Farm Focus Spring 2014 by WynnstayGroup

Farm Good Country Value

Spring Edition Offers end 31st March 2014

Welcome

ANIMAL HEALTH & HANDLING

Welcome to our first Farm Focus of 2014! The focus of this edition is on lambing and ensuring healthy lambs this season. We are featuring a number of milk feeders to save labour and improve growth rates, along with a range of feed supplements to provide ewes with extra energy for the lambing season. We are also introducing the new Bella Ag revolutionary 3.0 bolus which provides producers with daily information to ensure the health of their cattle, please see page 8 for more information. On page 14 we introduce Kelim, the new variety of spring barley which produces more straw than any other variety.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition!

Contact Us Wynnstay Arable ........ 01939 210555 Wynnstay Feeds ......... 01691 828512 Wynnstay Retail ......... 01691 662690

Wynnstay Stores Shropshire Astley ......................................01939 210555 Craven Arms .........................01588 672623 Newport..................................01952 820104 Oswestry ................................01691 659251 Pontesbury ............................01743 791876 Whitchurch ...........................01948 662061 South Wales Llangadog ..............................01550 776519 Tanygroes ..............................01239 810101 Mid Wales Dolgellau ...............................01341 422253 Llanfair Caereinion .............01938 810525 Llanidloes ..............................01686 412696 Llansantffraid .......................01691 827125 Newtown................................01686 626379 Tregaron .................................01974 298107 Tywyn ......................................01654 710233 Welshpool .............................01938 552591 Welshpool (Hardware) ...........01938 554672 North Wales Gaerwen .................................01248 421253 Llanfachraeth .......................01407 741918 Llanrwst..................................01492 640397 Penygroes ..............................01286 880234 2

www.wynnstay.co.uk

Rhosfawr ................................01766 810526 Ruthin .....................................01824 704900 Sarn..........................................01758 730212 St Asaph .................................01745 582527 Hereford & Worcester Droitwich ...............................01527 821485 Leominster ............................01568 615666 Gloucestershire Tetbury ....................................01666 502366 Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire Kendal.....................................015395 66003 Lancaster ...............................01524 62480 Skipton ...................................01756 709662 Staffordshire Uttoxeter ................................01889 564844 Stafford ...................................01785 250595 Oxfordshire Banbury ..................................01295 770707 Wynnstay/CPF Outlets St. Clears ................................01994 230208 Llandeilo ................................01558 822207 Pensarn...................................01267 236794 Llandovery .............................01550 720347 Cardigan .................................01239 810083 Haverfordwest ......................01437 761480 Crosshands ............................01269 845445

farmfocus@wynnstay.co.uk

SHEEP HANDLING SYSTEMS

NEW

Ideal for Drenching, Mouthing, Dagging, Ear Tagging, Selecting, Foot Treatment, etc. - All Handling Operations.

Lambing Checklist Available Now!

PRATTLEY SPECIFICATIONS: Lightweight, easy to assemble Versatile combinations of single or double lane races, two, three sections long, large or small mobs handled with equal ease, easy to assemble and transport, fits inside the Prattley Yard, width 33” (0.85m) reducible by pivoting one side. Side release gates available to draft sheep out, available in 33”, 36” and 39” high panels.

Pick a cop up y store in !

ALLIGATOR SPECIFICATIONS: Aluminium Durable, Versatile, Lightweight, Easy to use and Cost Effective. Assembled to meet the needs of the individual buyer. With the Alligator system, dosing sheep is a one-person job. Create a collecting pen and dosing race single-handedly and in less than 15 minutes, even at remote sites and on rough terrain. The only mobile sheep handling system with electronic weighing equipment that fits inside the race.

Be prepared for the Lambing Season! Castration Ring Pliers

18189

£5.95 with 100 FREE Castration Rings

Please call your local store for more details.

