And avoid adding powder to water – this is how dilution occurs. Put the powder in a jug or mixing bucket and add water up to the litre mark, for example. Don’t add powder to a litre of water – the concentration will be too low.”

offer and how ‘computerised’ their systems are. Some systems will even help to pick up signs of disease early by, for example, monitoring drinking speed.

All that data can be gathered, but will you use it?”

Technical support Back up is important too, particularly in the early days. And how easy is the machine to maintain and fix? Talking to producers who already use the machines is invaluable here.

That’s exactly what Emma Roberts did before she invested in a Holm & Laue system in 2004. And the system worked so well on her calf-rearing unit that she’s since invested in two more. She rears 220-head of calves at any one time at Uphampton Farm, near Leominster, buying two to three week olds calves from local dairy herds and rearing them, for beef, to liveweights of 140kg.

“We looked at four different systems and, at the time, the Holm & Laue had the highest spec.

“We saw it in action on a unit in Yorkshire. And we particularly liked the

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fact that there was no milk left in the pipelines between feeds. It flushed everything through after each visit.”

The system also has quite a bit of tech – producing reports on which calves haven’t fed and which are due to feed.

“That’s a good way to spot, early on, if any calves are off colour or ill. Or if they’ve escaped to another pen!”

She can also programme in up to five different ‘growth curves’ – handy when rearing heifers and bulls, and different breeds.

“This helps us to hit growth targets. We can slow some calves down a little and we can also increase the feed of those that may have suffered a growth check.

It’s a great management tool.”

That said, growth is uniform now among all calves – thanks to using the automatic feeding system. “We rarely have to intervene – health and growth rates are good.

“The system certainly met our expectations – that’s why we invested in two more. They have more than paid for themselves and the quality of our calves has definitely improved.” l

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O V E R A L L S

Name: Location: Herd size: Hobby:

O F F

Mike Keen Melksham, Wiltshire 150 cows Ice skating

Mike Keen: “Ice skating really takes me out of myself”

Ice dancing text Rachael Porter

P

roducer Mike Keen literally ‘turns’ his attention to the tango and the starlight waltz to switch off from the dayto-day pressure of managing his 150-cow herd, based near Melksham. Twice a week he escapes to the local ice rink, at Swindon, to meet skating partner Veronica and, after more than 30 years of enjoying the sport, he certainly knows his chassé from his crossovers.

“I came to skating quite late really – it all started when I was 34 and I took my nieces to the local ice rink for a treat. They were running some courses. It looked fun, so I decided to give it a go,” he says. Today, at 64 years old, he still loves the buzz he gets from the ice and, he says, it keeps him sane and fit.

“In fact it helped me to recover from a farm accident, when I fell off a silage clamp and broke my foot. After a lot of physio, skating really helped to ‘reconnect’ my brain with my feet!”

Mike says that it’s also great for balance and, although dairying is a physical job and keeps him relatively fit, skating uses completely different muscles and keeps him supple. “And it helps to keep the weight off,” he laughs. “Not least because you can’t skate if you’re carrying too much extra bulk.”

He’s been skating with his partner for 20 years and he says that’s helped to prevent serious injury from falls on the ice: “The worst I’ve had are a few bumps and bruises. Veronica and I know if it’s not going smoothly and we will pull out of a move if we think it’s going to end badly. I think farming is more dangerous than ice skating.”

Back in the 1980s, he worked his way through the National Ice Skating Grades to level six – there are 10 in total. “That was as far as I needed to go. I skate for pleasure – not to compete.”

And Mike does take a lot of pleasure from his time on the ice – every Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

“Wednesday evenings are public sessions, but they clear the ice for two 10-minute intervals for ‘ballroom dancing’, which is what Veronica and I do. Thursday morning sessions, which I leave for after the morning milking, are when we have lessons and practice. We have quite a repertoire of dances, after almost two decades of skating together, but it’s also good fun to learn new pieces and sharpen up our technique.”

Mike says that people are really surprised when they find out that he skates. “A neighbour saw me at the rink and went home and said he’d seen someone who looked just like me skating in a pair during one of the intervals. He was shocked when he was told: ‘yes, that was Mike that you saw – not someone who looks like him’.”

Mike loves being on the ice. “It really takes me out of myself and I plan to continue doing it for as long as I can. I don’t do it for anyone else – it’s just for me.”

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Measuring, monitoring and reseeding are key to grazing success

Grass focus turns green into gold It’s plate meter at the ready for another grass-fuelled season on one Cornwall-based unit. We spoke to a producer, who’s spring-calving herd is producing an impressive 85% of total milk production from forage, to find out how he does it. text Rachael Porter

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rass is king on Chris Knowles’ St Ivesbased dairy unit and March sees him preparing for the full swing of summer grazing. He’s already busy with his plate metre and keeping a close eye on the leys, that make up the grazing paddocks on his 110-hectare unit, as well as on his cows.

But it’s not always been this way at Trink Farm. Chris, who farms in

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partnership with his father Robert and wife Rachel, went on a trip to Ireland in 2000 with his local discussion group and what he saw there changed his view of grass forever.

“The producers we visited treated their grass with the precision that we were giving to a TMR and not just turning their cows out into a field to get on with it,” he says.

“Like so many producers, I always had good intentions at the beginning of the year to make more from grass and grazing. But a late or wet spring would knock my confidence, grass quality would get away from me and I’d lose my bottle.”

But he returned from his trip to Ireland resolving to change all that. And today – 17 years later – he’s seeing at least 4,500 litres of the 310-cow Friesian Jersey cross

herd’s 5,500 litre average coming from forage. That’s an impressive 85% from grazed grass and silage.

System switch Chris admits that making such radical changes to his herd feeding and management system was daunting at the time. “Not many producers were taking that route and it felt like I was entering unchartered territory. But our unit’s soil type and topography lent themselves to that kind of set up. I just needed to believe in it and put aside my fears.”

Back in 2000 the predominantly Holstein Friesian NMR-recorded herd was grazed on a semi-set stocking system: “We were rotating, but on low covers. I was playing it safe and not pushing the cows – or the grassland. It certainly wasn’t as well managed as it is today, now we know

Chris Knowles A switch in management system and a renewed focus on grass, including regular reseeding, has yielded some impressive results on this family-run unit.

Herd size: Average yield: Milk from forage: Unit size:

St Ives

310 cows 5,500kg 4,500kg (85%) 110 hectares

exactly what the grass growth rates are.”

Breeding was not too extreme – the cows were more Friesian than Holstein – so Chris began introducing Jersey as well as New Zealand Friesian bloodlines, to gradually produce a cow better suited to a block-spring-calving, grassbased system.

The 10-week calving block starts on February 10 and just weeks into calving, grass also starts to demand Chris’ attention. Throughout the grazing season, his best friend is his plate meter – they take weekly walks together, at the very least. “I measure grass growth religiously – how else can I build of picture of what’s going on and assess the wedge?”

Growth forecast He also uses AgriNet grass software – this gives him information about his grazing paddocks in a format that’s easy to understand and base decisions on. “It creates a visual feed wedge and I can look at demand and supply. That’s been the biggest change for me during the past few years. I wish the technology had been around back in 2000. It would have made life a little easier and taken some of the worry out of moving to a grass-based system.”

The package also allows Chris to input ‘what ifs’ and different scenarios, allowing him to better predict if he’s likely to have too much or too little grass at any stage during the herd’s 25-day rotation. “I can tweak things early – between 10 and 14 days into a rotation – to mitigate issues such as wet or dry weather. If growth is going to slow down,

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Grass-based set up: the unit is surrounded by grazing paddocks, which are linked by cow tracks

I can be ready. And the same if a growth spurt is expected. It’s an invaluable tool.”

Also invaluable are the miles of cow tracks installed across the unit – helping to protect hoof health and allow easy access to all the paddocks that surround the dairy unit. These tracks also help to avoid poaching and prolong the life of the leys.

Good, productive leys – comprising the best grass seed mixtures for grazing and cutting – are just as vital as monitoring grass growth and carefully matching this to grazing rotations.

“The grass has to grow and graze well – the ‘green stuff’ has to produce the ‘white stuff’,” says Chris, who sells his milk to Arla on a solids contract.

After turnout in early March, the herd is grazed until mid-November. Cows may be housed at night from the end of October, depending on autumn conditions. He likes the cows in and dried off just prior to Christmas. Grazed grass is all the cows have, plus a little cake that’s fed at a flat rate in the milking parlour. This is typically 3kg per cow per day – around 800kg per cow per lactation.

Reseeding policy Chris reseeds between 5% and 10% of his grassland each year. “The data I now collect soon highlights any leys that are not preforming as they should. So it’s easy to identify paddocks that need a boost,” he says. He expects his leys to yield an average of 13 tonnes of DM/ha.

“If that figure drops below 10 tonnes, that paddock is definitely considered for reseeding.”

Reseeding is by direct drilling in the spring and mixtures and varieties used recently on his unit include Limagrain’s LGAN Intensive Grazing mixture.

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The LGAN prefix means that this mixture has been formulated to improve animal nutrition and maximise intakes from grazed grass. LGAN mixtures are evaluated across eight parameters: ME, protein, sugar, DNDF, ‘D’ value, drymatter yield, disease resistance and ground cover.

“This mixture has proved to be a highly palatable and digestible tetraploid grass, with outstanding energy content and high sugars and digestible fibre to improve feed efficiency,” says Chris, who drilled three hectares in April 2016.

“And it gave us five lots of grazing with terrific yields.”

The mixture was direct drilled it into an old pasture that had been sprayed off. It had been performing below par and was also weedy. “The cows had their first bite, about 10 weeks after sowing, at the beginning of July and then again at the end of July. They grazed it again at the end of August, the end of September and then for a fifth time at the end of October. And that was all in its first season.”

