Dairy Newsletter - Summer 2022

DAIRY NEWSLETTER Driving herd performance

wynnstay.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM Dairy Team

Calf & Youngstock Team Eimear Diamond

David Howard

Calf & Youngstock Manager

Head of Dairy Services

m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07736 343629 e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk

@diamondcalf1

Jess Yeomans

Bethany Parry

Calf & Youngstock Specialist- Shropshire

Technical Product Development Manager

m: 07990 584740 e: jess.yeomans@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk

@charltoncalf1

Elinor Thomas

Ken March

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Mid & South Wales

Dairy Specialist - South & West Wales

m: 07454 015610 e: ken.march@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07500 979398 e: elinor.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk @thomascalf1

Millie Hendy

David Jones

Calf & Youngstock Specialist South West & Midlands

Dairy Specialist - Midlands & South Wales

m: 07774 855026 e: david.jones@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk @hendycalf1

Hardware Team

Laura Monk

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex

Tomi Jones

m: 07767 275662 e: laura.monk@wynnstay.co.uk

National Hardware Sales Manager

m: 07879 841674 e: tomi.jones@wynnstay.co.uk

@monkcalf1

Hannah Padfield

Calf & Youngstock Specialist South England

Tony Heather

m: 07968 260110 e: hannah.padfield@wynnstay.co.uk

Hardware Specialist - South West England

m: 07775 806360 e: tony.heather@wynnstay.co.uk

Hannah Braithwaite

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales

Merfyn Owen

m: 07881 093633 e: hannah.braithwaite@wynnstay.co.uk

Agri Trader and Hardware Specialist- North Wales

m: 07553 106618 e: merfyn.owen@wynnstay.co.uk

@hannahcalf1

Nutritionists

Sean Jones

Julie Wright

Direct Sales Coordinator

Company Nutritionist

m: 07884 436639 e: sean.jones@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07717 497949 e: julie.wright@wynnstay.co.uk

Cerys Fairclough

Sophie Yarnell-Stinson

m: 07500 222976 e: cerys.fairclough@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07990 578544 e: sophie.yarnell-stinson@wynnstay.co.uk

Hardware Sales Co-ordinator

wynnstay.co.uk

Nutritionist

2

WELCOME TO OUR NEWSLETTER Herd health – fertility, hoof health and mastitis continue to top the charts as reasons cows leave the herd early – where are your bottlenecks and how can these be improved?

Sustainability means efficiency and increasing efficiency returns more profit. That is how we must approach the drive towards achieving net zero emissions in the dairy sector. Let us not forget we are already doing a good job significantly ahead of other parts of the world.

Nutrition – factors which affect methane production and new additive Rumitech which increases milk by reducing methane produced in the rumen

The global average for emissions produced per litre of milk is 3 kg of Co2e/litre of milk. In the UK we are already less than half that figure at 1.25KG Co2e/litre with many farms well below 1 KG before we account for emissions sequestered by woodland, hedgerows, and managed grazing.

Maximising home-grown forage will be key to profitability this summer. Please get in touch for any help or advice on the areas discussed.

To continue reducing the carbon footprint of milk, we can continue to work on the emissions themselves but let’s not forget, anything we can do to extend the productive lifetime of a dairy cow has a positive impact on the emissions calculation as this increases the lifetime yield.

Against a background of unprecedented increasing input costs, namely feed, fuel and fertiliser, the importance of whole farm efficiency has never been more important. As summer approaches our in-house specialists will examine 3 key areas of farm efficiency to achieve sustainable milk production:

David Howard Head of Dairy Services

Milk from forage – the UK average is 2,700 litres but the best herds achieve over 4,000 litres. Have you worked out your milk from forage and how can this be improved?

m: 07736 343629

e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk

For more information on any of the topics discussed, please contact your Wynnstay Representative, or a member of the Dairy Team.

Contents 2 - Meet The Team 3 - Welcome

4 - Fertiliser Update

5 - Milk Market Update 6 - The Perfect Blend 8 - Rumitech

10 - Our Climate Commitments

12 - Managing the Transition From Silage to Grazing 14 - Milk From Forage 16 - Optimising Dairy

18 - Dry to Fresh Tips

20 - Choline- The Silver Bullet

22 - Phix-Up - Making The Right Choice For Magnesium Supplementation 24 - Making the Most of Slurry

26 - Maximising Milk or Meat From Forage With Molasses

To receive our latest blogs, new product alerts and specialist advice by e-mail subscribe to our mailing list by visiting

27 - Worth Taking An Extra Silage Cut? 29 - Featured Products

wynnstay.co.uk/sign-up

30 - Customer In Focus- A Look At Brinkworth Dairy 3

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

FERTILISER UPDATE Gas prices have eased from the peaks we have seen in the last few months. At the time of writing, it is at similar levels to the price which triggered the initial production plant closures in the UK and across Europe.

The cost of all purchased nutrient inputs have risen in the last 9 months, and understanding the crop requirement, yield potential and the return on your investment is crucial to making the right nutrient application decisions. Much needed farmgate price increases have started to materialise, although more is needed it, is a step in the right direction.

Understanding the value of nitrogen per litre of milk, kilogramme of meat or tonne of grain is vital. What is the true cost of a poor-quality silage, or a shortage in the silage pit for the winter, against a drop in milk volume or quality?

Increased feed bill to make up a short fall?

At the end of March, the UK produced nitrogen came back in price by over £100/t, but remains at higher levels than we have seen before. Future gas price forecasts are for the current levels to continue through the summer months and rise again in the winter. Whilst this is the case, seeing N prices coming back to last year’s prices is not possible.

Does that mean using Nitrogen is the wrong thing to do? Not if used efficiently and in a calculated way. The Liebig “Law of minimum” states that if one of the essential plants nutrients is deficient, plant growth will be poor even when all other essential nutrients are abundant.

Speak to your Wynnstay Specialists to get the best advice to balance your forage requirements, or for fertiliser specific advice, please contact a member of the Wynnstay Fertiliser Team.

Please note: This information was correct at the time of drafting on 25/04/2022 and is subject to change at any time.

Dave Mitchell

Fertiliser Manager m: 07990 578543

e: dave.mitchell@wynnstay.co.uk

For more information on any of the topics discussed, please contact the Wynnstay Fertiliser Team on 01939 211266, or contact your Wynnstay Representative. wynnstay.co.uk

4

MILK MARKET UPDATE This time of year is not normally a good time for milk price rises. In fact, history shows that there were no sizeable price increases (i.e 1ppl or more) at all between March and May in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. More recent years have been more productive - there were six price rises in 2020, and five in 2021. But this year has outshone them all, happily, with 57 price rises already for the period! There are also six announced for June.

price increases. But I can’t see that happening now – least of all with the current dry weather. We haven’t had any decent rain that I know of in April at all. The ground is very dry, and this does not bode well for the forage season. And all of that is before the cost of fertiliser is factored in.