Dectomax Pour On

14711/22509/16476

Sprayline Marker

15225

Dectomax promo pack Dectomax Pour On 3 Litres Dectomax Pour On 6 Litres

- while stocks last -

Purchase 2 x 3 Litre packs, GET 1 LITRE FREE All prices exclude VAT

Save £12 when you buy 12 cans of Sprayline 400ml Marker Spray Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

HEALTHY EWES & LAMBS

Automatic feeders have proven themselves world-wide in the raising of lambs. They provide low-labour feeding and ensure the healthy growth of the animals.

MAKE THE MOST OF THOSE EXTRA LAMBS! Wynngold Lamlac Wynngold Lamlac is very palatable and gives excellent feed conversion. 10-12kg will rear a lamb.

SAVE LABOUR AND IMPROVE GROWTH RATES...

HIRE a Fee der for £300

For 1-5 lambs:

For 100 lambs:

Shrewbridge Feeder

Blue Autofeeder

•

Each feeder can automatically feed up to 70 lambs at one time, dramatically reducing the man hours required for mixing milk and feeding lambs, although a high degree of management skill is still required. The machine should be cleaned daily and calibrated regularly.

The milk is kept at a constant warm temperature Can be used in any location with an appropriate electricity supply Ready for use 30116

• •

£145 QuickTag Feeder

Please call your local store or Peter Whittall Williams Volac for more details 07966 021790 i.e. £2.45 per lamb over 5 years

16619

For 20-50 lambs:

Ewe 2 Feeder Ewe 2 feeder has a capacity of 25 Litres & will feed up to 20 lambs

£91.25 29126

16546

Also available is the Ewe 2 Plus feeder has a capacity of 50 Litres & will feed up to 50 lambs.

£67.75

36996

£195 4

www.wynnstay.co.uk

Ewemaster Nuts

Milk Bar Lamb Feeders

£135

Features • The lambs ingest their feed via a sucking teat as desired. The feed consists of water and milk is prepared hot and fresh in small portions in feeding boxes and quickly and intensively mixed. • Up to 8 feeding stations. • Feed is always at the right temperature. • Semi-automatic cleaning process with increased cleaning temperature. • Hose cleaning pistol and height-adjustable front plate with teat bracket and variable teat position. Benefits • Ensure the healthy growth of the animals • You can feed 240 lambs reliably and safely. • Approximately 20 – 30 lambs can be fed per station. • Allows an easy application to train the young lambs • Easy to transport with the lifting handles. • Extremely cost efficient.

Finance o ptio available ns

Limited number available 55013

A For up to 240 lambs: inve worthwhile stment fo larger floc r the Eco Feeder k!

This ten teat, rail mounted feeder holds 35 Litres and is graduated in 5 Litre increments. It features the award winning Ezi Lock Hooks that allow you to hang the feeder on any rail size from wire up to 75mm and lock in place. Supplied with standard teats.

This seven teat, rail mounted feeder holds 15 Litres. Supplied with colostrum teats. Fits rails up to 25mm.

A full range of lamb feeders are available.

Energy is the first limiting and therefore most critical nutrient for ewes. In the last 6 weeks pre-lambing, 75% of lamb growth occurs, doubling the demand for energy. Concentrate feed for pre- and post lambing to ensures your ewes get the best possible concentrate to maximise profitability. Ewemaster sheep feeds include high energy, high levels of protein, optimum levels of Magnesium, Phosphorus and Calcium, a unique Vitamin and trace element supplement.

All prices exclude VAT

£2950

BEDDING Stalosan F 25kg Unique broad spectrum, non-toxic, powdered disinfectant., antibacterial, anti-viral & anti-fungal.

17735

Destroys coccidia oo-cysts, parasites, worms and fly eggs and larvae. Prevents Coccidiosis. Removes ammonia and hydrogen sulphide and dries out moisture.