He says it performed well: “But that’s what I expected. I’m careful with my choice of grass- seed mixture – it’s vital that it performs, consistently, at the level that I require.”

Chris was certainly pleased with its performance, considering the dry conditions in July and August. His grass growth target, per day, is 50kg DM/ha/day and he typically sees between 45 and 65kg DM/ha/day. “When it exceeds the magic 50kg DM mark, I take grass out for silage.”

Grazing tips So what are Chris’ top tips for making the most of rotational grazing? “It’s key to get off to a good start early in the season

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– I can’t emphasise that enough. And if the grass gets away from you, don’t be afraid to cut and bale it and start again.

Sometimes we will pre-mow grass for the cows too,” he says.

“March and April are the tricky months to get through, until you find your feet.

Try not to obsess about each and every blade of grass and worry that you’re running short. Come May, grass growth will be three times faster and you’ll soon find you have the opposite problem.

It’s a mindset thing and it takes some adjusting in your thinking and attitude.

But have faith in the grass.”

Chris also stresses that average-quality grazing is better than top-quality silage: “So resist the temptation to house and buffer feed, unless conditions out there are extremely wet. If you think they’ll be able to graze enough to eat sufficient dry matter, get them out there.

“It’s very much about being brave and trusting the grass. Trickier than it sounds and I was very cautious when I first started this system. And remember that the cows also have to change their mindset. It’ll take time for things to settle.”

Chris is clear, though, about the benefits of running a grass-based system “We’re so much less vulnerable to volatility now – be that low milk prices or high feed costs. Our commitment to spending, although not completely mitigated, is considerably reduced.

“I’m really happy with the performance of the herd and the business and I get a lot of satisfaction from producing such a high percentage of milk from grass.

“I know this system isn’t for everyone, but it works for our cows and land and set up. And I think it will serve to ensure that our business is sustainable for many years to come.” l

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Forage fans: Phillip’s milkers are now producing a higher proportion of milk from grass and silage

Welsh dairy unit takes Dutch approach to improve grass silage quality

Renewed focus on forage Inconsistencies in grass-silage quality prompted one producer to reassess his approach to grass growth and overall forage management. And it was a trip to the Netherlands that really opened up his eyes to ‘home-grown’ potential text James Marshall

F

rustrated with fluctuating forage quality – particularly grass silage – has seen Redwick-based producer Phillip Williams overhaul the production and feeding system at Longlands Farm in South Wales.

Phillip runs the 300-cow herd in partnership with his father, Stuart, and

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older brother John. The family moved to the 122-hectare unit in 2007 and milk is sold to Tesco.

“We run an intensive system, with cows housed all year round and some low yielders going out to graze,” says Phillip.

“The farm’s infrastructure isn’t suited to a grazing-based system and we have

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very heavy clay soil, so keeping them indoors makes much more sense.”

While the herd’s rations consist of many different components, good quality grass silage is the cornerstone of daily feed intake.

The herd is fed a TMR comprising 5.25kg of a blend, 8kg of caustic wheat, 8kg of a combination of brewers’ grains and nutritionally improved straw mix (fed at a 5:1 ratio), 14kg of maize silage and 25kg of grass silage. “Grass silage is a vital element of the ration and it is important that we have the best quality, as it has a direct impact on overall ration quality and cow performance,” says Phillip.

Back in 2013, Philip was fed up with the variable quality of grass silage that he

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Phillip Williams: “Dutch producers take more numerous and smaller cuts of silage”

was producing year on year. Some years were exceptionally good while others were, to say the least, disappointing.

“I was conscious that with so much going on on the farm, maybe the level of attention and detail that should be going in to grass growth wasn’t quite there,” Phillip explains.

He consulted with ForFarmers’ Richard Gibb and he encouraged and supported Phillip to make more of the grass and silage on his farm.

“I’m particularly passionate about helping producers to grow better quality forage,” says Richard. “It is the foundation of most herds’ rations and, if done well, can provide excellent energy for cows and really improve milk yields.

That said, making improvements isn’t easy and it requires a lot of attention to detail, hard work and some financial investment.”

Implementing changes Having discussed options with Richard, Phillip started reseeding old leys with new, high-performing grass varieties.

“One of the ways we refocused our

efforts was to invest in reseeding older leys. After all, if you have made a significant financial investment in a ley, you pay a lot more attention to how well it performs – it has to provide a good return.”

Three years ago, Phillip began using TOPGRASS Silogen – a three-year, shortterm grass ley seed mix, which he hoped would improve the quality and quantity of the grass we grow. “This coming year will be a little different because we are hoping to grow more maize, but we aim to reseed about 20 hectares of grassland each year.”

ForFarmers’ forage specialist Lisa Hambly helps Phillip to decide which varieties are best suited to his unit.

So far the results have been good, with increased grass yields and silage values jumping up by more than 1MJ/kg DM during the past couple of years to an average value of 11.8 ME. “I used to take three cuts off our grass leys, but with the reseeded areas we now take four,” Phillip explains. “First cut is exceptionally good, with grass often reaching to waist height, with plenty of leaf and not too much stem. It provides a good starting point from which to produce the best quality silage.”

Dutch example On the recommendation of Richard Gibb, Phillip went on a ForFarmers trip to The Netherlands in 2016 to gain an insight into how Dutch producers approach forage management.

“The Dutch are renowned for their top-quality forage, so I was keen to see how they did things,” says Phillip. “The obvious difference was the way that they took lots of regular, smaller grass cuts to

Tidy clamp: a tight face prevents secondary fermentation

stimulate grass growth. The amount of attention that went into growing and harvesting grass was inspirational.

“The silage leys on the units that we visited were impressive, with very little stalk, plenty of leaf and high DM levels.

This is exactly the kind of grass that I want to be producing and I was motivated to recreate what I’d seen at home.”

Vital role Alterations to reseeding was only one of the changes that Phillip has made on farm, and a lot of progress has been achieved due to greater attention to detail.

“All the smaller changes soon add up and they help us to achieve the end result we need,” says Phillip.

“When we are ensiling, we make sure that we wrap everything as tight as possible to keep air out – sheeting up with a layer of cling film, then black plastic and heavy duty matting, and topped with tyres.

“When the clamp is open, we use a shear grab to make sure that the face is kept tidy and even, to reduce the risk of secondary fermentation.”

Phillip is pleased with the improvements that have been made on farm during the past few years, but he is keen to push things on even further.

“We are actually going to grow a bit more maize for the cows this year, as we can grow it well here,” he says.

“But grass will always have a vital role on the unit. I am determined to push the quality of our silage and get the ME value above my personal target of 12ME – something that I now think is achievable.” l

Top quality: first cuts, in particular, are now exceptionally good

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Award-winning columnist and Shropshire-based producer Roger Evans’ recent trip to Suffolk saw him prodding ‘plastic’ fields, pestering farmers and pondering production ‘polarisation’.

Farming ‘maps’ I

f you take a three-day break, out of season, there are bargains to be had. In February we went down to Suffolk for three nights. I’d never been down there before, which is an important thing for me because I like to go to new places. It was only just dry and bitterly cold, but it didn’t really matter. You could ‘farm the land’ ok through the car window.

The land had two main features – one third of it was covered with plastic and another third of it was covered with pigs. Not big on arable farming, we didn’t know what was under the plastic so we decided to turn off a main road and go into one of these ‘plastic’ fields and lift the plastic up and have a look. We turned into a gateway and nearly ran a farmer over.

He was going to interrogate us about what we were doing in his field, but he soon found that he was the one being interrogated by two other farmers who wanted to know what was under the plastic. Winter greens and cabbage, and the like, under the plastic to keep the east wind off. Not as interesting as the adjoining field, which he was preparing for yet more pigs.

He had 1,100 sows elsewhere and was preparing this field for another 1,000. He explained that there was a strip of land that overlays sand that stretched right up into Norfolk. It was ideal for outdoor pigs, you could keep pigs on the same field for two years and after two years of pigs you could grow really good wheat crops. Sows were left unsupervised, to farrow in arks, and at 20-something days the little pigs went off to be finished for bacon in straw yards on yet another farm.

When I was at school there was an order to things. Everything was polarised. In geography, there were ‘blobs’ on maps. There was a blob across the centre of Scotland that said ‘coal and ship building’. The blob across South Wales said ‘coal, steel and teachers’. Mind you, when I went to school there was a picture of a sea serpent out in the Bristol Channel that carried the caption: ‘Here be monsters’.

I wonder if we still see farming ‘polarised’ like that? As far as I know, most large-scale pig production is in the east of the country. There are chicken sheds everywhere, but there seems to be a hell of a lot down along the Welsh Borders.

‘They’ reckon there are now more chickens than sheep in the old Welsh county of Radnor. And there’s a hell of a lot of sheep! Whisper it quietly, or preferably whisper it not at all, but they have been able to get big EU grants for chicken sheds in Wales.

And you have been able to get big grants for cubicle sheds and parlours.

So if you thought you were operating on a level playing field, you weren’t. Yet the majority voted to ‘leave’ in Wales. I haven’t worked that out either. I wonder if dairy farming will be similarly polarised.

I wonder if we will end up with 1,000 cow herds situated close to the dairies that supply the liquid market and 1,000 cow spring-calving grazing herds in the west, which supply milk for manufacturing.

I’ve got a feeling we will.

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B R E E D I N G

‘Kiwi’ cows and heifers are thriving on UK units

sires, bred to produce daughters that are ideally suited to grass-

businesses are very much at the mercy of the weather,” he explains, adding that the daughters by Kiwi sires that he saw in the UK actually look better than their New Zealand counterparts. “They have better body condition and are performing well.”