In addition, the Milk Price: Feed Price Ratio is still well below the threshold at which farmers feed extra cake for extra milk. Then there’s the talk of livestock marts being pretty full of cattle, and farmers dropping cow numbers because of labour issues. It all means the pressure will be on volumes throughout this year. Elsewhere, milk volumes are still low, although the EU for February was up slightly.

So, what prices might you expect going forward? This isn’t the six-million-dollar question, but is it the 50ppl?

That’s not looking likely at the moment, I don’t think – certainly not in the short-term. 45p is looking likely, with Freshways aiming for 45p for July, while stating 44p is currently guaranteed. Others are also going to be there or thereabouts. But 50p? That looks like a step too far, but I guess we shouldn’t rule anything out in this crazy world!

If we look at the forward prices from the futures or the GDT we can see that prices are returning around 45p now, and there is nothing that is pointing to 50p at the moment.

Will prices get to that magic number? They might. Just not yet I don’t think. Much will be down to volumes after June and your cost of production. So even if it does you might not be much better off!

But the facts are that commodity markets are dipping from their tops, and the higher prices go, the more of a glass ceiling comes into play where buyers (i.e the customers of the processors, not the milk processors themselves) do not see why farmers should get more than a certain level. At least that was my perception. Happily, though, the 40p glass ceiling has been totally shattered – not least because farm costs are at, or very near, to the prices being paid! I also thought May and June would see the pace and amount of milk price increases slow, and I think if Arla was not recruiting then we would have done. But it’s monster May increase, twinned with recruitment, means other processors have to follow.

The main reason for the lack of price rises at this time of year, and my view they would slow this year, relates to the flush.

Processors and customers of the processors believe that the flush will see plenty more milk coming in which will mitigate

Chris Walkland Dairy Market Analyst

The Walkland Partnership

TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY MILK MARKET UPDATE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX,

MARKETS UPDATE Prepared by Chris Walkland and Wynnstay Trading Department

SIGN UP HERE

February 2021

board over the sentiment and are up across the UK have responded to the positive Commodity prices in the EU and last four weeks. liquid price cuts from some middle ground enough to take away the risk of Cream needs to get March. or February Alas cream prices have not increased for prices (Payne’s and Freshways) players, and two have cut their farmgate in this sector, but it’s only £1.35/kg. is towards £1.50/kg to ensure stability gettng stronger. The MCVE value actually and strong, very with cheese prices don’t expect any Elsewhere, though, there is stability been there since October 2018. I a processor margin, and it hasn’t over 30p after transport but before but nor do I expect increases either. reductions in this sector, therefore, fuelled by Chinese imports. But there’s back of a buoyant GDT which is being the on strong is sentiment Overall market and reasonable milk volumes. also decent demand elsewhere, on this, depending on milk flows. the horizon that could put the dampers Only the UK and EU flush are on

Working in collaboration with Chris Walkland, a specialist Dairy Market Analyst, our dairy and feeds market update looks at the latest pricing trends and offers analysis on how these have been influenced.

GB/UK milk volumes currently

flat

late 2020 volumes, weeks of 2021 are tracking below UK milk volumes in the first three are below last year, meaning year amounts. GB milk volumes up the difference.

Northern Ireland volumes are making situation. market for the This is a generally positive situation

and are within 1% of previous

0.5%

1

5

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

MILK MARKET UPDATE

still slip back Sentiment positive, but milk prices

THE PERFECT BLEND We offer a wide range of high-performance blends •

High-performance formulations

•

High-quality raw materials

•

Competitively priced

•

Nutritional support from our experts

•

Bespoke blends available

Our high-performance range includes blends for all requirements including dairy, youngstock, beef, lamb finishing and forage and grazing supplementation.

Tailored Bespoke Blends Tailored bespoke blends to meet your specific requirements available.

Nutritional Support Our expert team are available to assess the individual diet requirements of your livestock and formulate a diet to meet your specific nutritional goals.

Forage Analysis Available

For more information, please contact your Wynnstay Representative wynnstay.co.uk

6

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Maximise Productivity and Minimise Waste

For more information on the range of nutrient management solutions offered by Wynnstay please contact your Wynnstay Representative or Store.

7

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Wynnstay can offer an extensive range of products and services to support with nutrient management on farm to ensure waste is minimised and productivity is maximised.

RUMITECH - LEADING THE WAY IN METHANE REDUCTION AND LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE

Give your cows an A rating with our Climate range

Now including Rumitech®

On the 1st May we launched three new Climate compounds with the inclusion of Rumitech®, a methane reducing additive.

What is Rumitech®?

Assured by the Carbon Trust, correct use of Rumitech will reduce methane emissions in dairy cows.

Rumitech has been reducing methane and improving livestock efficiency on farm for more than 10 years, and was the first feed validated by the Carbon Trust in 2017.

Less Methane - How Is This Achieved?

Rumitech is a natural feed additive made from a blend of natural essential oils, which can easily be added to the dairy cow’s diet.

It works by altering which rumen bugs thrive, resulting in less bugs which produce methane and more bugs which digest fibre, giving the animal more energy out of the feed.

Introducing Rumitech to dry cows and throughout transition, has shown improvements in fertility and a reduction in metabolic disease.

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE - The benefits of feeding Rumitech Many published trial results consistently show: 1. Improved FCR and average feed efficiency improvements of 5.5% 2. Increased fat and protein corrected milk yield +4.5% (p<0.001) 3. Reduced enteric methane emissions in dairy by 17.7% per litre of milk.

4. Rumitech can improve feed conversion efficiency and margin over feed costs, and typical ROI in dairy is between 5 and 10:1 wynnstay.co.uk

8

WYNNSTAY DAIRY UPDATE

METHANE EMISSIONS OVER THE WHOLE TIRAL PERIOD (22WEEKS)

AVERAGE OF ENERGY CORRECTED MILK PRODUCTION OVER THE WHOLE TRIAL PERIOD

Ref: UK University Trial, 2016

How To Feed

Rumitech will be available as a mineral and incorporated in our new Climate compounds range and blends.

Climate Feeds

Introducing three new compounds to our range featuring Rumitech®

CLIMATE CREAM MAKER

CLIMATE MEGA MILK

High digestible fibre compound designed to be fed alongside grazed grass, high lactic silage or high starch PMR to optimize performance and yield of milk constituents. Available as 16% or 18% crude protein. Free from soya derivatives and palm kernel meal, and with the inclusion of Rumitech.