From £22.50 bag

Biolime H90 25kg • • • • • • • •

50632

Prevents Mastitis Kills and prevents bacteria Reduces hoof infection/ lameness Improves hygiene in calf pens NO risk of hydrogen sulphide Easily applied Cost effective solution Also beneficial for sheep, poultry/game and general farm applications

Approved Biocide, FEMAS accredited

Please call your local Wynnstay Store for a competitive quote

Lambmaster Pellets From ’start to finish’ a healthy lamb will consume approx. 10kg of Wynngold Lamlac and 75kg Wynnstay Lambmaster pellets. Lambmaster pellets are highly palatable and contain a unique sweetener to encourage weaning. Based on highly digestible ingredients, they should be fed with straw and water for early rumen development.

Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

FEEDING Wynnstay Super Gold Sheep Block

Wynnstay Energy Block • General energy & protein supplementation at grass or indoors • Ideal for lambing time • Use where extra supplementary feed input is required • Helps resolve production, health & fertility problems

Hay Basket

2587

25kg

Twin Strap Sheep Troughs 18760

48680

- while stocks last -

9” Galvanised

Galvanised Slot over

2540

• Specialist pre-post lambing supplementation at grass or indoors • Extra energy and quality protein • Can be safely fed to stock already treated with min-vit bolus or receiving multi-vitamin injection • Ideal for twin bearing ewes & young ewes pre and post lambing • Meets breeding ewe nutritional requirements • High energy (12.4 ME) from Megalac (Protected fat)

25kg

£13.95 each

Concrete Free Standing L-Wall 8ft

Ewemaster Extra High Energy

Ewemaster Extra Energy

2634

1226

22kg / 80kg 22.5kg

• Ideal for lambing time • Contains protected fat • High energy 16ME

• Ideal for flushing ewes, in-lamb ewes, breeding tups, growing/finishing lambs at grass- all year round- for optimum fertility • High in energy at 16.0 MJ/KG and protein 12%

LifeLine Lamb & Ewe 22.5kg

1/2/3m Plastic Feed Trough 1071

53343 55841/2

e FREE Buy 10 Get On • Boosts colostrum quality • Improves vitamin and mineral status of ewe and lamb • Promotes easier lambing & healthy lambs 6

www.wynnstay.co.uk

• • • • •

1m has a 15 Litre Capacity 2m has a 33 Litre Capacity 3m has a 46 Litre Capacity Hard wearing feed trough Simple, stable and stackable design • Suitable for most livestock • Robust one-piece easy clean moulding

£22.50 each

Buy 20 Save £20

• Free standing retainer walls are ideal for the bulk storage of materials such as silage, feedstuffs, coal or aggregates. Designed to facilitate dual load bearing, these L-shaped walls are available in heights of 2.4m (8ft), 3.0m (10ft) and 4.0m (13ft). • Pull-out points are cast above the heel as standard on 2.4m & 3.0m walls, to allow access to the silage face. Retainer walls with forklift toe holes can be manufactured to facilitate easier handling around the yard. • Corner retainer walls are also available.

£20

£32

£39

Buy 10 Save £10

Paxton AT25 Drinking Bowl • 6.8 Litre Capacity (AT25) • Compact design with built in mounts for easy wall fixing • Ideal for single animal use in loose boxes or stables • Large easy drain screw cap for fast emptying • Includes removable service box cover for easy access to ballcock • Includes Part 2 ballcock compliant with Water Regulations • Dimensions (mm): 410D x 300W x 344H

44089

£28 each

Buy 2 for £50

Ideal for Silage Pits & Grain Stores!

Wynnstay can supply a full range of drinking bowls and water troughs in Plastic, Concrete and Galvanised All prices exclude VAT

Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

DAIRY

DAIRY Provides you with the most useful “on-the-farm” based cattle health reporting tool in the industry.

Wynnstay are UK Distributors of

EnviroBed Bulk

VES FANS & ENVIRALIGHTING

Bella Ag Temperature Bolus 3.0 is administered orally, and once ingested the bolus gathers and transmits current temperature & ID readings.

Bella Ag Temperature Software easily installs on computer and works along side the most popular herd management software packages.

The software analyses the temperature data collected from your cattle and sends you automatic temperature alerts, these lists can be printed, emailed or sent to your phone.