Sue Duffy agrees that the Kiwi genetics are perfectly suited to UK grass-based systems. “Since we previously visited the UK, many more producers have adopted a management system, similar to that used in New Zealand. So there’s a growing place for Kiwi genetics in these herds. And we’ve a lot more sires to offer this year too.”

based systems, are winning favour on some units

‘Trouble-free’ management

Antipodean advantage Two leading breeding specialists from New Zealand have recently visited the UK. Here they explain why they think CRV Ambreed

text Rachael Porter

K

iwi genetics may literally come from the other side of the world – as indeed does New Zealand’s spring-calving grassbased management system – but both are working well on suitable UK units.

And who better to testify to that than CRV Ambreed’s breeding specialists Sue and Mark Duffy.

The Kiwi couple spent a few weeks in early 2017 visiting UK grass-based system units – more than 45 in all. And both were impressed by what they saw

and even go as far as to admit that they were slightly envious of the comparative advantages of producing milk in our climate.

“One of the key differences here in the UK is the ability to be flexible,” says Mark Duffy. “If the weather is particularly bad, cows can be housed – particularly on the shoulders of the grazing season. Few, if any, dairy units in New Zealand have housing facilities – or forage to feed – so herds and

The CRV Ambreed sires that are available transmit ‘trouble-free’ management traits, such as good legs and feet and udders, as well as good fertility. “And they’re particularly good for calving ease. That’s essential in New Zealand where producers are calving a large number of cows and heifers, all in a matter of weeks,” explains Mrs Duffy.

She’s seen cows and heifers by Kiwi sires in UK herds: “They certainly have better coverage than their Kiwi counterparts – but they’re not fat. They’re just in the optimal condition for calving and good fertility. We can still have issues with this in New Zealand, despite the genetics.

Kiwi breeding: cows and heifers, sired

by CRV Ambreed bulls, are becoming increasingly popular in the UK

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I’d say that some sires’ daughters look all the better for being managed on a UK – and therefore less extreme – system.”

“The Kiwi genetics make for superior animals here in the UK, I think. Climatic and management conditions may be slightly different, but they suit the genetics very well indeed.”

Stocking rates are also higher in the UK, mainly due to the flexibility that allows cows to be housed and more easily buffer fed, if necessary. “This has to be better for the grassland, in terms of ley lifespan and productivity because excessive grazing and poaching can be avoided in extremely dry or wet weather. There’s a greater capacity to manage whatever mother nature throws at the unit. Back home, we just don’t have those options.”

This is partly down to herd size.

The average in New Zealand is between 600 and 800 cows – much bigger than the UK. Again, this gives the UK herds an advantage as they’re able to buffer feed and enjoy the benefits of ‘easy to manage’ cows in a less pressured environment.

Growing emphasis Another key difference here, compared to New Zealand, is the type of milk contract producers have. “Back home, producers are all on solids contracts – they’re paid for fat-and-protein yield –

Derbyshire-based producer Paul Dean and breeding specialist Sue Duffy discuss sire selection for his spring-calving herd

not total milk yield. But there is a growing emphasis here in the UK on butterfat and protein yield and some producers are paid on constituent yield only. That said, they’re still a minority.

“The good news is that CRV Ambreed sires offer both high constituents and milk yield to fulfil UK contracts,” says Mr Duffy.

As well as production, functional type (with an emphasis on udders) is also a vital part of the breeding puzzle for cows managed and milked on a grass-based system. So the Kiwi focus, since 2005, has also been on functional-type traits.

Stature and capacity are also vital if animals are to be well suited to a long grazing season and consuming large quantities of grass. “These traits are the focus of the CRV Ambreed programme,” says Mr Duffy. “There were issues with udder attachment in New Zealand. So breeding has concentrated on selecting for stronger ligaments to improve attachment. That’s been fixed quite nicely during the past decade. And, again, UK producers can benefit from these genetic improvements if they use our sires.”

CRV Ambreed’s sires are predominantly Friesian, Jersey and Friesian Jersey crosses. “UK herds can be more selective when selecting sires – they can match on an individual basis, if they choose to. In New Zealand the approach tends to be more sweeping to keep things simple,” he explains.

Sires that are popular in the UK include Maelstrom – a Friesian bull who has also

proved popular in New Zealand. “He’s versatile and offers better-than-average fat and protein, as well as good functional type.”

Stravaganza is a bull better suited for herds taking the pure Friesian route and again he offers good milk constituents and good functional type to produce daughters that perform well on grassbased systems.

Mission – a Friesian cross – is new and hasn’t been used much in New Zealand so far. “UK producers are getting first dibs on him. He offers plenty of fat and protein with good, high milk yield. And he has functional type traits too – the whole package.”

Perfect package Mrs Duffy’s ‘go to’ sire – or her ‘one to watch’ – is Viper: “I’m particularly excited about him and what he can offer to UK grassland-based producers. He’s a cross-bred – 11 parts Friesian and five parts Jersey – and, on paper, he offers the perfect package. He’s positive for protein, fat and fertility. And he promises to sire daughters with good body capacity and udder conformation.

I really like him. He’s a genomic bull – he’s not daughter proven yet. But I think he’s going to cause quite a stir.”

What’s also exciting about him is that he’s available in the UK, but not yet in New Zealand. “UK producers will get the first bite of the cherry. That’s a first and shows the level of confidence and commitment that we have to our sires and their suitability to the UK market.” l

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G R A S S L A N D

S P E C I A L

Home-grown protein: crop options to reduce bought-in feed costs. Page 26 Maximum output: tips on producing more milk from grassland and forage on your unit Page 28 Ley life: reseeding and management advice to improve persistency. Page 30 What’s new? Forage-product launches to help improve efficiency. Page 32

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G R A S S L A N D

S P E C I A L

Is it time you tapped into the benefits of home-grown protein?

Cut costs and boost silage quality Choosing the right forage protein crop for your system could help to reduce ration costs and improve soil fertility. We spoke to an agronomist and a producer to find out more. text Matt Mellor

L

egume crops used as a means of boosting soil nitrogen and dietary protein are increasingly relevant to for dairy producers, not least in an era of milk price and feed market volatility.

Looking at ways to grow forage protein on farm as a way of reducing costs by limiting reliance on bought in feed has got to be well worth it, according to Germinal’s Helen Mathieu. “Forage proteins fit well with the need to reduce production costs and get more from home-grown forage,” she says. “It’s becoming far more relevant to every farming

system to reduce costs across the board.”

Forage protein crops come in various guises. Many used in agriculture are legumes, which have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. Their ability to fix around 150kg of nitrogen per hectare from the air provides a source of nitrogen for the plant and benefits soil fertility.

Cost savings And this means that they fit particularly well in a crop rotation, bringing benefits to the following crop. Some protein forages also have the potential to deliver as much as 20% crude protein, making

Helen Mathieu: “Lucerne and red clover both work well as a high-protein silage”

them an effective means of reducing ration costs.

Work carried out by AHDB Dairy showed that including the legume lucerne as an alternative protein source in dairy diets could offer some savings in purchased protein costs. When lucerne was incorporated with maize (60% lucerne, 40% maize), soyabean meal and urea requirements fell by 0.6kg/cow/day and 0.12kg/cow/day, respectively, resulting in 23.6p/cow/day saving in feed costs.

Home-grown source: TMR costs can be reduced if there is less reliance on bought-in protein

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Achieving the optimum protein and energy balance Cheshire-based producer David Symms believes that red clover and Aber High Sugar Grasses (Aber HSG) are the perfect mix for high quality silage and a balanced ration for his 220-cow herd.

“It provides a balance of energy from the grass and protein from the red clover and has certainly helped us cut back on bought-in protein,” he says.

During the past eight years David, with help from wife Rosemary and son Stuart, has made a conscious effort to boost silage quality and milk from forage at their Tarporley-based unit. This has involved introducing red clover and Aber HSG leys to silage ground, placing greater emphasis on consolidation at silage making, regular soil testing and reseeding grazing ground.

He believes an increase in the quality of home-grown feed has not only helped reduce the amount of protein blend fed in the diet by about 1kg a day per head, but also maintained cow performance.

“We’ve reduced bought-in feed and maintained yields and, more importantly, maintained milk quality as well. Quality silage has also helped with fertility. Our

Kingshay’s Peter Shipton agrees that forage protein has a role in driving down ration costs. “Overall, when you look at the ration, it is always going to be cheaper when there are higher levels of forage protein.

Grow well Certainly, for growing cattle, if you have a 14% protein silage it’s not enough to grow frame on its own, so you need bought-in protein. Whereas if you have a silage with between 15.5% and 16% protein you can save on bought-in protein,” he says.

However, he emphasises that forages are Lucerne silage offers higher protein

calving index was 420 days two years ago, but is now under 400.”

The herd, which is averaging 8,300 litres at 4.04% fat and 3.3% protein, is fed a simple ration fed through a forage box. During the winter, high yielders, rationed for maintenance plus 22 litres, received 36kg grass silage, 6kg whole crop, 3.6kg of a 26% protein blend and 3kg of golden malt syrup. The herd is then fed to yield through the parlour with up to 7kg of concentrate per head.

The farm runs across 143 hectares with dedicated silage and grazing ground. On silage ground, three-year grass leys are in rotation with winter wheat. Typically, 45 hectares are taken for first cut and 18.5 hectares of winter wheat are grown for wholecrop.