High energy, high starch compound feed formulated to optimise performance on a grass silage-based diet.

Available as 16% or 18% crude protein. Free from soya derivatives and palm kernel meal, and with the inclusion of Rumitech.

CLIMATE REARER Designed for medium to high genetic merit calves – suited for both beef and dairy systems. Introduce gradually from 10 weeks of age and feed with silage/hay. Can be fed ad lib to younger animals on straw for elevated performance or used as a creep feed for sucking calves. Free from soya derivatives and palm kernel meal, and with the inclusion of Rumitech.

David Howard Head of Dairy Services m: 07736 343629

e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk

These compounds will be available from 1st May 2022, please contact your Wynnstay Representative for more details

wynnstay.co.uk

9

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

OUR CLIMATE COMMITMENTS Sustainability is a key part of our business, with our mission being to help farmers feed the UK in a more sustainable way. As a business, we are working towards becoming carbon net zero and aim to support our customers with products and services that help drive sustainability and efficiencies. Through our feed division we have made the following commitments:

Sustainably Sourced Ingredients

We aim to sustainably source as many of our feed ingredients as we can and since April 2020 the soya bean meal in all Wynnstay feeds has been covered by sustainable credits through the RTRS (Round Table on Responsible Soy) and FEFAC (The European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation) certification schemes.

As of November 2021, all our palm kernel meal has been covered by sustainable credits through the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) scheme. Each of these certification schemes ensure sustainable and responsible sourcing of soya and palm kernel.

Through the help of these schemes and reported in December 2021 by the AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederate), the latest UK import data (2020) shows that 70% of the soya imported into the UK is responsibly grown and, of the remaining 30%, only 2.5% carries a risk of deforestation.* *UK Roundtable on Sustainable Soya - Annual Progress Report 2021.

Disclaimer: AIC have exercised due and customary care in preparing this report. No warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the contents of this report.

wynnstay.co.uk

10

OUR CLIMATE COMMITMENTS Alternative Proteins – Protected Rapeseed

From 1st May 2022 this feed range will also include Rumitech, a natural feed additive comprised of essential oils which lowers enteric methane emissions by 17.7% per litre of milk and improves milk yield (+4.5%) and feed efficiency (+5.5%).

For customers that are still looking to reduce their soya usage an alternative protein source would be protected rapeseed. This is a good source of high-quality rumen bypass protein, and its amino acid profile has been found to better compliment grass silage-based diets than soya. It also has a lower carbon footprint (kg C02 eq / tonne) than soya bean meal so is a good option to lower the overall carbon footprint of your feed.

Carbon Footprinting

As part of a wider sustainability project, we are aiming to provide greater transparency on the carbon footprint of our feeds by combining work undertaken by GFLI (Global Feed LCA Institute) and AIC on the emissions figures of our ingredients, along with our production and transport figures, to give a carbon footprint (kg CO2 eq / tonne) for each feed we produce.

Climate Feed Range

In May 2021 we launched a Climate friendly feed range for customers with contracts that stipulate no soya bean meal, soya hulls, or palm kernel meal in the feed. Available are Climate versions of some of our most popular compound feeds:

Dairy

Crude Protein

Climate Mega Milk

16% or 18%

Climate Cream Maker

16% or 18%

Cattle Climate Rearer

16%

Climate Beef Finisher

13%

Sheep Climate Ewe

19%

Climate Lamb Finisher

16%

Julie Wright

Company Nutritionist m: 07717497949

If you would like more information, please contact your Wynnstay Representative.

11

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

MANAGING THE TRANSITION FROM SILAGE TO GRAZING Dry matter – is grass providing enough dry matter intake to support energy requirement for milk production and getting cows back in calf?

Protein – grass is high in rapidly degradable protein; this needs to be utilised by the rumen microbes in order for them to produce microbial protein. Poorly utilised protein can have a negative impact on fertility and limit milk yield.

Rapidly fermentable carbohydrates – early season grass is high in sugar (and digestible fibre), this can be an issue for rumen health. A consequence of this can be milk fat depression and reduction in milk value. It is important to understand the nutrient content of grass. Fresh grass analysis throughout the grazing period will provide useful information about the points above.

Q. How do we best handle the challenge on fertility associated with turnout?

The two biggest issues linked to fertility that are commonly associated with grazing are dry matter and protein. Grass dry matter can be variable across the season and be very dependent on the level of rainfall. Lower dry matter grass can result in low dry matter intakes which reduce energy availability to the cow. Grass protein level will generally peak at the beginning and end of the season, this protein is very rumen degradable. The cow utilises energy to process excess protein and detoxify, this is energy that could be used to get back in calf. Understanding grass dry matter and nutrient content, via fresh grass analysis or grazing bulletins, will allow you to supplement at risk cows (those not pregnant or in first 100 days of lactation) with specific grazing concentrate, Postbiotic feed additive or buffer feed when required.

Q. Turnout can be a challenging time to maintain butterfat, how can we minimise the effect?

50% of butterfat production comes from dietary sources and 50% comes from the fermentation of feed (mainly forage) in the rumen. Anything that effects rumen health will potentially reduce butterfat production. Ensure that cows have access to fibre sources with early season grazing and also reduce any high levels of starch and sugar in supplementary feed. Later in the season (summer) try to minimise the risk of heat stress as this may also effect rumen health. April to July will be the key months to monitor milk quality.

MANAGING THE TRANSITION FROM SILAGE TO GRAZING

As well basic nutritional strategies at turnout, such as reducing the protein level of supplementary feed, increasing digestible fibre and minimising rapidly fermentable energy sources. Farmers can also look toward postbiotic feed additive technology.

Diamond V XP is a unique postbiotic product which improves rumen and intestinal fibre digestibility. It increases microbial protein synthesis which helps utilise excess protein from the diet. It also helps to stabilise rumen pH reducing the risk of acidosis. All of the actions improve the overall health and production of the cow at grass and a summary of these benefits can be seen in the diagram opposite:

wynnstay.co.uk

12

DIAMOND V CAN POSITIVELY INFLUENCE GRAZING EFFICIENCY PLUS COW PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH

1. Dry matter intake - +1kg DMI - Pre & post calving

5. Body weight & BCS

2. Milk yield

- -0.3kg/day less LW

- +1.34kg

- -0.5BCS

3. Milk solids

-

services/conception

- +0.15%

-

days open

-

Nick Bernie Cargill

Milk Fat Depression

Bethany Parry

Technical Product Development Manager m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk

Diamond V XP is available from Wynnstay in Farm Packs, Mineral Packs and in blends. For more information and pricing contact your Wynnstay Representative or Bethany Parry on 07771 740857 wynnstay.co.uk

13

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

MANAGING THE TRANSITION FROM SILAGE TO GRAZING

4. Fertility

MILK FROM FORAGE

Home grown feed is the cheapest feed available to farmers. Hardly a revelation but as farm inputs continue to rise the drive for milk from forage becomes a more crucial metric. Every additional litre from forage could be worth up to 20p per cow per day, or £600 per month for every 100 cows in the herd.