Overall benefit, but are not limited to: • • • •

Control illness and disease with early detection Reduce treatment costs and somatic cell counts Improve estrus detection Increase pregnancy rates

• • • •

For more information call

Increase production reduced mortality rates Lower labour and vets costs Eliminate manual temperature checking

95% Dry Matter, highly absorbent, pH 7.4, no lime required on bed, 5 x more absorbent than sawdust, 10 x more absorbent than straw, cleaner & more comfortable cows

t: 01691 662690 or visit

Please call your local Wynnstay Store for a competitive quote

www.wynnstay.co.uk/bellaag.html

50” and 70” Cyclone Fans

Mayo Mattress

Huber Tecknik Mattresses

44mm 6’x 3’10” 57657

Seamless comfort flooring. Comfort and soft bed endless rolls. Durable Aggrolatex comfort. The perfect balance between firmness and comfort, combined with HUBER 4GS. Comes with 10 year guarantee.

Trikill & Biokill Teat Dip Trikill

Biokill

• Pre and post milking spray, dip or foam for longer lasting protection during and between milking • High Performance - EN1656:2009 tested for efficacy against Strep uberis, Staph aureus and E Coli, in 30 seconds • Rapid effect – starts to work as soon as applied • Outstanding cleaning ability – leaves teats feeling silky and smooth

• Revolutionary new thickener for superior cling and film forming • Low drip formulation • Contains glycerine & eucalyptus oil for superior teat condition • Passed EN 1656:2010, a European disinfection test for Staph • Aureus, Strep uberis and E coli

www.wynnstay.co.uk

The components are designed to cover all aspects of a good ventilation system. One of VES Environmental Solutions’ most versatile products is the 50’ and 70’ CYCLONE variable horizontal ventilator. This high efficiency variable speed drive fan is a one of a kind in the world today. The 72’ heavy duty aluminium 6 paddle blade produces in excess of 80,000 CFM of air movement while using only 2.2KW of power on high speed and 300 Watts on low.

The Mayo Mattress is a latest innovation and has quickly established itself as a market leader. The Mayo Mattress is the first product to genuinely replace the original Mayo Mat. It offers exceptional comfort at a truly affordable price, whilst maintaining the longevity of the Mat.

£65

56579

55648-50, 55651-3

Enviralight 250W

56618

The NEW Day-lighter (with optional moonlighter) series of lighting combines the proven technology of Induction LED, housed in the most robust IP65 (listed for wet location) fixture and optical lens. Using sound research by many of North America’s Universities, the VES Day-Lighter, Moon-lighter and Enviralight control will help improve the milk production with proper lighting levels while using the least amount of energy.

Available in bulk loads & also available in Semi-Dry form - Ideal for beef cattle

SLURRY TREATMENT 1kg Continuous use of this additive will lead to minimal mixing, reduced smell, homogenous slurry and more efficient preservation of nutrients. When tanks are full, the treated slurry can be pumped and spread easily. CUT your annual fertiliser use RETAIN nitrogen and nutrients in your slurry REDUCE smell REDUCE stirring AVOID crusting REDUCED your farm’s carbon footprint This slurry Treatment: Retains N,P & K in organic forms Speeds up solids degradation during storage Saves labour - reduced stirring and easier pumping Reduces odour & minimises crust formation Improves soil humus and worm population Contains: Microbial cultures, microbial enzymes, microbial stimulants, dextrose, aluminosilicates, flow agents.

For more information on the complete range of ventilation products - ventilation, fans, polycarbonate panels, temperature controls, cooling and lighting please visit...

www.wynnstay.co.uk/ventilation.html All prices exclude VAT

Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

SPECIFIC PRODUCTS FOR SPECIFIC TRANSITION COW PROBLEMS Two reasons why you should place more emphasis on the

Transition Period:

70%

50%

of diseases in dairy cows occur in the first month post-partum

of dairy cows suffer metabolic and or infectious diseases in the Transition Period

Poor transitioning of cows can lead to significant economic losses though disease, reduced milk yield, poor fertility and increased early culling which is why Wynnstay have introduced Transition 80/20. In addition to recommendations and protocols for successful transition management there is also a range of products to support the cow through this short but key period of the production cycle.