Around half of silage ground is currently down to red clover and Aber HSG ryegrasses. The current red clover mix includes AberEve, AberClyde, Merviot, Rodrigo and Rosetta, sown at a rate of 29.5kg/hectare. A mix of Aber HSG hybrid tetraploids and intermediate diploids – such as AberEve, AberEcho, AberMagic and AberGreen with or

sward mixture grass + artificial N (200kg N/ha/year) grass + traditional white clover grass + modern white clover

total DM (t/ha/3 yrs) 28.7 24.1 32.8

Table 1: Dry matter benefits of including modern white clover in grass mixtures (source: IBERS Aberystwyth University)

only ‘cheap’ if grown well. He believes growing forage protein on farm is about taking a long-term view, based on the inevitable volatility in bought-in feed prices.

Ms Mathieu says lucerne and red clover both work well as a high-protein silage for cows, young stock and finishing beef.

“Lucerne is also high in fibre so it can provide the ‘scratch factor’ and act as a good rumen conditioner. It feeds well incorporated into maize diets,” she adds.

Chicory may not be a legume, but it produces a useful, high yielding crop suitable for grazing. Chicory and legumes, like lucerne and red clover, also have large tap roots that can be beneficial to soil structure.

Ms Mathieu says the varying attributes and agronomy of forage proteins means that producers should make decisions on

David Symms: “Improved home-grown feed quality has helped to maintain performance”

without red clover AberClaret – have also been used. The 33-hectare grazing platform includes a mix of late and intermediate diploid and tetraploid Aber HSG. Between three and four silage cuts are taken each year and 2016’s third cut, which included a higher proportion of red clover, averaged 34% dry matter, 13.8% protein, 70 D-value and 11.6ME. Additional reseeding with the red clover mix is on-going, to further increase the emphasis on red clover and help in the drive to raise milk from forage to a target 60%.

which crop to grow based on individual farm conditions and requirements.

“Look at where you can start building protein crops into a rotation, if that fits with your system.

“When growing any crop, it’s important to pick the right field and grow it well. It’s also not just about getting the soil right, but growing enough of the crop to make sure you see the benefits in the ration.”

Crop choices Firstly, producers should think about which group of stock they want to feed the forage to and how it’s going to be fed.

Will it be clamped with other forages or is it possible to clamp it separately or bale it and feed strategically?

“You need to ensure the crop is grown in appropriate ground conditions with a pH of 6-6.5 and good P and K indices,” adds Ms Mathieu.

As a first step into growing legumes, she suggests that some producers might consider starting by incorporating white clover into grass leys, if they aren’t doing so already (see Table 1). “Incorporating white clover can make a big difference to soils and silage. You can get 150kgN/ha of fixed nitrogen in a ley with 30% white clover,” she adds. l

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S P E C I A L

Making more from grazed grass and silage is key to a sustainable business

‘Simple’ route to success With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and continued price volatility, producers need to keep their grassland management systems as simple as possible to retain – and enhance – future profitability. We spoke to some producers to find out more text Sara Gregson

T

he level of detail producers go into when selecting the grasses they will grow in their fields varies enormously. There are those who want to know every single detail of every variety, referring closely to the Recommended Grass and Clover List, which is published each year. And there are those who buy a mixture straight off their local merchant’s shelf – happy that it will do what it says on the packet.

Indeed, mixture selection can be complicated – but can be simple too, according to Oliver Seeds’ Rod Bonshor. “For grazing the aim is to produce grass of consistent high quality for as long as possible. Lateheading perennial ryegrasses, like

Cancan and Pastour, are the clear winners for this, because they grow longer than early- or mid-heading varieties, before the stem elongates and the plant sends up a reproductive seed head.

“For cutting, Italian rye-grasses are king – producing ‘bulk’ and quality. But I would always add some hybrid rye-grass in a mixture for any leys expected to persist for more than two years. In a dry summer, Italians can suddenly head and having hybrids in there will make the sward less ‘gappy’.

“Of course, sowing the right varieties is one thing and managing them is quite another. Keeping things simple is usually the best way to go.”

Michael and Claire Colwell run a 300-

cow pedigree Jersey herd on a county council tenancy at Scorrier, near Redruth in Cornwall.

Tightly block calved from 1 March to 1 June, the Colwells aim to produce 60% of the 5,300 litres per cow per year from forage and, in particular, grazing.

The cows consume 1.2 tonnes of concentrate and achieve an average of 5.4% butterfat and 3.9% protein. Milk is sold to Arla and made into Cornish clotted cream.

Good grazers “The cows are good grazers,” says Michael. “I offer them fresh feed every 12 hours and they won’t come back to that field for some time to allow it to recover. I do not measure the grass but there is a rough rotation sketched out on the calendar.

“Towards the end of May, I pre-mow three to four day’s worth of grazing, which resets the quality in the fields ready for when the seasonality payments start to rise in July.”

Turnout is from the beginning of March and, on the free-draining light land, the cows can still be out in mid December.

“As soon as they are fully housed the milk in the bulk tank drops – no matter how good the silage being fed is,” he says.

Leys are reseeded every five to six years, in mid April, with mixtures of late heading perennial rye-grasses, such as Century or Celt. After they have been desiccated with glyphosate, they are ploughed and cultivated before seedling weeds are sprayed off two to three weeks later. The grass mixture is then broadcast and spring tined and rolled. By early June the cows are grazing it.

“There is nothing complicated about the way we do things,” says Michael. “Cake is fed in the parlour and grass silage is fed out into long troughs in winter. It all seems to work out well and we make money from our milk, as well as selling surplus heifers and any cows that calve after 1 June.”

Silage system Ten years ago, Nuffield scholar Paul Richards, from Splattenridden Farm in Cornwall, had a ‘light bulb’ moment

Self-feeding: one of Paul Richard’s cows helps herself to grass silage

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Rod Bonshor: “Keeping things simple is the way to go”

Ben Jacobs: “Our simple grass-based system is profitable”

that completely changed his farming system.

At nine o’clock one morning, he saw his low-cost, rotational-grazing neighbour turn his cows out: “And tha t was all his jobs done until afternoon milking.

I, on the other hand, had four hours of dealing with slurry and feeding out a TMR with my feeder wagon. And, despite working incredibly hard, I wasn’t making any money.”

Despite having high yielding Holsteins, Paul knew that he wasn’t making the most of his grass. “So we made a ‘U’ turn towards paddock grazing and self-feed silage.”

Previously calving all year around, Paul decided to switch to autumn-block calving, from September to November.

A new swing-over parlour was installed at the end of 2008 and tracks have been built across the unit. Cows are normally out by day from the end of January and come back inside at the beginning of

Michael Colwell: “We have a rough rotation on the calendar”

November. Grass growth is measured every Monday by contract farm manager Ben Jacobs, and the data is analysed using AgriNet. The fields usually produce 12t DM/ha, with 80% utilisation.

Strip grazed The self-feed silage system has been revolutionary in reducing the time and cost of feeding conserved forage during the short 90-day winter.

Paul and Ben are members of the South West Vertical Grazing Group, run by independent grassland consultant Luppo Diepenbroek. They have three self-feed silage pits – one for mature cows, one of in-calf heifers and one for the baby calves, which are kept outdoors from when they are a few days old.

“I couldn’t believe that you can keep baby calves outside, so I tried with just 10 to start with and it worked really well,” says Paul. “This year all 73 are strip grazed across a paddock, with

Paul Richards: “We now keep young calves outside”

access to a 66-centimetre high silage face and a barn if they want to shelter.”

The heifers have a taller 168-centimetre pit of grass, taken from the surplus growing on the grazing platform, inside the cubicle house.

Meanwhile the 330 cows have 24-hour access to both sides of a 24-metre wide silage bunker of first- and secondcut silage and an additional 17-metre wide pit filled with maize silage. The face is 200cm tall and the cows bring the higher feed down to the ground so that a tractor does not have to.

They are fed concentrates to yield in the parlour.

“We now run a simple system based on grass that is profitable – in times of poor milk prices and in good,” adds Paul, who sells his milk to Dairy Crest. It is processed into cheese at Davidstow.

“Actually it’s not about what we spend any more – it’s what we don’t spend that has turned this unit around.” l

‘Early’ turnout: Paul Richard’s young calves strip graze behind a fence in February

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S P E C I A L

Is there life in the old ley yet?

Breathe more – and new – life into grass leys How can you lengthen the life span or persistency of your leys

two leading UK grassland specialists for some answers. text Sara Gregson & Karen Wright

P

oor yields from old swards can hold back grass quantity and quality. So re- and over-seeding are often well worth the investment, according to DLF’s technical manager David Rhodes.

“In fact, AHDB Dairy data shows that a two-year-old ley yielding 13.5t DM/ ha at 12MJ/kg ME, will drop to 11.2t DM/ha and 11.5MJ/kg by year five.

Cows eating the same pasture will not be producing as much milk, or will need additional forages or concentrates to keep producing at similar levels.”

Research carried out at DLF’s UKbased breeding station, at Didbrook in Gloucestershire, has looked at how long grass species persist in a ley.

Plots sown each year since 2014 clearly show the difference between westerwolds, for example, and Italian ryegrasses that produce high yields in their first two years and then die, compared to those that do not peak as high, but persist for much longer (see Figure 1).

is essential,” says Mr Rhodes. “Walking across a field after seedbed preparation should just leave footprints behind. If the feet sink in than it needs another Cambridge roll.”

Suggested seed rates for fine and ‘crumbly’ ground are 32kg/ha, and on ‘cobbly’ and heavier soils is should be around 39kg/ha. Once established, perennial ryegrasses which have been ‘bred to be fed’ will respond to fertiliser nitrogen. The new RB209, which has been renamed the ‘Nutrient Management Guide’ and will be launched at Grass and Muck 2017 by AHDB, suggests around 2.5kg/ha/day is needed throughout the season.