Historically the rule of 1,2 and 4 was what made milk from forage so relevant, with grazed grass being the cheapest feed (represented by 1), ensiled forage being twice the cost (represented by 2) and purchased feed being the most expensive (represented by 4). Even with the limitations of grazing and waste in the form of rejection, the low-cost nature of grazing makes it a common practice. With changes to pricing of farm inputs (particularly fertiliser) these numbers have become less clear as purchased feed has increased by around 25-30%, however fertiliser has increased by over 100%. Whilst grazed grass will still be the cheapest feed to grow and produce, the cost effect of fertiliser in particular has reduced the cost differential between concentrates and ensiled forage in particular (especially silages with a low fertiliser requirement like maize silage).

With this financial effect in mind forage utilisation becomes an even greater metric when making decisions for the coming season. In systems that utilise grazing, the question needs to be asked about grazing strategy and whether it allows optimal utilisation. Grass grown with fertiliser is no longer a cheap option so a potential unutilised “waste” of 50% can’t be overlooked.

wynnstay.co.uk

14

Table 1: Grazing management strategy, % utilisation and useable yield Utilisation (%)

Total useable yield (t DM/ha)

Rotational Paddock

80

8.56

Set stocking

50

1.26

Strip grazing

60

1.68

Set stocking

50

1.05

Total useable yield from all grazing (tDM/ha)

622.80

For systems that can’t practically setup a rotational grazing system then using more silage and housing cows at night through the summer may be a practical alternative to increase forage utilisation. Silage utilisation can be as high as 90%, making this system especially relevant into the later stages of the grazing system where rejection of grazed grass increases.

For housed systems forage utilisation should already be as high as possible in terms of consumption. Environmental factors such as feed barrier space, volume and frequency of push ups and trough hygiene can all influence this. Mix quality can also have an impact on forage intake where a mixer wagon is present. It is also important to have enough high-quality forage so that it can be prioritised when making decisions to drive intake.

In conclusion, the cost effect of fertiliser means that feed strategy must be reviewed for the upcoming season. There are options available for managing the inflationary pressures currently facing farmers, although it may require thinking and a strategy that is different to what is done in a typical season.

David Jones

Dairy Technical Specialist m: 07777 700700

e: david.jones@wynnstay.co.uk

For more information on maximising milk from forage, please contact your Wynnstay Representative, or a member of the Wynnstay Dairy Team.

15

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

OPTIMISING DAIRY INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVE LIFETIME OF COWS

The carbon footprint of milk is determined by the total amount of emissions produced by a cow divided by the milk it has produced. Focusing on cow longevity will increase the total amount of life time yield and therefore reducing the CO2e/kg of milk.

DISEASE PREVENTION • • • • •

COMFORT • • •

Cow Signals Advisors and Master Hardware solutions to ensure the best housing conditions- light, ventilation, space, water and feed Hardware Team for expert advice

Animal health plans Vaccination programmes Biosecurity measures Faecal egg testing Over 200 qualified RAMA’s throughout our stores and field sales team advising on animal health issues.

HOOF HEALTH •

REDUCE THE AGE OF FIRST CALVING TO 24 MONTHS OR LESS • • • •

•

Calf nutrition, health and welfare Colostrum management Calf & Youngstock Team for expert advice Heifer feed plans

ROMS accredited mobility scorers Zinpro First Step app to address hoof health bottlenecks on farm

Estimated to generate an additional £300 per heifer (AHDB) and decreases the amount of CO2e/kg of milk

PASTURE LED PRODUCTION

Producing quality forage for optimum nutrition, whilst also benefiting soil health.

QUALITY FORAGE

SOIL HEALTH

• • • • •

•

Nutrient management planning

• • • •

Soil analysis Cover crops Green manures Slurry analysis

High quality seed mixtures and varieties Agronomy services Silage additives Forage analysis Crop packaging

WYNNSTAY CAN OFFER A SUITE OF PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND ADVISORY TEAMS TO SUPPORT YOU IN OPTIMISING YOUR DAIRY HERD SUSTAINABLY, EFFICIENTLY AND PROFITABLY OPTIMISING MILK OUTPUT THROUGH NUTRITION

Achieving optimal milk production either as liquid or kg’s of milk solids lowers cost of production by maximising milk income.

Maximising KG’s of milk sold per cow minimises co2e/KG of milk produced.

DAIRY TECHINICAL NUTRITION SERVICES • • • •

Diet Check and AMTS rationing software Mineral solutions to optimise health Agrinet grazing and forage planning services Costings and benchmarking tools

REDUCING METHANE

Introducing novel feed ingredients to reduce methane emissions.

RUMITECH It works by altering which rumen bugs thrive, resulting in less bugs which produce methane and more bugs which digest fibre, giving the animal more energy out of the feed.

• Improved FCR and average feed efficiency improvements of 5.5% • Reduced enteric methane emissions in dairy by 17.7% per litre of milk.

More information on page 8-9

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Minimising waste and maximising productivity

• • • • • •

Water, slurry and silage management solutions on farm Livestock nutrition Crop nutrition Soil health Grassland management Animal health

More information on page 7

DRY TO FRESH TIPS 80% of disease and animal loses in the dairy herd occur from 21 days pre calving to 60 days post calving.

Three Main check-points for drying off, to ensure a more successful transition: 1. Body condition score 3.0 2. Healthy claws 3. Milk yield at dry off less than 10 litres

1. Body condition score Body condition scoring cows at 100 days pre-dry off, and then at drying off, is the best way to see if changes need to be made to the nutrition of your cows. Cows with a condition score of over 3 at drying off are at risk of fatty liver syndrome which predisposes the animal to metabolic disorders post-calving. Common disorders are ketosis and milk fever which aren’t always displayed by clinical symptoms and are very costly to the farmer. In addition to this these, over conditioned animals have calves with higher birth weights which my require assistance at calving. Intervention increases the risk of uterine infections that impacts on the general health and wellbeing of the animal as well as effecting reproduction.

Intervention check list ࢚ 90% of animals should calf with no intervention ࢚ Just wait intervention always creates risk ࢚ Check if no progress after 2 hours ࢚ At intervention disinfectant, lubricant, time, space.

