Rob Taverner’s variable soil types mean he’s had to adapt to grow maize Selecting maize varieties that fit with plans for a more resilient farming future is a key consideration for one Devon farming family. British Dairying reports. With a dairy unit, diversification enterprises and a regenerative farming project to manage, Rob Taverner is always […]
Author Archives: Jamil Dhansey
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Continual focus on cow comfort pays dividends on family farm
Total refurbishment of Gatcombe Farm’s milking system and housing has enhanced herd health and performance After 10 successful years with robotic milking, a Devon business is continuing to invest in new technology to improve livestock housing facilities – enhancing cow health, welfare and production while meeting new regulation requirements. Mike Green reports. Improving cow health […]
Building and Environmental Systems: Heating, Lighting, Ventilation, Flooring, Monitoring Systems, Pens, Construction, Net zero: Sustainability, Climate Positive, Green Initiatives, Selected Articles
To Bovaer or not to Bovaer: Dairy’s dilemma or an opportunity for net zero progression?
How progression is communicated is as important as how it is delivered The question of whether to adopt Bovaer, a feed supplement aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy cows, has sparked considerable discussion within the industry. As this new development unfolds, shoppers are understandably curious and a bit suspicious about what it means for […]
Selected Articles, Uncategorised, Waste: Slurry Storage & Handling
Developing a resilient dairy enterprise
Slurry from the dairy cows is used to power a micro anaerobic digestor, which produces electricity and digestate In the quest to develop a more self-sufficient farming enterprise on the Somerset-based Dillington Estate, Farm Manager Ollie Blackburn and his team have embraced a range of new ideas, technologies and improved farming practices. British Dairying reports. […]
The family have changed the sand bedding and given the cows more space and light, with great results Sharing knowledge and ideas through the AHDB Strategic Dairy Farm programme has enabled one Yorkshire family dairy farm to improve cow space and comfort, leading to higher yields and reduced cases of mastitis. British Dairying finds out […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
When to use NSAIDs and antibiotics
Strategic use of NSAIDs at times like calving and for lameness yields a return of £1.66 for every £1 invested Farmers practising good animal husbandry want to do the right thing when it comes to treating their livestock, but there is often confusion between the use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). British Dairying goes […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Taking confident strides to enhance your herd mobility
Through herd and farm improvements cow lameness has reduced to 9% Maintaining your herd’s mobility isn’t just about animal welfare – it directly impacts profitability and farm reputation. The AHDB’s Confident Strides campaign has helped one farmer to tackle one of the industry’s most persistent challenges – lameness. In Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, Hackett Farm stands out […]
(L-R) Sarah, Roger and Catherine Howells have undertaken a farm audit Blaengelli Farm in west Wales is one of 685 farm businesses who have taken part in an unprecedented environmental assessment, which aims to support farmers to measure and improve the sustainability and profitability of their farm. British Dairying reports. Roger and Catherine Howells, alongside […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Navigating post-calving nutrition
Cows need to replace fluids and electrolytes quickly after giving birth Giving birth is a major event which can have a significant impact on dairy cows – so careful management, and ensuring a speedy recovery, is vital. British Dairying reports. Managing the last few days before calving can be a tricky balance, especially if cows […]
Runoff can pollute nearby rivers The health of the UK’s rivers has recently become a widespread public issue, with pollution – including from agriculture – in the spotlight. But there are simple, yet effective steps that farmers can take to reduce their impact, as British Dairying reports. It is an alarming fact that only 14% […]