Italian ryegrass

hybrid ryegrass

perennial ryegrass

30 grass lenght (t DM/ha)

and what are the benefits of reseeding? We spoke to

westerwold

24 18 12 6 0

year 1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 year 6

Figure 1: Results from UK trials showing how long specific grass species persist

Mr Rhodes also reminds producers to check the soil indices for phosphate (P) and potash (K) and top them up, if required, to ensure good root systems and high yields.

“Also key to persistence is to avoid ‘abuse’,” he says. “Hoof damage and poaching from cows grazing in wet conditions and mowing below 7.6cm will both lead to ‘open’ swards and bare soils where weeds will invade.

“Conversely, if looked after well, leys

Establishment method “The length of time a species persists is reflected in the type of mixtures producers sow,” says Mr Rhodes.

He explains that westerwolds and Italian ryegrasses are ideally suited to cutting regimes, with yield potentials easily exceeding 20t DM/ha, whereas mixtures of perennial ryegrasses are designed to live for five years or more.

Grass varieties have an inherent persistence, but how the mixtures are established and managed makes the biggest difference to the productive life of a ley. “Preparing a fine seedbed

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David Rhodes: “Look after them well and leys can last for seven years – or longer”

Ian Misselbrook: “Long-term mixtures include more persistent grass species”

comprising new varieties of perennial ryegrass can persist and remain productive for seven years or more. And more traditional grass species, such as cocksfoots and timothys, can still be performing a decade after sowing. These are quicker to ‘get going’ in spring and take longer to stop growing. They offer early and late grazing opportunities.”

to buy expensive bought-in feeds,” adds Mr Rhodes.

To maximise ley life, the choice of grassseed mixture must suit the purpose.

That’s the key message from Limagrain’s grass seed manager Ian Misselbrook.

“Highly productive short- and mediumterm mixtures won’t be productive for eight years or more. Conversely, longterm leys mixtures won’t respond as well to intensive production systems,” he says.

“Grass-seed mixtures have become more sophisticated and there are significant gains to be made by making the right choice,” he adds. “When it comes to longterm leys, growers have to accept that there will be a compromise. Production will be lower, but persistency will be much higher.”

A long-term ley can reach a life expectancy of between eight and 10 years and it can be an ideal choice for more extensive

Significant rewards With estimates for reseeding costing anything between £400 and £650 per hectare, depending on the level of cultivation, the investment could actually be as little as £57 per hectare per year for a perennial ryegrass sward. “And the rewards can be significant – namely higher yielding, nutritious leys that the cows will love to graze, or eat as silage, and perform well on. And, just as importantly, there will be a reduced need

Reseeding decisions: select a grass-seed mixture that will extend the productive life of leys

farming systems, possibly with grazing pastures for dry cows, young stock or just pastures that are difficult to plough or cultivate.

“These long-term mixtures will include more persistent species,” adds Mr Misselbrook. “Species like Timothy, which contribute to early-spring and midsummer production, as well as winter hardiness. Timothy thrives in wetter and heavier soil types and, unlike most species, it is more productive in year two than year one – and it will keep going year-on-year.

“Cocksfoot is another species used in long-term leys. It is drought tolerant and, while it doesn’t have great palatability, it performs best when grazed very hard.

Advances in plant breeding are now resulting in varieties with softer leaves.”

Persistent production Mr Misselbrook considers that modern derivatives of the benchmark long-term grass-seed mixture, known as Cockle Park, are worth considering. Cockle Park was developed by, and named after, the Northumbria-based research station. It includes hardy persistent species like Timothy, Cocksfoot, fescues and smoothstalked meadow grass plus clovers.

“On the other hand, Castlehill is an exceptional, modern dual-purpose longterm mixture that can reach production levels that are almost equal to a mediumterm ley, but with the persistence of a long-term ley.

“It is a mixture of mid-season and later heading perennial ryegrasses and Timothy. The Scottish and Northern Ireland version also includes Meadow Fescue, which is highly persistent and yields well in lower fertility soils and is well suited to harsher climates.

“It will typically persist for around eight years, but growers should evaluate its production annually and if this has dropped to unacceptable levels then a full reseed, or a pasture renovation, should be considered.”

Mr Misselbrook points out that achieving this ‘extended’ ley life isn’t just down to the mixture. “Soil pH must be checked at least once every two years and maintained at between 6 and 6.5 and any nutrient deficit corrected. And compaction and drainage issues should also be addressed to ensure good exchange of nutrients and root development. Grazing leys will tend to last longer compared to those subjected to intensive silage production, year on year. These will have a shorter productive lifespan, even where the most persistent grass seed mixtures are being grown.” l

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G R A S S L A N D

S P E C I A L

Wrapping system, fodder beet varieties and silage inoculant

Boost forage performance We highlight just a few of the latest products to hit the market, which promise to help increase crop yields and quality and – most importantly – milk production from forage. text Rachael Porter

1 Fodder beet varieties

raise the bar

The latest genetics and advancements in plant breeding are shown off at their best in Limagrain’s two new fodder beet varieties, which are available to growers for the spring 2017 sowing season and will provide a high energy and dry matter feed from autumn onwards for dairy and beef cattle.

“If a fresh yield above 100 tonnes per hectare combined with a dry matter content above 20% appeal, then the fodder beet varieties Brick and Tarine will tick the boxes,” says Limagrain’s Martin Titley.

UK trial results recently published show that the relative dry matter yield of Brick was 17% above the control variety Magnum, and Tarine was 8% higher. These values, based on three years of data, topped the table of the 14 fodder beet varieties trialled.

With a dry matter yield of 22.2 tonnes per hectare, Brick can produce 3.72 tonnes per hectare more than the average for the trial, while Tarine, with a dry matter yield of 20.1 tonnes per hectare, outstrips the trial average by 1.6 tonnes per

hectare. Brick is a white, smooth skinned variety that stores well and is rhizomania tolerant. It is a deep-rooted variety and best lifted with a sugar beet harvester.

Brick is also ideal for anaerobic digestion.

Tarine is shallower rooted and it has good leaf size; both features that help with harvesting and make it possible to use leaf lifting machinery. It produces clean pink roots and is also rhizomania tolerant.

“Both Brick and Tarine provide high dry matter and high energy feed – typically between 12.5 and 13.5MJ/kg of dry matter – for dairy and beef cattle,” adds Mr Titley.

Sown in April, they are harvested from October and can be fed in a total mixed ration or ad lib with maize silage.

2 Silage inoculant offers increased energy content

Producers can increase the energy content of their grass silages with the launch of a silage inoculant that shifts fermentation patterns to increase levels of acetic acid and, uniquely, create a supply of propylene glycol. Called Bonsilage Fit G, this innovative product is made by German manufacturer Schaumann Agri, and marketed in the UK by Realistic Agri.

1

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In a trial carried out at Schaumann’s research farm in north Germany, in conjunction with the University of Göttingen, treating grass silage with this inoculant decreased levels of residual sugars and tripled the level of propylene glycol in the silage from 13.7g/kg DM to 43.3g/kg DM. On feeding the treated and untreated silages in rations to transition cows, the Bonsilage-treated ration reduced the BHB concentrations in the blood.

This indicated improved energy status of the cow and a reduced risk of ketosis.

As well as boosting energy content, the inoculant also adds aerobic stability to silages.

3 Wrapper upgrade simplifies loading

KUHN Farm Machinery has upgraded the loading arm on its RW 1610 trailed bale wrapper, with a hydraulically operated width-adjuster that makes it easier to handle misshaped or over- and under-sized bales.

The self-loading round bale wrapper is capable of handling bales up to 1,200kg in weight and with a diameter of up to 150cm. Featuring a rotating wrapping table equipped with four drive belts, the RW 1610 also boasts a fully automated loading function for faster bale handling and wrapping.

The machine can auto-load and carry a second bale while the previous bale is still being wrapped. It also simplifies the loading of bales, which aren’t perfectly aligned with the baler’s approach, and makes it easier and less time-consuming to drive from one bale to the next.

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NUTRITIONAL NEWS

Focus on forage inputs leads to increased herd performance

e and a mers offers knowledge, expertis additive ange of seed, fertiliser and forage y. cts to improve feed and forage efficienc n utilisatio he correct management and feeding gh effective cutting, grazing and have a gies, modern seed varieties can ficant impact on farm profitability.

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grass, legume, e range of forage additives to treat ves for crimp, ecrop and maize silages as well as preservati MR, cereal grains and slurry treatment

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take full advantage of all aintain quality and productivity and ForFarmers, where modern agronomy has to offer contact seed varieties for optimal believe it is vitally important to select fertiliser to maximise ity and performance, choose the correct improve feed efficiency. d and use specific forage additives to

845 070 6280 nfo.forage@forfarmers.eu www.forfarmers.co.uk

Forage Guide 2017

The best way to maximise the return from grass is to apply the correct balance of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur, according to ForFarmers’ fertiliser products manager Paul Coupe.

However, while sulphur improves N

utilisation, and is often deficient in grassland, other nutrients can be provided by Nutri-Booster fertiliser.

Sodium can improve grass palatability; selenium can boost cow fertility; and magnesium is important for spring turnout because it helps to both guard against grass staggers and boost chlorophyll production in the plant.

And it doesn’t end there, as ForFarmers’ forage products manager Robert Goodhead explains: “Improving the utilisation of what is grown with effective field and clamp management is something that all producers should do. Whether it’s reducing DM losses during fermentation and storage, or reduced heating and waste at feed-out, choosing the right silage additive is important.”

ForFarmers has a wide range of products for increased animal output, milk production or live-weight gain, each with different benefits, which our forage specialists can advise on and are detailed in the Forage Guide 2017. For more information, or a copy of ForFarmers’ Forage Guide contact customer services on 0845 070 6280.