Care should also be taken to ensure maiden heifers aren’t over conditioned at first calving as they are also suspectable to the same disorders and disease as mature dairy cows. Research has shown that calving at 24 months substantially reduces risk of excessive body condition at calving and associated metabolic disorders.

2. Healthy Claws Ideally farms should adopt a policy of routinely trimming animals’ feet at dry off, as a preventative rather than a cure. Good mobility dramatically increases feed intakes of the freshly calved cow, and allows foot problems to be diagnosed and treated before the next lactation. Higher dry matter intakes post-calving, reduces the negative-energy-balance gap, and means higher milk yields with less metabolic disorders.

3. Milk yield at dry off This graph clearly shows the risk of drying animals off with high milk yields

DRY TO FRESH TIPS

Where possible animals should be dried off at below 10 litres daily production. Drying off above this yield causes milk leakage on bedding and leads to environmental mastitis.

In addition to these animals become more susceptible to mastitis at calving.

wynnstay.co.uk

18

•

Antibiotic only when:

•

Cows > 50,000 cell count

•

Heifers > 100,000 cell count

•

Transition cow feeding guidelines:

•

Feeding space 85 cm per cow

•

High fibre feed with no diet sorting

•

Rumen fill score > 4

Simon Harper

Bethany Parry

National Sales Development Manager and Cow Signals Licensed Master Trainer

Dairy Technical Specialist and Cow Signals Advisor

19

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

DRY TO FRESH TIPS

To discuss this in greater detail please contact your Wynnstay Representative or alternativley contact Bethany Parry or Simon Harper.

CHOLINE – THE SILVER BULLET? There are no silver bullets in farming. If there was a management practice that resembled one, then relentless attention to detail would have to be the closest option. When it comes to dairy farming and in particular transition cows then the 4 F’s are often cited as the nearest thing (Forage, Feet, Feed, Facilities) although choline nutrition could be considered a close second.

Traditionally, choline has been fed as a form of ketosis prevention due to its impact on the liver. By supporting and optimising the liver in the dry period the body fat that’s mobilised in early lactation is broken down effectively and the liver avoids being overwhelmed by ketones, but is that the end of the story? The liver is crucial in milk production as it converts the volatile fatty acids produced by fermentation into glucose, which is sent to the udder to become lactose As the liver is integral to energy production (and therefore milk production) it makes it crucial to support and maintain its function in the dry period and into lactation as the demand for fat breakdown on the liver increases 1300% after calving. As the ability to make glucose and therefore energy improves with choline supplementation, more milk and milk solids can be produced. Additionally, conception rates can improve due to improved energy status in the cow.

Research and data suggest that choline supplementation has a beneficial effect on “leaky gut”, preventing detrimental pathogens and toxins from being absorbed in the hindgut. Research also suggests that choline supplementation assists with foetal programming – the theory that environment and nutrition experienced during foetal development impacts health across the entire lifespan.

CHOLINE – THE SILVER BULLET?

STRESS ON THE LIVER

1.3kg

Daily fatty acid uptake by the liver increases 13 fold at calving, from 100g to 1.3kg per day Reynolds et

Normal At Calving

al., 2003

100g Daily Fatty Acid Update (gram)

wynnstay.co.uk

20

Choline in the form of Kemins Cholipearl can be supplied as a separate pallet, formulated into minerals, and is included in Wynnstay’s Prepare 80:20 Nuts. Wynnstay’s Prepare 80:20 Nuts are designed to optimise nutrient supply in the transition phase to minimise health issues and maximise transition success.

Key features and benefits include: Rumen protected choline – Improves liver function. Optimises liver for glucose production in the dry phase and into lactation

•

High quality protein from soya and Novapro protected rapeseed – The cow has a requirement for high quality protein, especially in the dry period

•

Magnesium and ammonium chloride – Formulated to encourage calcium mobilisation to reduce milk fever incidences

•

Highly palatable formulation – Core feeds are wheat, hipro soya, Novapro protected rapeseed and molasses

•

Convenience – Prepare 80:20 Nuts are a complete feed that can be fed alongside forage. No additional purchased feed, vitamins or minerals are required

CHOLINE – THE SILVER BULLET?

•

David Jones

Dairy Technical Specialist m: 07777 700700

e: david.jones@wynnstay.co.uk

21

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

PHIX-UP - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION Low magnesium status and sub-optimal rumen pH can be no stranger at spring turn out. At Wynnstay we believe the dual functionality of pHix-up, can be harnessed to both safeguard rumen health and enhance magnesium supply at grass.

Introducing pHix-up pHix-up is a new addition to the Wynnstay portfolio and works as a persistent rumen buffer as well as a highly soluble source of magnesium (Mg). pHix-up is a blend of highly soluble sources of Magnesium Oxide (MgO), which can be applied as a top dress on buffer feed or available in blends.

Challenges faced at spring grass Lush fast-growing pasture, in spring, can often be a cocktail of rapidly degradable protein and low fibre, and highly fermentable sugars1. These sugars, coupled with insufficient NDF, when transitioning to grazing + concentrates, from an indoor TMR system, can result in an upsurge of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs)2. VFA’s promote proliferation of rumen papillae and therefore fermentation activity, lowering rumen pH and risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA)2.

•

SARA is where the rumen pH is a decline in rumen pH below 5.6 for 3 consecutive hours/day2

Spring grass can have elevated potassium ion (K+) levels, which can be due to fertiliser application1,2,3. As K+ concentrations increase, intraruminal absorption of Mg ions (Mg2+) into the blood plasma will linearly fall, as K+ disrupt Mg2+active transport, across the rumen wall1. If unchecked, hypomagnesemia (low blood Mg), can result in a drop in feed intake and milk production3,4. Severe hypomagnesemia causes misfiring of the nervous system causing muscle tremors, which is what we classically come across as grass tetany or grass staggers3,4.

PHIX-UP - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

•

Fresh cows are at most risk due to their sudden greater Mg expenditure, and lower DMI (35l = 5g Mg)3

• Rapidly fermentable sugars • Potassium levels • VFA levels

• Change of diet at turnout • Post-calving dry matter intake • Elevated Mg loss at high yields

• rumen pH • milk yield and fat levels • Mg absorption

• risk of SARA • risk of Grass Staggers

wynnstay.co.uk

22

Use of magnesium oxide in diets Increasing dietary supply of Mg, can overcome any potential staggers risk, as at a higher concentration, Mg2+ can passively diffuse across the rumen wall, without K+ interference3,4. We would generally recommend 60g of MgO to supply 30g/h/day Mg. Mg can be easily supplied in the diet by MgO, commonly known as ‘Cal Mag’, both in and out of the parlour, a minimum of two weeks before the risk grazing period5. MgO is also a common rumen buffer to alleviate risk of SARA, either on its own or with sodium bicarbonate6.