3. 4.

Dry cows off at the correct condition score (2.75 to 3.25) and avoid significant changes to condition during the dry period. The incidence of mastitis in early lactation can be reduced by ensuring excellent hygiene during and in the immediate period post drying off. Feed a high fibre medium protein low energy diet. Including Recharge 80/20 in the diet for three weeks pre-calving will support liver function and help to improve fertility as well as providing the optimum balance of minerals and vitamins.

Close up cows require 90cm of feed space and stocking at 80% of capacity.

Adding ProKeto to the dry cow diet will help to reduce the incidence of sub-clinical ketosis and improve intakes pre-calving.

Ensure Cow Comfort by maximising lying times and providing a spacious comfortable lying area, which will help reduce the incidence of lameness in early lactation.

To maintain dry matter intakes in close up cows avoid group changes and limit the time cows spend in individual calving boxes to less than two days.

Ensure all fresh cows receive Reviva 80/20 as soon as possible post calving to facilitate re-hydration and stimulate dry matter intake.

Recharge Packed with methyl donors and glucogenic precursors Recharge 80/20 has been specifically formulated to support liver function during the transition period. The protected choline included in Recharge 80/20 when fed precalving has been shown to significantly increase DMI, and milk yield by up to on average 2.2 litres. Antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and selenium have also been included in addition to beta-carotene to help protect uterine and reproductive tract health. Research has demonstrated that increased levels pre-calving can improve fertility in early lactation. Table 1. The effects of feeding rumen protected choline to transition cows on dry matter intake and milk

Control

Rumen P Choline

DMI (kg/d)

18.15

18.89

0.0042

Milk (kg/d)

32.18

34.39

<0.0001

ECM (kg/d)

34.9

37.58

0.0038

Fat yield (kg/d)

1.266

1.381

0.021

Protein yield (kg/d)

1.044

1.120

0.10

Reviva Cows lose around 50 litres of fluid and electrolytes at calving and become dehydrated. Dehydration causes cows to become listless, lethargic and reluctant to begin eating. In some cases calcium status can also be compromised which can lead to retained placenta’s and poor fertility.

‘Reviva 80/20 has been shown to stimulate appetite’ Reviva 80/20 is the trusted fresh cow drink containing a balanced source of the key electrolytes along with vitamins and rapidly available energy to give the cow a real boost. The specific structure of the carbohydrates in Reviva 80/20 has been shown to stimulate appetite, encouraging cows to eat sooner after calving and rebuild dry matter intakes more quickly.

www.wynnstay.co.uk

Pro Keto Specifically developed to support the energy demands of the high yielding cow. It is based on highly glucogenic propylene glycol. This energy source is readily available in the liver to help return the cow quickly to positive energy balance. Compared to glycerol based products Pro Keto yields more glucose (Figure 1). It is also flavoured to maximise palatability and to achieve the essential daily intake. Figure 1. A comparison of the glugogenic capacity of propylene glycol and glycerol

Key vitamins and minerals fortify Pro Keto to support daily requirements for cell activity and energy metabolism. These include choline to support liver metabolism of fat, vitamin B12 and niacin to support the energy metabolism of the cow while under stress of early lactation, vitamin E and selenium as key cellular anti-oxidants, and zinc to support keratin production particularly in the hoof.

‘‘

Mark Partridge who runs a dairy farm in Dorset had been using straight Propylene Glycol through his milking Robots, but felt that due to the bitter taste the cows were not consuming as much compound as desired. He then switched to Pro Keto to see if he could rectify this problem and noticed significant differences from using straight PG. “Where the cows had tried to avoid the PG, with Pro Keto this eradicated the problem, and the cows were not trying to sort the feed when visiting the Robot” Mark says, “I feel that the increased palatability of Pro Keto due to the inclusion of flavouring helped intakes to increase on each visit the cows made” “Also, with the inclusion of the value added ingredients within the product, this can only serve to assist the animals through what is a crucial time during early lactation, where ketosis risk at it’s greatest”.