Latest grass varieties and mixtures improve production ForFarmers has updated its TOPGRASS mixtures for 2017 to include the new varieties on the grass and clover recommended list from leading plant breeding programmes.

These are higher yielding and better quality, delivering better utilisation of fertiliser to boost grassland productivity and animal output, says ForFarmers’ Mel Digger. “The range includes the latest high-sugar grasses and maximum fibre digestibility varieties to increase intake potential to support extra milk production or improved live-weight gains. Every 1% in DNDF results in 0.25 litres milk/ cow/day, while high sugar grasses can increase milk production over the grazing season by 6%.”

Since the TOPGRASS range was launched in 2016 there have been many success stories and plenty of

positive feedback, resulting in one farm winning the ForFarmers’ ‘Forage Manager of the Year’ award. “This shows that grass seed mixes, selected using the best varieties available from plant breeders can have a positive impact on achieving good levels of production,” adds Ms Digger.

Markets look for direction Despite Sterling remaining relatively stable against both the US Dollar and the Euro, things may change during the coming months. French, German and Dutch elections this year may yet throw up surprise results, which could affect the value of the Euro.

And news from the US continues to dominate the headlines, so expect continued volatility.

When considering the soya market, the focus remains on the South American weather. The Funds are still defending their long position of holding stocks, in the hope of disruption to this supply chain during the coming months. On the whole the weather is favourable at the moment, but Sterling’s valuation is having an impact on the UK buyer.

Rapemeal has firmed recently, mainly due to increased demand and poor crush margins. Old crop is unlikely to ease too much, but it is anticipated that from August onwards values may ease, particularly if we see the soya market lower. All mid-proteins represent reasonable value currently, particularly compared to soya.

Old crop sugarbeet is in short supply and, therefore, expensive.

Soya hulls look good value for money for the summer and winter, particularly considering Sterling’s current level.

The UK wheat market is a tale of two halves. Old crop is firm and likely to remain so, as demand remains strong from feed and bioethanol plants. A stronger than usual export market, due to Sterling’s weakness against the Euro, isn’t helping. New crop is looking for direction. Demand is unlikely to be the main driver, but values could possibly drift lower as we move towards harvest, unless there are any issues with production.

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01308 868 337 £449Tel: + VAT £449 + VAT Mob: 07973 444 140

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www.cosycalf.co.uk Delivery £50 + VAT to mainland UK mandy@cosycalt.co.uk Tel: 01308 868 337 Tel: 01308 868 337 Delivery £50 + VAT to mainland UK Mob: 07973 444 140 Mob: 07973 444 140 www.cosycalf.co.uk www.cosycalf.co.uk Cosy Calf Ltd mandy@cosycalt.co.uk mandy@cosycalt.co

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With the use of calf jackets you can make significant savings on feed, medication and bedding costs, by better conversion of energy to growth rather than warmth and reduce the risk of pneumonia and scours from chills and draughts.

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36 0

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09-03-17 16:51

H E A LT H

Vets and producers urged to identify potential risk factors for Johne’s disease

Assessing risk key to control At the recent Johne’s disease conference, the challenge was set for the industry to progress to the second phase of the national control plan. But what progress has been made so far and where do vets and producers need to focus their attention? text Ben Bartlett

A

s the second phase of the national Johne’s disease control plan is rolled out, there’s increased emphasis on ensuring that producers are engaged with one of the six control strategies, set out in the plan. Producers need to understand the risk factors that could allow Johne’s disease to enter and spread within their herd.

More than 85% of British herds have signed up to the National Johne’s Management Plan through their milk buyers. For these producers, this second phase requires a declaration from a vet who has completed the British Cattle Veterinary Association training course.

And this declaration will show that the producer has an appropriate and robust Johne’s management plan in place, given the farm-specific risks established through the assessment.

Risk assessments National Milk Laboratories’ vet adviser Eamon Watson is confident that many producers have already responded to the call to control Johne’s on a national level. “Data taken from the NML database, which covers the majority of British herds, shows that more than 35% have engaged in individual-cow testing through NML during the past 12 months.

And there are a number of other labs that offer Johne’s disease testing, so the true national figure will be much higher.

There will also be a number of herds that have a valid Johne’s control plan in place without regular testing,” he says.

Key to progress in encouraging producer engagement in Johne’s disease control has been the completion of risk assessments by producers with their vet

relative risks

Figure 1: The assessment of relative risks of Johne’s spread across 300 herds

Healthy cows: many herds have already begun to put a plan in place to tackle Johne’s disease

38

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

cow to calf

milk& colostrum

youngstock

adult

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10-03-17 11:15

Emily Baxter: “We have used the riskassessment process to keep herds on track with Johne’s disease control”

to assess the effectiveness of control plans. Vet Emily Baxter, from Wiltshirebased Drove Farm Vets, has used NML’s risk-assessment tool to good effect. The tool, provided through the MyHealthyHerd management system, assesses the risk of Johne’s disease entering a herd and the risk of spread on farm. And it provides a prediction of future disease levels, based on test results from the herd and the findings from the risk assessment.

“We have used the risk-assessment process to keep herds on track with Johne’s disease control,” says Miss Baxter.

“The risk assessment questionnaire has been a useful tool in helping our vets and clients to target Johne’s on farm. It has allowed us to address the risks of disease entry and spread for each herd and to tailor control measures for individual clients.”

Clear picture The practice runs an active producer discussion group. “We launched the questionnaire at one of our ‘dairy early warning’ club meetings and, since then, many producers have found it beneficial to get a clear picture of not only their current Johne’s status, but also a predicted future prevalence of the disease in their herd based on their current control measures. Having this means that we are able to identify

Calf hygiene: good management at calving reduces Johne’s ‘risk’

and help producers who need to put additional control measures in place.”

Looking at the risk-assessment findings, Miss Baxter discovered that although the analysis from many of the practice’s herds showed that robust controls were in place with respect to colostrum management and feeding, the area of most concern was often the calving pen and management of high-risk cows.

“This is particularly relevant as a high proportion of Johne’s disease infection occurs in a calf’s first few weeks of life.”

The results from the assessments, completed by Drove Farm Vets, mirror the data from 300 risk assessments completed by NML during the past four months. Figure 1 shows that cow-to-calf transmission is by far the key risk area for Johne’s control, which has been highlighted by the risk assessments.

Addressing this risk on farm isn’t always

NMR HerdWise Best Practice competition open for entries Now in its third year, the HerdWise Best Practice competition is open for entries. This competition is designed to recognise ‘best practice’ in Johne’s control. Entrants must complete an application form and short-listed farms will then be visited by the chairman of the Johne’s Action Group,

Lyndon Edwards; and vet Karen Bond.

The winner will be presented with the award at the NMR/RABDF Gold Cup open day, at Pilsdon Dairy Farm near Bridport in Dorset, on June 28.

The winner will receive a silver plate, a hamper and a cheque for £500.

Application form: www.nmr.co.uk

easy and a clear policy involving all farm staff is required to ensure careful management both at and around calving. But taking some simple steps can make a difference. Examples include recognising high-risk cows through repeated testing and identify them with a red tag. This will ensure that all farm staff can identify these cows and segregate them at calving.

Colostrum feeding Good hygiene in and around the calving area is also key to reducing risk. Clean, dry bedding and frequent cleaning and disinfection of calving pens is vital – and not just for Johne’s disease control.

Attention to colostrum feeding is also important. When feeding replacement heifer calves, producers must use colostrum from low-risk cows.

On an increasing number of units there are signs that producers are tightening the noose on Johne’s disease. But the challenge is to maintain a continued reduction of prevalence to a point where Johne’s disease is no longer a cause of health and production losses on farm.

Ensuring that every producer recognises the risk of disease entry and spread is a critical first step. Not only will this improve the health status of British herds, but it will also make a difference as the industry looks to take advantage of new market opportunities both at home and abroad. l

C OC WOMWA M NAN GA E M G EE M N TE NMT A SRECPHT /E AMPBREI RL 22 00 01 97

CM02_NMR feature.indd 39

39

10-03-17 11:15

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06/03/2017 20:49:38 09-03-17 13:52

BREEDING INFORMATION

CRV Ambreed reveals NZ bull ‘teams’ for spring 2017 As no herd is average, CRV can tailor CRV Ambreed genetics to suit your breeding goals.

The ‘team’ concept is designed to help producers to achieve their goals faster, and with the minimum of fuss, by putting a framework around a successful breeding plan and taking control of the genetics in your herd without increasing the level of risk.

Using a team approach allows producers to tap into the full genetic potential of all the sires available from CRV Ambreed.

A specific breeding strategy can also help solve cow problems and achieve target objectives.