MgO can only be efficacious when solubilised to Mg2+ in the rumen, allowing for greater bioavailability for the cow. Solubilty of the product can depend on: •

Timing and Temperature of the Calcining process

•

Particle size7

There can be inconsistency across different MgO products with solubility ranging from 40-70%, making it challenging to know the best choice5.

Unique buffer with the bonus of Mg pHix-up is a specifically designed from combined sources of MgO to work as a unique buffer agent, 96% sustained >6 hours in the rumen8. The neutralising capacity of pHix-up is up to three-fold higher than common buffer materials (Table 1) meaning more acid can be neutralised at the same dose9. pHix-up has a Mg solubility of >85%, providing a consistent source of Mg, when most vital8. pHix up is recommended to be fed at 50 to 125g/h/day8 though will be highly dependent on your own individual system and mineral supply. Please contact your local Wynnstay representative, for more information on the best way to use pHix-up for your herd.

Buffer Source

Neutralising Capacity (meq/g)

Ratio to pHix-up

Sodium Bicarbonate

12

3.25:1

Magnesium Oxide (standard)

15

2.5:1

pHix UP

39

1

Adapted from9

Sophie Yarnell-Stinston Nutritionist

07990 578544 sophie.yarnell-stinson@wynnstay.co.uk References: 1. Oberson J, Probst S, Schlegel P. Magnesium Absorption As Influenced By The Rumen Passage Kinetics In Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Modified Levels Of Fibre And Protein. Animal.

2019;13(7):1412-1420.

2. Hartwiger J, Schären M, Potthoff S, Hüther L, Kersten S, Von Soosten D Et Al. Effects Of A Change From An Indoor-Based Total Mixed Ration To A Rotational Pasture System Combined With A Moderate Concentrate Feed Supply On Rumen Fermentation Of Dairy Cows. Animals. 2018;8(11):205.

3. Mann S, Mcart J, Abuelo A. Production‐Related Metabolic Disorders Of Cattle: Ketosis, Milk Fever And Grass Staggers. In Practice. 2019;41(5):205-219.

4. Martens H, Leonhard-Marek S, Röntgen M, Stumpff F. Magnesium Homeostasis In Cattle: Absorption And Excretion. Nutrition Research Reviews. 2018;31(1):114-130.

5.Timab.2020a 6. Neville E, Fahey A, Gath V, Molloy B, Taylor S, Mulligan F. The Effect Of Calcareous Marine Algae, With Or Without Marine Magnesium Oxide, And Sodium Bicarbonate On Rumen Ph And Milk Production In Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows. Journal Of Dairy Science. 2019;102(9):8027-8039.

7.Timbab 2020b 8. Phix-Up - Timab Magnesium [Internet]. Timab Magnesium. 2022 [Cited 15 February 2022]. Available From: Https://Timabmagnesium.com/En/Magnesium-Based-Products/AgriculturalApplications/Animal-Nutrition-By-Timab-Magnesium/Specialty-Phix-Up/Timab 2020a 9.Timab 2021 wynnstay.co.uk

23

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

PHIX-UP - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

Table 1: Comparison of the neutralising capacity of typical buffers with pHix up

MAKING THE MOST OF SLURRY With the spiralling costs of fertiliser this year, more dairy farmers are looking at ways of increasing slurry or manure utilisation and growing more forage from less. Most farms appreciate the value of slurry and use it efficiently, but it is possible to further improve utilisation whilst increasing your farms forage utilisation or milk from forage figure – which is where the true value lies.

Importance of soil health and testing Testing your slurry for nutrient levels for a start is important, as most nutrient management plans use standard RB209 values, which your slurry may vary from significantly. Sampling kits are available through Wynnstay. Slurry versus dirty water for example has a big difference in the amount of N, P and K, with both having very low levels of sulphur. Sulphur is essential for grass nitrogen metabolism and protein production, so additional supplementation may be needed. Soil testing prior to application is equally as important, as soil is the storage of all nutrients that grass needs, and sets the foundation for good growth rates. If soil is below optimum pH 6.5, liming will be needed prior to slurry or fertiliser so the soil can release these nutrients for the grass. (Table 1- From RB209, shows the typical difference in nutrients).

Table 1: Phosphate, potash, magnesium and sulphur content of cattle slurry and dirty water (fresh weight basis).

Phosphate

Potash

Sulphur

Magnesium

Dry matter %

Total phosphate kg P2O3M3 or /t

Availability %

Available phosphate kg P2O3M3 or /t

Total potash kg K2 O/m3 or /t

Availability %

Available potash K2 O/m3 or /t

Total sulphur kg SO3 / m3 or /t

Total magnesium kg MgO/m3

5

0.6

50

0.3

1.7

90

1.5

0.3

0.2

6

1.2

50

0.6

2.5

90

2.3

0.7

0.6

10

1.8

50

0.9

3.4

90

3.0

1.0

0.9

0.5

0.1

50

0.05

1.0

100

1.0

0.1

0.1

Slurries/ liquids Cattle

MAKING THE MOST OF SLURRY

Dirty water

wynnstay.co.uk

24

Application method to grazing ground During the grazing months, artificial fertiliser is typically spread at a low level between rotations, to keep up that dry matter growth through the season and even-out nutrient levels across the pasture. This year fertiliser prices may impact the commonality of this practice, and some dairy farmers may look to using slurry or dirty water between rotations instead. The application method of slurry will play a big part in the nutrient capture and utilisation by the grass, and considering moving from splash plate to dribble bar or injection is highly recommended to improve soil availability. This will not only ensure less waste in the form of ammonia gas, but also less contamination of the leaf which would affect palatability and intakes of the cows on the next rotation. If slurry remains on the grass by the time the cows are on the next rotation (3-4 weeks in peak), then dry matter intakes may be affected, and supplementary feed may be needed to maintain milk yields. Application timing is also important to consider, to maximise utilisation and soil uptake and avoid waste, especially during a year where manure and slurry is becoming a valuable commodity!