For further information please contact our dairy specialists:

10. Monitor rectal temperatures and blood ketone levels of fresh cows and record the incidence of transition diseases. 10

‘Recharge 80/20 when fed pre-calving has been shown to significantly increase DMI’

Dr Huw McConochie Iwan Vaughan Howell Richards All prices exclude VAT

07771 740857 07990 578548 07731 652586 Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

FARM MAINTENANCE Honda Powered Lawn Mower 18” Self propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

51959

Sealey 9 Drawer Top Chest in 204pc Tool Kit

Steel Deck, powered by a Honda GCV135 4-stroke engine. Reliable and easy starting, with single height adjustment the side adjustment handle adjusts all four wheels at once for convenience to one of five cutting heights. A handle folds in the centre via two quick release lever catches for easy storage or transportation. Includes big 60 litre grass collection bag, simply replace the collection bag with the Mulching attachment (supplied) which clips into the ejection port on the deck and creates a mulching function to mulch cuttings. It Clips back out in seconds for ejection or collection of cuttings.

55787

£139

Wynnstay Rat & Mouse Killer

Jerry Can 20 Litre

Ready-to-use bait containing top quality, dust free chopped wheat with a unique chocolatey aroma, highly appealing to rats and mice and increases bait “take”. Biostats inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria in damp conditions.

10% OFF

Contains

active

3kg, 10kg 3kg 10kg, 20kg, 20kg 50 x 100g Sachets DiFenacoum

ingredient

28289

• Powder coated rust-resistant exterior paint • Inside lining of Rezol enamel to prevent internal rusting

Offroad ATV Trailer 5’ x 3’ 48975

36 x 17 x 6”

£18.49

• 1 year warranty

Railway Sleepers • Top grade • Long lasting • Ideal for retaining walls as well as lots of other uses around the farm

80867

£18.49 12

www.wynnstay.co.uk

56261/2

• Compact, high performance cold water high-pressure cleaner • Features Easy Press trigger gun and triple nozzle for cleaning a variety of surfaces and dirt types • Water flow 500 l/h • Max. pressure 130 bar • Connected load 2.2 kW • One year warranty

Milwaukee 115mm Grinder AG750 750W 240V • • • • • •

115mm Grinder Compact and powerful 750 watt motor Metal gearbox for extended durability Directed air exhaust Protected air inlets Safety guard, side handle, flange, flange nut, 4m cable

52260

FEED BINS 6 Ton Legged Silo Full range available to order Please ask you local Wynnstay Store for details

FROM

£2,900

£49.99

£54.16 Fuel Bank FB2500

Buffalo Board Grade A 8’6” long x 10” x 6” Hardwood

£960 £1400

5000L 10000L

Karcher HD 5/11 Cold washer 1600psi 500L flow 240V

£349

GYS Battery Charger 12/24V inc Boost 230V

£579

COLLECT RAINWATER FROM ROOF TOPS TO BE USED AROUND THE FARM; PARLOUR/DAIRY WASHDOWN, VEHICLE WASHDOWN, SPRAYING, ANIMAL DRINKING WATER (UV FILTER MAY BE REQUIRED), GENERAL GARDEN USE. 5000 OR 10000 LITRE VERTICAL PLASTIC WATER TANK COMPLETE WITH RAINWATER HARVESTING KIT (FILTER, INTERNAL PIPE, CALMED INLET, OVERFLOW SIPHON) SUITABLE FOR ROOF AREA UP TO 450 m2

46805

55788

Made in the UK

£34.99

strength • Full breather facility for fast, splash-proof pouring with full breather pipe • In cap locking pin for additional safety

• Ammeter to indicate the charge • 2 charge speeds: Normal and ‘Boost’ • 12V & 24V

Galvanised

The Leatherman Wingman is A great, lightweight, pocket-sized, stainless steel tool. Backed by Leatherman’s 25 year warranty.