For example, will create a GENEthese TICteams PROF E OF higher value milk product IL this PERSONALISEDand LL means a greater return on BU genetic Breeding Indicators

The genetic profile of a ‘personalised’ Holstein Friesian team NZMI BW BW Rel Long LiveWt % Hlth % Eff 168 udders 115 offers: capacity, protein, fertility, strong and58.2plenty 96 173 2 5 44 -7 18 56.6 of milk volume. Key sires in the CRV Ambreed team include: Prod BV

OAD

BA

1205

Milk (lts) Prot (kg) Prot (%) BV 990 33.8 3.7 BA 736 19.5 3.6

Fat (kg)

Management & Health

Fertility

BCS

1.9

SCS

0.05

-0.15

BV BA

Fat (%)

26.2

4.4

11.0

4.3

Calving Diff 2.2

Shed Traits

1040

-0.09 0.02

Milking Speed

0.01 -0.02

Overall Opinion

0.04 0.12

Conformation

30

130 dtrs TOP

Stature

1.08 1.08

Capacity

Gest Length Res Surv ival

0.35 0.09

Rump Angle

-144

0.17 -0.01

Rump Width

-15

0.47 0.41

Legs

-0.16 -0.08

Udder Support

on weighted breed averag

e of the team

0.69 0.37

Front Udder

0.54 0.21

Rear Udder

0.53 0.28

Front Teat

OFILE OF YOUR PERSONALISED BU LL TEAM

CODE

SOURCE

28 dtrs, 8 herds

16.3

3.90533 15.4 0273 20 4.0 10.5

7.5

EmaiMan l agem

Fat (%)

BCS

Signature

SCS

Calving Diff

Breed Averages are based

$0.00

Quotation valid for 14 10 dtrs TOP days from the date of the quote. This quotati Statu accordance re CRVs standa with on is supplied rd Terms & Conditions, CRV’s website www.c a copy of which is availab in -0.03 rv4all.co.nz le on -0.17

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0.18 0.15

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-0.04 -0.07

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0.14 0.01

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0.06 0.07

Udder Support

on weighted breed averag

e of the team

0.37 0.03

Front Udder

0.33 0.03

Rear Udder

0.32 0.08

Front Teat

CRV Ambreed Genomic Evaluation Run 18/02 /2017

SOURCE

• Roma Murmur Kingpin • Ruani Terific Diesel • Puketawa King Connacht

InSire

Production

Mobile BV -148 Phone -637 Email

BA

(kg) Prot Sue(%) DuffFat y (kg) 0273 4.1 05332018.4

7.9

-11.1

9

-57.7

FIEL D CON Milk (lts) SUL ProtTANT

4.1 Sue.d

Fat (%) 5.3

-3.3

Fat & Prot (kg)

5.4

Breed Averages are based

26.3 -14

Gest Length Res Surv ival

2.6 This Jersey team’s average breeding values are: milk –148kg, protein 7.9kg 0.08 -0.34 -1.9 -2.7 1.1 0.00 -0.04 (+4.1%), fat 18.4kg (+5.3%), 26.3kg combinedBA fat and protein,-2.3fertility -0.7 2.6, body condition score 0.08, somatic cell score –0.34, calving ease –1.9, gestation length –2.7, longevity 297, live weight –51.6, udder 0.72, health 7%, and efficiency 9%.

BV

1262

1068

Management & Health uffy@crv4all.co.nz SignFertil ature ity BCS SCS Calvi ng Diff

-11 -21

e of the team

CRV Ambreed Genomic Evaluation Run 18/02 /2017 PO Box 176, Hamilton | P 07 856 7500 | Fax 07 859 3513 www.crv4all.co.nz | enqu iries@crv4all.co.nz CODE BRD FULL NAM BETTER COWS | BET E TER 312501 LIFE J ROMA MURMUR KING PIN S3J 315526 J RUANUI TERIFIC DIES EL S3J 315503 J PUKETAWA KING CON NACHT JG Subtotal

CM02_CRV news.indd 41

Phone

Email

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$0.00

$0.00

Traits$0.00

$0.00

1Adap $0.00 tability Milkin g 3 Shed Temperament

BV

$0.00

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Overall Opinion

$0.00

0.49 0.05

$0.00

0.02 0.04 0.43 -0.01

Terms & Conditions

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-0.92 -0.95

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0.46 0.00

Rump Angle

0.05 -0.08

Rump Width

-0.15 -0.25

Legs

0.08 0.09 0.43 0.00 0.57 0.15

Rear Udder

0.75 0.17

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0.08 0.06

Rear Teat

0.05 -0.13

Udder Overall

0.72 0.16

Dairy Conformation

AE InSire InSire

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0.46 0.02

$0.00

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SOURCE

0.50 0.12 3/03/2017 0.23 0.14

UNIT PRICE NETTPhon e PRIC E

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0.42 0.01

UNIT PRICE NETT PRIC E $0.00

$0.00

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1 1Shed

Date

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18/02/2017

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344 dtrs, 83 herds

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CRV Avoncroft Jersey

Udder Overall

Dairy Conformation

The genetic profile of a personalised 5126 Kiwi Jersey team offers InSire 51 NZMI XBW MCB BWRIDE Rel S ZEN LongF9J7LiveWt % Hlth Subtotal % Eff AEOAD 205 good protein, fertility and strong udders.

And61 it comprises: 204 297 GST -51.6 7 58

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| P 07 856 7500 | Fax 07 859 3513 COD www.

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$0.00 $0.00

GENETIC PROFILE OF YOUR PERSONALISED BU LL TEAM

18/02/2017

BV

0.10 -0.02

$0.00

Milking Speed

18

BV 3.6 -0.22 340kg, This cross-bred team’s average breeding values are:0.13milk protein 0.2 -2.9 BA 1.4 0.03 -0.04 -0.6 -2.2 16.3kg (+3.9%), fat 15.4kg (+4.7%), 31.7kg combined fat and protein, fertility 3.6, body condition score 0.13, somatic cell score –0.22, calving ease 0.2, gestation length –2.9, longevity 342, live weight –3.9, udder 0.50, health 4%, and efficiency 7%.

0.73 0.37 3/03/2017 0.49 0.25

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4.7

Sue.d ent & Hea lth uffy@crv4all.co.nz

Fertility

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1103

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Milk (lts) Prot (kg) FIELD CON (%) Fat (kg) SULTANT Prot Sue Duffy BV

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Phone UNIT PRICE NETT PRIC E $0.00 $0.00

DOSES

AE

The genetic profile of a personalised cross-bred team, AE % Eff AE OAD offering protein, udders and fertility, include: 7 1190

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0.46 0.37 CRV Avoncroft Cro ssbred

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109544 F HSS STRAVAGANZA S2F Breeding IndicR ators 109502 F ALJO TEF MAELSTRO M-ET S3F NZMI BW 112580 BWON RelJUST F Long ROYS LiveWt % Hlth ICE PHON IC S2F BV tal Subto 156 158 56 342 -3.9 4 GST BA 82 94 154 -9.9 TOTAL

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Fat & Prot (kg)

-0.06 -0.02 2.3 The team average breeding values of these three -1.8 Holstein Friesian bulls -1.3are: milk 990kg, protein 33.8kg (+3.7%), fat 26.2kg (+4.4%), 60kg combined fat and protein, fertility 1.9, body condition score 0.05, somatic cell score –0.15, calving ease 2.2, gestation length 0.5, longevity 173, live weight 58.2, udder 0.73, health 2%, and efficiency 5%.

GE 18/02 /2017 NETIC PR Breed Averages are based

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2015 dtrs, 354 herds

uction

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investment, with high yielding and longer lasting cows that can produce exceptional quality milk.

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For more information about all the sires CRV Avoncroft Fresian YO UR and ‘teams’ available from CRV Ambreed Date 3/03/ free on 0800 7831880. 2017 TEcall Mobile AM

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Quotation valid for 14 days from the date of the quote. This quotati accordance with CRVs on is supplied in standard Terms & Conditi CRV’s website www.c ons, a copy of which is rv4all.co.nz available on

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20-10-16 13:57 16:32 09-03-17

SERIES:DAIRY DIRECTIONS

Dairy directions – what are your options?

This article is the first of two that make up the final part of our series, which sets out to examine the possible routes for producers who are looking to build and manage a dairy business that’s better equipped to survive – and thrive – in an increasingly volatile economic environment.

Introduction: Take stock/assess Part 1: Improving efficiency Part 2: Economies of scale Part 3: Diversification Part 4: Exit strategies

Developing interest: inspiring the next generation is vital for effective succession

44

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10-03-17 11:05

Successful succession – it’s all in the planning

Play the long game Retirement – or taking a step back from your dairy herd – can take many forms. Whether you’re selling up, contracting out your land and facilities, or passing your dairy business to the next generation of eager producers, what’s key is careful planning. text Phil Eades & Rachael Porter

A

knee-jerk reaction to several years of milk-price pressure is rarely the answer when it comes to retirement and succession. And, even if your business has weathered the storm relatively well and you’re geared up to combat the market volatility that’s here to stay, succession – or whatever you have planned for your farm and herd in the future – is something you should probably be having a conversation about now.

“Even if you have no immediate plans to leave the industry,” says the Farm Consultancy Group’s Charles Holt.

This is because succession is about so much more than simply signing over your business to the next generation. It should be proactive – not passive.

‘Early’ conversations “Producers in their 40s and 50s, possibly with children in their 20s and 30s, should be having conversations with them about the future. What are their aspirations? Do they want to farm? Do they want to continue dairying? What direction would they like the herd and business to take?,” says Mr Holt.

Nigel Davies: “Both good communicaiton and careful planning are absolutely vital”

“Most importantly, what are their objectives in life and on the farm?

Usually these questions are best asked by a trusted professional, from the outside.”

Mr Holt says that it’s about keeping them interested and engaged and, where possible, allowing them to take a pivotal role in the on-going development of the business. “Listen to their ideas or maybe send them away to gather some new experiences and skills. I think that it’s always a good idea for youngsters, who want to take over the family business, to go and work for someone else. Perhaps on another dairy unit – maybe abroad.

Or in another allied industry – perhaps as a feed rep. Pay for them to go and do a Nuffield Scholarship, for example.

Whatever they do and learn will, ultimately, be an investment in their future and your business.”

And for the next generation to be eager about succession, it’s important that the business is viable. “It’s got be interesting and progressive – not something that’s tired and stale. The key is to work towards building a legacy that they’ll be keen to take on and take forward.

Not something that will merely be a millstone around their necks or something they feel obliged to carry on with, just because you did, your father did and your father’s father did.”

Build confidence “These ‘successions’ are rarely successful.