Bethany Parry

Technical Product Development Manager m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk

To discuss this in greater detail please contact your Wynnstay Representative wynnstay.co.uk

25

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

MAKING THE MOST OF SLURRY

Maximise silage quality and ME yield Losses can still be incurred after all the hard work of retaining nutrients in the soil and then the plant, with the silage making practices from field to clamp. Dry Matter Loss from silage does not just mean the visible losses we see in a clamp, such as visible mould or wastage, it is mostly made up of losses of CO2 and water (effluent) and the loss of digestibility (D-Value), which is energy for the cow. The less energy and Nitrogen we end up with at the end reaching the cows rumen, the more purchased feed we need to fill this gap. Improving efficiencies here in the final step of silage making, and driving the dry matter yields from forage, can dramatically improve a herd’s ‘milk from forage’ figure and ultimately drive profitability. Another potential risk this year, if the 6–8-week window between spreading and cutting is squeezed, is the risk of clostridial and enterobacteria contamination, and poor fermentation with higher dry matter losses. Using an appropriate silage additive such as Ecosyl 100 or Ecocool for drier silages would be highly recommended, to avoid losses in D-Value but also to limit the risk of poor fermentation and unpalatable silage following heavier slurry usage (Figure 1 – Volac research). It is well worth retaining as much value as possible in the last step of silage making.

MAXIMISING MILK OR MEAT FROM FORAGE WITH MOLASSES “When farmers are wanting to maximise meat or milk from forage, sugars should be considered a vital tool to ensure the most nutrition is digested from the diet regardless of the quality of the silage.”

Bronwen Philwret- QLF Drive forage intakes Increasing feed costs combined with good silage stocks are leading some producers to question which inputs can be reduced or removed from rations this year, with many putting a greater reliance on forage, sometimes with a hidden detriment to the diet if not balanced. This leads the question, what should be considered when assessing the use of molasses in ruminant diets?

Sugars are often ‘lumped together’ with starches in ration formulations and decisions made dependant on the cost of individual raw materials. There is increasing evidence to show that starches and sugars perform very different roles in the rumen, and should be assessed in isolation.

It is well known that sugars drive forage intakes, but it’s not just because of the sweet taste and smell! Research has shown that when supplementing diets with 6-8% (or above!) of a cow’s dry matter intake as sugar, we stimulate not only the bacteria, but in particular the protozoa in the rumen, which are very efficient at digesting fibre. We talk a lot about bacteria in the rumen, and although they play a vital role in the fermentation of feeds, protozoa are perhaps overlooked in their value in terms of fibre digestion. Protozoa love sugar!

Re-creating grazed grass By feeding the protozoa to improve digestibility, we are maximising the potential of the forage. Think of a cow at grass. Her muck may be loose, due the high moisture content at grazing, but there is very little discernible fibre in her muck – her rumen microbes are working efficiently to maximise the digestion of fibre. What’s the main difference between grazed grass and fermented silage? SUGAR! A grazing cow might consume up to 20% of her dry matter intake as sugar, whilst a housed diet without supplemental sugar will average around 2.5-3%. It is also worth considering total ration sugar level when we buffer feed in the shoulders of the grazing season, or even finishing beef cattle rations as they are typically made up of straw or maize silage, all very low sugar and high starch.

We know that when we feed high levels of starch, we run the risk of producing too much acid (propionate) and causing rumen acidosis and milk fat suppression. Research has shown that sugars fermenting in the rumen produce a greater supply of a less strong acid (butyrate) which will not lead to an acidosis challenge. A high sugar diet will therefore not cause the same acidosis risks, and can lead to an improvement in microbial protein levels, energy to the animal for growth, and milk fat percentage.

When farmers are wanting to maximise meat or milk from forage, sugars should be considered a vital tool to ensure the most nutrition is digested from the diet regardless of the quality of the silage.

Bethany Parry

Technical Product Development Manager m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk

Bronwen Philwret

QLF Sales Manager m: 07341 853721 e: bronwen@qlf.co.uk

wynnstay.co.uk

26

WYNNSTAY DAIRY UPDATE

WORTH TAKING AN EXTRA SILAGE CUT? With high fertiliser costs should you ‘batten down the hatches’ or focus even harder on producing good grass silage this season?

There’s no getting away from high fertiliser costs. And with high costs, it can be tempting to retreat to the perceived ‘safety’ of doing what’s familiar or ‘battening down the hatches’. In other words, not really pushing grass (and silage) for everything you can get out of it.

But is this the best – or most efficient – course of action?

After all, we also have very good milk prices, so do you want to miss out on these? Or, is it worth thinking creatively to maximise the amount of milk you produce from homegrown forage and silage – for example by taking an extra silage cut?

Increased quality Fitting an extra silage cut into the season, by cutting grass younger, stands to increase its quality. For example, Volac research showed that grass from a five-cut system had an average digestibility 3 D units higher than grass from a three-cut system (72.7 versus 69.7) and was almost 3% higher in crude protein.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to jump straight from three cuts to five cuts. Maybe just try one extra cut. But higher digestibility can lead to higher silage intakes. What’s more, over the season, the multi-cut approach also delivered an extra 0.92 t/ha of dry matter (DM).

Conversely, if you haven’t got enough fertility in the field because nitrogen applications have been reduced, grass yields are likely to be lower anyway, and grass is likely to go to head faster due to stress, which will reduce its quality.

Better preservation It’s a similar scenario with additive use. Without an additive, the average DM loss in the higher quality grass silage in the experiment above was nearly 10%. When the additive Ecosyl was used, the average DM loss was virtually halved. In addition, the numbers of enterobacteria (the bacteria associated with slurry) were up to 100,000 times lower in the treated silage, and there was evidence that protein was better preserved.

Ultimately, you have to ask yourself: do you want to maximise your opportunities of achieving better quality grass and better silage preservation? Or do you leave silage quality and quantity much more open to chance – just at a time when milk prices are good and when the costs of concentrates needed to supplement poorer silage might also be high?

Peter Smith Volac

27

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

WORTH TAKING AN EXTRA SILAGE CUT?

On top of that, taking more cuts equals more opportunities to apply slurry. Which is handy if you’re having to cut back on bagged fertiliser (provided, of course, that you take precautions to mitigate any risks from slurry bacteria).

Superior Minerals, Superior Results.

Full Stop.

Dairy cows need superior trace mineral nutrition to reach their potential.

Availa® Dairy offers superior results through better feed efficiency, higher milk yield and lower somatic cell counts. It also enhances hoof health, improves reproduction and facilitates a smoother transition. That’s a fact.

Scan the QR code to find the key to unlocking your herd’s full potential. wynnstay.co.uk

#MoreThanMinerals

AVAILA ®

28

DAIRY

FEATURED PRODUCTS Speedrite A15xi Mains Energiser

Speedrite Fence Alert 12080

12013 • • • • •

Powers up to 400 acres / 160 ha (270 km) of fence 15 J maximum output energy (21 J stored energy) Earth monitor LED illuminates orange when the earth voltage is above 800 V Notifies farmer when the fence needs to be checked for high vegetation or shorts on the fence 3 Year Warranty

• Warning light begins flashing when fence voltage is too low • Visible up to 1.5km away • Rugged impact and waterresistant case • No wires or external power source required

With FREE Speedrite Remote with Fault Finder - Worth £169

ONLY

ONLY

£18

£895 Tru-Test Electronic Bluetooth Plate Meter EC20

SPS Solar Water Pump 35

97462

• Automatically records readings and calculates pasture cover.