• Completely Leak proof bayonet closure • 0.9mm thick steel for 'best in industry'

Full range of sizes available

SAVE MONEY ON WATER BILLS BY HARVESTING RAINWATER

55702

• 204pc, top chest 9 drawer tool box fitted with two drop down handles, cylinder lock including rear locking bars for added security & 2 keys • Includes commonly used tools such as LED torch, spanners, pliers and many many more • Ideal for professional and personal use • Dimensions(cm): 38H x 60W x 26D

£299.99 56210-13

Leatherman Multi-Tool LT100

2400 x 1220 x 18mm

45781

2430mm (8’) Length 1830mm (6’) Height 1480mm (4’11”) Width Capactity 2500 Litres 55811

Tote Bin 1 Ton ONLY...

Tough, slip resistant plywood, suitable for vehicle/trailer flooring

£59.99

£1,250

57200

£1,150 Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

WEED CONTROL

ARABLE

Remove docks to get more grass from what you’ve got!

Spring Barley No. 1 for Grain & Straw

High animal feed prices are a major concern for many dairy farmers and resulting in a determination to produce as much milk from grazed and conserved grass this coming season.

Produces more straw than any-other variety! Kelim spring barley has all the characteristics needed in a feed variety

For many spring barley growers the yield of straw is almost as important as the yield of grain. The huge popularity of Westminster was based around its long straw but this variety now looks a little outdated compared to recent introductions. The new variety Kelim is the only variety available that produces more straw than Westminster. This straw yield information is generated by the AFBI (Agrifood and Bioscience Institute) in Northern Ireland where the quantity

of straw is measured and recorded in the same way that the grain yields are. These trials show that Kelim produces significantly more straw than all other varieties.

Grass is the cheapest feed on the farm – it really is. After all it is our national crop and our maritime climate is perfect for growing decent tonnages of high quality, nutritious ruminant feed.

Kelim also has a very high grain yield and sound agronomics including the best rating available for lodging resistance and brackling resistance, making it a safe and very productive variety.

Well managed, correctly fertilised grass containing modern varieties can produce up to 14t DM/ha. But this potential can be compromised by limited crop nutrition, soil compaction and weeds.

KELIM

WAGGON

GARNER

PROPINO

WESTMINSTER

UK Grain Yield (%)

104

102

103

104

Specific Weight (kg/hl)

67.9

67.6

66.7

67.7

Straw Characteristics Straw Height (cm)

Resistance to Lodging

Resistance to Brackling

Straw Yield AFBI 2013 t/ha

4.86

2.5

3.59

3.09

4.01

Straw Value per Ha (£70/t)

£340

£175

£251

£216

£281

Disease Resistance Mildew Yellow rust

Brown Rust

Rhynchosporium

Ramularia

“

Edward Slack Milford Hall Farms, Stafford

Adrian Joynt

We were very pleased indeed with the Kelim we grew in 2013. The crop looked well all the way through and we knew there was a lot of straw, but were very pleased that it stood well across the 180 acres we had. It yielded well and produced a huge quantity of beautiful ‘soft’ straw.

We grew 150 acres of Kelim in 2013, and despite it not being drilled until the second half of April it yielded well and produced a huge amount of straw. We also grew Concerto and Propino, both of which performed well, but the Kelim produced 20-30% more straw which gave us a useful boost to the returns.

Farm Manager

Goulburn Farms, 2,500 acres on Apley Estate near Shifnal, Shropshire

www.wynnstay.co.uk

Where weeds grow, grass doesn’t. They compete directly for light, water, nutrients and space. SAC trials showed that a 10% infestation of docks causes 10% yield loss of grass. The main weed challenge for dairy farmers is docks which thrive in moist, fertile soils where moderate to high levels of nitrogen have been applied. Broad-leaved and curled docks are perennial weeds that grow from seed (up to 70,000/plant produced a year) or root sections in the ground. The seeds can remain viable for up to 80 years. As well as reducing grass yield, docks only have 60% of the nutrient value of grass, so will pull down the overall feed value of silage in the clamp. Where weeds have established, a long term solution is required so a targeted translocated herbicide such as DoxstarPro, which moves down into the roots and affect a more complete kill is what is needed. An added advantage of this type of herbicide is it will not hold back grass growth in any way. For best results sprays should be applied when the weeds are healthy, not ravished by disease or insects, actively growing – not stressed by frost or drought - and at the perfect growth stage; docks at rosette stage up to 25 cm high or across, and thistles at rosette stage up to 20cm high or across. Silage fields should be treated at least three to four weeks before cutting to allow the herbicides to work to its full extent before defoliation.