All too often the next generation are not engaged and they feel trapped. So it’s important to inspire them and spark their interest. Perhaps give them a project of their own – perhaps a bit of outlying land to ‘regenerate’ – to give them a chance to show you what they

Charles Holt: “Involve a trusted outside party when discussing plans for the future”

can do and to build their confidence.”

Mr Holt says he still sees producers who are in their 70s, with sons and daughters in their 30s and 40s, who won’t relinquish any control or decision making. “They hang on to the business cheque book for dear life, but they’re not doing themselves, their children or their businesses any favours.

“It causes ill feeling, argument, boredom, frustration – a whole host of negative emotions and outcomes. And the business suffers as a result. When what’s often needed are some open, honest and ‘receptive’ discussions about new ideas and plans, which will motivate the next generation and move the business forward.

“I still see far too much ‘we’re doing it this way because that’s the way we’ve always done it’, when I’m out and about.

Yet no business can really survive or thrive like that.”

Keep talking Communication is key here. “Make sure conversations are two way and try to be open to new ideas and encouraging. It’s important to be upbeat too, even when things aren’t so good. If you’re miserable, tired and fed up, you’ll hardly be an inspiration. Focus on the things you can change – maybe get them to think about any changes that could be the catalyst for increasing efficiency and allow them to take charge of that and show you what they can do,” Mr Holt says.

“And, if you and your children are still relatively young, make sure you involve them in plans for the future of the business. Take them with you on that journey and then you know you’ll be building a business that they, ultimately, want to manage.”

Promar’s national consultancy manager Nigel Davies agrees that careful communication and planning are key

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Long-term view: it’s never too early to start thinking about, and making plans for, succession

to smooth succession and this can sometimes take a very long time. “It is never too early to start thinking about it,” he says. “It’s a bit like putting good legislation in place – it takes time to do it well.”

Financial security Mr Davies stresses that all parties need to be involved and that they also need to understand both the individual and generational objectives. “For example, parents may wish to hand the business on and one sibling may want to enter the business, while others may not.

Alternatively, more than one sibling may want to come into the business.

“Once the position is understood, and it is on the table, you can look to develop a plan that is equitable and best mapped to suit the objectives of the individuals concerned.”

Mr Davies says that all the parties involved need to include the bank, accountant and solicitors: “Because a succession plan could have implications for the business’ borrowing requirement and financial security, for example.”

And he strongly advises the involvement of specialists, as there are many aspects of every business – particularly farming businesses – that will need careful consideration, such as partnership and other legal agreements.

“Armed with clear and understood

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objectives and an agreed end point, it will be possible to develop a plan and to set a timescale to achieve it,” he says. “It is really important to consider all the options and the ‘what if’ scenarios so that all eventualities are covered.

“At this stage it is particularly important to have a clear sight of the ‘size of the cake to be split’ between relevant parties. This should include an honest assessment of how much profit the business can generate, the related asset value and how liquid or saleable is it.

Then look closely at how all those numbers match up to the objectives of everyone concerned.

“I would recommend the involvement of an independent third party, who is trusted by all involved, to assist. They can chair and guide discussions, to ensure fair and equitable communication and assist as a record keeper.”

Careful documentation Mr Davies adds that particularly likes this approach in scenarios where the asset and trading business are effectively being passed to the responsibility of different parties: “For example where the land is being passed to children who do not wish to farm, but the trading business is being run on a contract farming arrangement with other third parties who may or may not be related.”

Once a plan is agreed in principle, Mr Davies says that the next stage is to get it documented. “Documentation removes ambiguity and sets a common agenda. And this will also mean looking at wills, as well as power of attorney.

“There may, for example, be a situation when a successor needs to take control due to the future incapacitation of the current owner.”

Any succession plan should also include inheritance tax (IHT) and capital-gains tax planning, as both will potentially influence the handover of a business. A well-developed plan can limit the tax liability.

IHT is more complicated than is was a few years ago because many farms now have non-farming assets, such as solar farms and holiday homes.

“There is no set ‘blueprint’ as to how best approach succession because all situations are unique. Questions I often get asked, by all generations, is how do we start the process, who makes the first move and what if I get it wrong?

“In my experience the start of the journey and the discussions is often the hardest part. And it is important that noone expects an immediate answer.

Factors that will increase the prospects of successful succession planning are to prepare well, start early, take time, involve trusted reputable third parties and communicate fairly.” l

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT NEWS

Leif daughters win cup

Herds have more healthy cows The latest key performance indicator (KPI) report of a cross-section of 500 NMR-recorded herds shows a significant reduction in the proportion of herds keeping high numbers of cows with chronically high somatic cell counts (SCC).

Published by the University of Reading, the annual report is now in its seventh year.

“A ‘chronic’ herd is one with more than 15% of milk samples originating from ‘chronic’ cows – that is cows with two or more consecutive SCC recordings above 200,000 cells/ml,” says report co-author James Hanks.

“Our latest report, for the year ending August 2016, shows that 18% of the 500-herd sample were ‘chronic’ herds. This was 40% in 2010.”

Even more encouraging is the trend in herds keeping 10% or less chronic

cows; now at 51% and double the number of herds with low chronic cow levels in 2010.

The sample’s median, or mid-point, SCC is now 185,000cells/ml and 153,000 cells/ ml for the top 25% of herds.

New mastitis benchmarks included in this latest report show that the median number of cases of mastitis was 36 per 100 cows in 2015/16 – at least 15 cases more than the top 25% of herds.

The report also shows improved fertility with more cows served by day 80.

Data from the KPI report are used by producers, advisers and vets to benchmark individual herd performance for key parameters against that of the 500 study herds as part of NMR’s InterHerd+ dairy management program.

The full report by Dr James Hanks and Dr Mohamad Kossaibati can be downloaded from www.nmr.co.uk/kpi_study_2016

HerdWise winner walk The 2016 winners of the NMR HerdWise best practice competition, Tom and Karen Halton, will host a walk at Chance Hall Farm, near Congleton in Cheshire, on Tuesday March 28.

The HerdWise competition is run annually by NMR to identify and highlight herds demonstrating high standards of Johne’s disease control.

Tom and Karen Halton, who run a 500-cow cross-bred herd, were awarded for their strong, clear protocols backed up with an enthusiastic and inclusive team approach to Johne’s control.

The walk starts at 10.45am and lunch is provided. Producers can register by telephone on 03330 043 043 or email herdwise@nmr.co.uk.

Open to all producers using NMR’s CheCS-approved HerdWise service, the 2017 competition will be judged by Gwent-based producer and chairman of the National Johne’s Action Group Lyndon Edwards and NMR vet Karen Bond.

Karen and Tom Halton

A group of daughters by the Bullsemen.com Holstein sire Leif has won the Derbyshire Herds Competition progeny group class.

The group is from the Easom’s 350cow Broomhouse Holstein herd.

One of the group, Broomhouse Leif Treat EX93, is in her fifth lactation and has given more than 60 tonnes of milk to date, generating a lifetime daily yield of 22.75kg. She gave more than 13,000kg of milk in her fourth lactation.

The group is living up to Leif’s reputation. This high index PLI sire from GGI Germany breeds strong cows with good milk solids, fertility, SCCs and longevity. His progeny are meeting Eric Easom’s breeding goals of consistent cows with high yields and good fertility and health characteristics.

Hundred tonner line-up The top three cows, ranked on Lifetime Daily Yield (LDY), from those that have passed the 100-tonne milestone during December 2016 and January 2017 are: Shanael Outside Roxy GP84 from the Miller’s herd, based at Evesham in Worcestershire. She yielded 107,227kg of milk in six lactations and has an LDY of 36.27kg/day.

In second place is Line 511 from Messrs Chedzoy and Gothard’s herd, based at Taunton in Somerset.

She gave 107,396kg of milk in six lactations and has an LDY of 31.95kg/day.

In third place is Line 2569 from Mapledur Ham House, in Reading, Berkshire. She gave 103,684kg of milk in five lactations and has an LDY of 30.61kg/day.

A full list of NMR-recorded cows achieving 100 tonnes of milk in their lifetime, to date, is on the NMR website.

For more information on NMR products and services contact customer services, 03330 043 043, NMR web address: www.nmr.co.uk, NMR email address: customerservices@nmr.co.uk COW MAN AG E ME N T

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C O N TA C T S

SHOWS AND EVENTS April 26: May 10-13: May 24-25: May 31-June 3: June 8-10: June 14-15: June 22-25: June 28: July 11-13: July 24-27: September 13: October 4: October 27: November 15:

Early bite: cows enjoying some spring grazing – and sunshine on their backs Picture: Mark Pasveer

Cattle Lameness Conference, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, Lisburn Grassland & Muck, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire Royal Bath & West Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Royal Cornwall Show, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall TotalDairy Seminar, Keele University, Staffordshire Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Scotland NMR/RABDF Gold Cup Open Day, Simon Bugler, Pilsdon, Dorset Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, North Yorkshire Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells, Powys UK Dairy Day, Telford International Centre, Shropshire The Dairy Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Welsh Dairy Show, Nantyci Showground, Carmarthen British Mastitis Conference, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX C O N TA C T S CowManagement is published eight times per year by CRV Holding BV

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COMING UP

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Illustrations/pictures

Photographs by Veeteelt Photography, Michael Heal (11), Sam Fewings (12-14), Ruth Downing (23) and Els Korsten (25).

H o u s in g an d eq u ip m en t sp ecial May (April 28) – The next issue contains our annual special on housing and equipment, as well as features on beef from the dairy herd and cow tracks. We’ll also have a preview of Grassland & Muck 2017.

Disclaimer

CowManagement does not necessarily share the views expressed by contributors. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made by advertisers. No responsibility can be accepted by CRV Holding BV for the opinions expressed by contributors. Whilst every effort is made to obtain reliable and accurate information, liability cannot be accepted for errors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher.

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