The changing climate will result in more favourable conditions for growing maize across the country Weather patterns are becoming more extreme and herd genetics are changing – with both influencing grass and forage strategies. Are we reaching a tipping point, where the practices of the past become unsuitable for the future? British Dairying takes a […]
Category Archives: Selected Articles
Dairy ‘fuelling performance for a new generation,’ Dairy Sector Director at AHDB Paul Flanagan tells us what makes this campaign a winning formula. AHDB exists to add value for our levy payers and we do this by undertaking activities that individual farmers cannot do themselves. One of the ways we do this is through our […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Offspring performance hindered by heat
High temperatures around birth can negatively impact calf performance Heat stress in dry cows has been found to affect the lifetime production of their offspring. And recent studies show that this in-utero heat stress reduces growth rates and mammary development in the post-weaning phase. British Dairying reports. Warmer temperatures in the lead up to and […]
The smart bolus can send alerts about health, calving or feeding behaviour Bolus sensors deliver data straight from inside the cow to a smartphone or computer. And by combining smart tech with sharp stockmanship, one farm is boosting yields, cutting medicine use, and catching problems before they start. Danusia Osiowy reports. Farming has always been […]
Parlour Tech: Robotics, Herringbone, Rotary, Milking Equipment and Support Systems, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Attention to detail brings robot success
Andrew was tied to milking his 500-cow herd three times a day, so felt the robots were a natural progression It can take some time to fine-tune the process of moving to robotic milking, something which one Chester dairy farmer executed with his pedigree Holstein herd since replacing his ageing rotary milking parlour. So how […]
Building and Environmental Systems: Heating, Lighting, Ventilation, Flooring, Monitoring Systems, Pens, Construction, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Tackling the climate paradox
Cutting dairy consumption is not a solution – real action on the ground is Farmers are at the forefront of climate change – both in terms of needing to adapt to its impacts and holding many of the solutions to help mitigate it. But a fresh approach from government is required, as Paul Tompkins, NFU […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Reducing calf mortality to 1%
At one week old calves are moved from individual housing to group pens, with up to six calves per group A dairy farm in Lancashire has seen calf mortality rates drop and growth rates improve after introducing targeted management and a structured vaccination policy. British Dairying finds out more about this success. Richard and Jenny […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Farm Stories: Farm Management, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Welsh farms in the spotlight
Hannah and Tegid Williams run Cefn Gwyn Farm, an 81ha dairy farm in Chwilog, Pwllheli Two Welsh farms have been selected to join AHDB’s strategic dairy farm programme. With a mix of systems and focus areas, they add diversity to the network and a range of peer-to-peer insights. British Dairying pays them a visit. Tegid […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Navigating rodent control changes
Anti-rodent sprays can be useful to deter gnawing on wires and ducting, particularly around machinery As new rodent control legislation comes into force, dairy farmers face significant changes to how they manage vermin on their farms. British Dairying finds out more. Rodents pose multiple threats to dairy businesses, ranging from issues with hygiene and biosecurity […]
Farm Stories: Farm Management, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Consistency is key in Carmarthenshire
Eleri and Gethin Gibbon have paid close attention to forage, including the making and ensiling of grass silage Producing good-quality forage and a consistent diet is paying dividends for one autumn block calver seeking profitable and healthy cows in West Wales. British Dairying reports. Placing an unwavering focus on forage quality has helped one Welsh […]