Dr Simon Pope Crop Protection Manager m: 07990 578545 simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk Wynnstay Group Plc

Farm Focus Spring 2014

THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR PV

BIOMASS BOILERS

• Get a return on investment of approximately 10% or higher

WOOD PELLET, CHIP AND LOG

Savings and earnings can represent a return on investment of approximately 10%, creating an additional, guaranteed revenue stream

• The feed in tariff is index linked and guaranteed for the next 20 years This means the investment is inflation proof! The feed in tariff you get will go up at the same rate as inflation • Save money by producing your own electricity Every KW produced by your system is yours to use for free • Invest with confidence in a panel that will last Solar projects are a 20 year plus investment which will generate you payments every year. Invest your money wisely in a quality panel with the longest performance warranty on the market. • Get paid for every KW of electricity you produce You get paid a guaranteed feed in tariff for every KW of electricity you produce whether you use it or not • Reduce your carbon footprint - free, clean electricity that produces no greenhouse gases!

GeoGen can provide the best carbon neutral energy solutions in biomass boilers, wood pellet boilers and woodchip boiler systems along with the most innovative renewable energy technology. Through Government Renewable Heat Incentives, fuel costs can be sliced, with savings continuing for years to come. Biomass Boilers are designed to heat small to large agricultural, commercial and residential premises. Whatever your heat requirements there is a biomass boiler solution. Advances in the equipment used to prepare, transport, deliver, store and burn biomass fuels means that green is now also clean. Biomass energy at the level of consumption is virtually indistinguishable from other energy. The main difference is its source, biomass refers to relatively recently living organic material. Biomass fuel sources burn cleaner than fossil fuels, that is they emit less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels, the carbon emitted from the production of biomass energy does not significantly upset the atmospheric balance because it has not left the carbon cycle, a process which takes carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis and stores in the living tissue of plant cells.

GeoGen recently installed a 16 panel PV microinverter system on a single storey bungalow in the Oswestry area. The system included an Enphase Microinverter per panel which utilises the very latest technology to maximise the performance of each panel by pairing it with its own dedicated microinverter. The system also included a web based monitoring system to ensure up to date information could be accessed on system performance. The microinverters offer the highest field reliability of any solar inverter and are backed up by a 20 year warranty. “We decided to install Solar PV Panels to combat rising electricity prices. I received a number of quotes from other suppliers but decided to place the order with GeoGen. The service received was excellent, from the support in completing the paperwork to the installation, I would certainly recommend GeoGen to others” MR & MRS BATTS, OSWESTRY

For more information on the Enphase Microinverter System, or any other renewable products, call GeoGen on

01691 670341 GeoGen are looking to recruit a Biomass Product Manager, for more information or to apply please email: info@geogen.co.uk

Looking for a career in agriculture? Wynnstay offer a diverse range of careers for those with a passion for agriculture. To find out more about the career opportunities available at Wynnstay visit www.wynnstay.co.uk or telephone us on t: 01691 827120.

All prices exclude VAT and are ex-Store. Offers valid until 31st March 2014 unless otherwise stated and are subject to availability. Products may vary to illustration and only be available at larger Stores, please check before travelling. Wynnstay reserve the right to withdraw offers or change prices at any time. E & OE. Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys SY22 6AQ Part of Wynnstay Group Plc • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys SY22 6AQ Telephone: 01691 828512 • Fax: 01691 828690 • Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstay.co.uk Registered in Wales and England

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