• Makes feed budgeting quick, easy and accurate • Bluetooth®​Capable with Android App – Sync to your android device. Collect and store pasture data across multiple paddocks and multiple farms (requires android 4.3 or better) • Accurate Measurement – Second only to cutting, drying and weighing pasture samples • Measurement Range – 0-250mm of compressed pasture height

• • • • • • •

ONLY

£1,895

Bateman Ambassador Squeeze Crush Manually operated head yoke Full access to the animal Chin scoop compatible Unique “always locked” squeeze mechanism Internal width adjustable from 750mm down to 300mm Good for all breeds Sliding door at rear Anti-slip bars and chequer plate flooring

Pumps water from any river/stream/drain or well No running costs – 100% solar powered Supply up to 3500L/day Pumps water up to 30m (100ft) vertically and 1.5km horizontally Automatic Operation – Pressure regulated up to 40 psi Can also power 12v electric fence Larger models also available

ONLY

£760 • • • • • • • •

79749

Paxton AT1 Water Trough

68063 • • • • • • •

ONLY

£5,236

28708

2046L (450 gallons) capacity 1.5” drainage outlet.

Manufactured from UV stabilised polyethylene Easy cleaning Frost resistant to -40oC WRAS Approved Dimensions (mm): Dia 2210 x H 806mm Drinking Height: 720 mm

WAS £516.50

NOW

£425 Prices valid until 30th June 2022

29

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS- A LOOK AT BRINKWORTH DAIRY Joe and Ro Collingborn run a very traditional dairy farm which was founded in 1910 and has virtually been a closed herd ever since. Their daughter Ceri and son in law Chad are partners in the business. They also run the very successful Brinkworth Dairy, using a proportion of the farm’s milk, which produces artisan cheese, butter, kefir, yogurt and ice-cream, as well as a milk round. The rest is sold to First Milk.

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS- A LOOK AT BRINKWORTH DAIRY

The pedigree Brinkworth herd is bred to a type, medium size, with good feet, legs and udders and classified 70% VG and Excellent, using Friesian and Holstein genetics. Excess heifers are sold in calf, and pedigree breeding bulls are reared for sale. As much milk as possible is produced from forage; the aim is for over 50%, though this was not helped by last summer’s drought.

The Brinkworth herd grazing lush grass on 8th February 2022 wynnstay.co.uk

30

very good soil quality. The carbon stock on the best field was 99.00 t/ha. Further testing showed organic matter at 15%.

This encouraging result prompted Ro to think that dairy farming is very positive in the fight against climate change.

Further research reinforced her belief that traditional dairy farming, often practiced in the same area over many centuries could be hiding its light under a bushel. You could go further and say “bare soil bad, grass and livestock good.” Currently carbon is not being measured, or else being measured using a variety of different tests which is potentially very confusing.

The situation cries out for a clear direction, using a common and up-to-date test.

Joe and Ro both enjoy writing, Joe writes for the Irish Farmers Journal, and Ro for Dairy Farmer and the Western Daily Press which she regards as an opportunity to extol the wonderful nutritional values of milk and also, inspired by the farm’s carbon results, to defend our industry’s environmental footprint, which she would encourage other farmers to do, by extolling the value of grass based dairying.

Ro, who wasn’t from a farming background, has always been interested in conservation and was delighted that this fitted in with the farm ethos. Farm ponds have been retained, trees left in hedges and eleven small woods planted. There is a wildlife corridor all the way along the brook which runs through the farm, and 1400 trees have been planted over the years. With some trepidation, she has been watching the recent pronouncements coming from the RPA, together with COP 26, and was concerned that there is no overall measurement used to measure carbon in the soil, though carbon sequestration, together with soil quality, is key to climate change.

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS- LLAETH BEYNON DAIRY Ifan Beynon Thomas is a 3rd generation farmer from South Wales. He is currently farming 620 acres with a 250 head herd of dairy cattle, calving all year round and 300 Prize winning pedigree Berrichon sheep, making it the largest Berrichon flock in the UK. The farm grows in the region of 50 acres of maize each year and feeds silage alongside Wynnstay compound feeds.

The family diversified into selling milk through a vending machine during the pandemic when they experienced milk collection issues. They have three vending machines, two in Hendy and one in Ammanford, with plans for three more in Swansea to target tourists.

The farm employs two full time members of staff plus relief milkers, alongside Ifan and his parents. The vending machine operation requires one member of staff in the pasteurising room as well as one delivery driver, with another being recruited.

31

WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS- A LOOK AT BRINKWORTH DAIRY

It was an article by Sarah Bolt from Kingshay that reinforced her thinking, that dairy farming could be the solution, rather than the problem. The Dumas combustion test used by Kingshay is up to date and accurate and seemed the best test to use. Wessex Water kindly helped with the finance and seven fields, having had a variety of treatments, including severe flooding, were tested, and the soil organic carbon was found to be extremely high - between 7.4 and 8.8 %, with

Order Desk

t: 0808 168 7998

Sales Desk

t: 01939 733 102

To contact the Dairy Team

dairy@wynnstay.co.uk

Wynnstay Feeds

Llansantffraid Office: 01691 828512 Carmarthen Office: 01267 231341 Rhosfawr Office: 01766 819066

Wynnstay Arable

Shrewsbury Office: 01939 210555 York Office: 01757 617000

GrainLink

Shrewsbury Office: 01939 210500

Visit wynnstay.co.uk to read and request our latest publications

POULTRY

to are proud Wynnstay needs of the support the RY FARMER BRITISH POULT o.uk

yagriculture.c

www.wynnsta

For technical advice, product information, find your nearest Wynnstay Depot, or request a quote visit:

wynnstay.co.uk

@WynnstayGroup Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this publication are correct as of 2nd March 2022, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate information. Information contained within this publication should be used as a guide only please seek specialist advice before purchasing. Photography and product images used within this publication have been used as a guide only.

Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ Registration No. 5009019 • Part of Wynnstay Group Plc • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys SY22 6AQ Registration No: 2704051 • Telephone: 01691 828512 • Fax: 01691 828690 • Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk www.wynnstay.co.uk • Registered in Wales and England • Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87 WN3186

If undelivered please return to: Wynnstay Marketing Department, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ If you do not want to receive information of this nature please call 01691 223110 , e-mail marketing@wynnstay.co.uk or write to Wynnstay Marketing Department, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ.

Contact us: