Farmers Guardian Dairy Supplement 17th February 2023

Plan to prevent staggers hitting margins at turnout

Ashortage of winter forages may lead to an earlier turnout in many parts of the country which could increase the risk of grass staggers this spring, according to Alicia Bexon, ruminant nutritionist at Trouw Nutrition GB.

“The final consequences of the difficult 2022 forage season across much of the country is that dairy farmers may be forced to get cows out earlier. While grazed grass can reduce the forage dry matter intake, it will be important to take steps to reduce the staggers risk.

“Flushes of grass and a rapid change in nutrient profile between silages and grass are classically associated with magnesium issues, yet a high proportion of overwintered grass can also increase the risk of staggers, so you need to be mindful of both situations.”

Grass staggers occurs when there is a dietary shortage of magnesium leading to low levels in the blood. Magnesium affects everything from energy metabolism and protein synthesis to cell growth. It is vital for skeletal structure and bone formation with 60-70 per cent found in the bones.

Calcium

It plays a key role in calcium absorption, increasing calcium availability to the cow and helping reduce the risk of milk fever at spring grass.

“It is important for transmission of signals in the nervous system, which contributes to some of the clinical signs associated with staggers including restlessness, nervousness, lack of co-ordination and muscle spasms. The major driver for a cow’s magnesium requirement is milk yield which explains why

staggers can be more of a problem in higher yielding cows.”

Ms Bexon points out that several factors will influence how much magnesium a cow is able to consume. Any magnesium taken in from the diet has to be made soluble in the rumen before it can be absorbed.

Solubility increases at lower rumen pH. The high sugars in spring grass help to lower pH but in over-wintered grass sugars can be lower reducing the magnesium absorbed. She advises regular forage analysis to monitor grass quality.

High nitrogen

High nitrogen in the diet will also affect absorption as it leads to excess ammonia production which

increases rumen pH, so diets need to be carefully formulated.

Rumen passage is also a key consideration. If rumen passage rate is high which is typical with low fibre spring grass there will be reduced time for magnesium to be absorbed. Any unabsorbed magnesium is just excreted and reserves within the cow are not readily mobilised. Therefore the diet must be balanced accurately in order to meet the animals daily magnesium requirements.

“The amount in the plant itself will be affected by the soil. High potassium levels in the soil and plant will reduce magnesium absorption so she advises analysing slurry and taking soil analysis to understand potassium status and modify slurry applications accordingly.

The first sign of a staggers problem is usually reduced feed intakes but as it can take just six hours from initial clinical signs to death, Ms Bexon stresses the importance of adequate preventative measures.

“With high feed costs it may be temping to cut back on magnesium supplementation but the consequences could be significant. While losing an animal is the biggest financial loss, staggers can also reduce milk yields and depress margins, so effective prevention by ensuring sufficient magnesium intakes to match requirements is key, especially in the early season when grass availability and quality can vary considerably.”

Compounds

Several magnesium salts are commonly used for supplementation, mainly magnesium chloride, phosphate, sulphate or oxide. They can be supplied in a variety of ways.

Compounds are one way to ensure every cow gets additional magnesium, but the quantities can be small when cows are receiving little or no compound at grass.

If cows are turned out early and just by day, change to a higher magnesium mineral in the buffer feed or evening TMR. This can ensure all cows are adequately supplemented through the grazing season.

Free access minerals and blocks or licks can contain high levels of magnesium and are a convenient way of supplementing animals at grazing. The challenge is ensuring adequate intakes per animal.

This can be improved by having the correct ratio of blocks to animals and carefully monitoring intakes. Finally, magnesium can be added to water but again monitoring intakes can be difficult.

Before turnout it is important to consider how cows will be supplemented with magnesium to reduce the staggers risk.

PICTURE: JOHN EVESON

Good artificial insemination (AI) protocols are helping a Carmarthenshire dairy farm achieve a six-week in-calf rate of more than 80 per cent. Farmers Guardian reports.

Iwan Francis runs a split block calving herd of 200 Friesian cross cows at Nantglas, Talog, where he does his own AI.

Through the farm’s work as a Farming Connect demonstration site, Mr Francis has been working with vet Kate Burnby to improve herd fertility. He has achieved this by reducing the 12-week empty rate from 14 per cent to 5 per cent within two-anda-half years and increasing six-week in-calf rates from 71 per cent to more than 80 per cent.

During a recent Farming Connect open day at Nantglas, Ms Burnby said that while there are many factors which contribute to good herd fertility, with Mr Francis focusing on calving records, disease status, AI protocols and heat detection, other factors taken into consideration are nutrition, cow comfort and handling systems.

Ms Burnby gave advice to farmers attending the event on best AI practice, including preparing the straw, flask management and good stock handling facilities.

Careful storage, handling and thawing of bull semen is an important consideration.

AI protocols help improve fertility performance

Mr Francis has a specific area for AI preparations and management, which is kept clean and tidy at all times.

The site includes the flask, a whiteboard with bull placements map within the flask and plenty of area to handle the semen.

Heat detection collars have been a great asset to Mr Francis, being reliable and effective, which has

Best practice for semen handling

semen before retrieving the straw, as the contents will start to thaw within two seconds of being taken out of the flask

n Only thaw the number of straws which can be used within 10 minutes

n Monitor water temperature continuously

n Water should cover all but the top 1cm of the straw

helped maintain high submission rates with less effort than previously.

Mr Francis records all calving data, whether there are issues or not. Data includes cow condition when calving, calf detail, calving difficulty, cleansing, milk fever case and late calvers.

Reviewing these records have helped halve the amount and severity of metabolic disorders in the herd.

A handling system which does not increase stress on the cow around AI is important.

Ms Burnby said: “The best way to maximise conception is to have a calm environment and good handling facilities.”

Mr Francis has created a drafting system which provides a low stress environment as the cow drafted for insemination has access to silage and water and can see the rest of the herd when she is being held back for AI.

Ms Burnby said: “Iwan does not normally need to yoke the cows

as they usually stand quietly in the race.”

What constitutes a good handling system is different for every farm, said Ms Burnby.

“It might be head yokes, a race, a crush. Each will work well as long as they are set up well and cows are familiar with them.”

Familiarity

For heifers, she recommended running them through the handling system ahead of AI to get them familiar with it.

Ms Burnby also recommended regularly review breeding data –comparing results and taking into account factors such as the AI technician and bulls used on specific days, to see if there is scope for improvement.

She said: “Consider a refresher course for technicians every two years or whenever there are concerns about results.”

Iwan Francis and Kate Burnby.

“Feeding More Milk gives a clear and sustainable return, through robust, resilient and high performing dairy cows.”

Trouw Nutrition GB

For more details about Milkivit contact Laura at trouwnutrition.co.uk/milkivit-calf

Dr. Laura Tennant Young Animal Feed Technical Adviser

Forage peas as a high protein

Not a new product to the market, forage peas have been in and out of fashion over the years, says John Spence, forage crop product manager at Limagrain UK.

However, more recently, interest in the crop has seen a rise due to high supplementary protein and fertiliser prices, combined with the soil benefits of using a legume crop.

Mr Spence says: “Anything which is relatively high in protein, but also nitrogen fixing, has seen a boost in terms of sales and popularity. It is another option and something for people to consider.”

Based on the latest figures from Limagrain, the growing cost of forage peas sits at about £102 per tonne of utilised dry matter (DM) and £708 per hectare (£287 per acre), making it a cost-effective option for home-grown protein.

Mr Spence says: “It is important now, if not more than ever, to allow people to take control of their own costs to a certain extent.”

Protein levels

While protein content is dependent on the year, Mr Spence says crude protein levels generally sit at 16-20 per cent, with a DM content is of 20-25 per cent.

Overall, digestibility value sits at 62-64 per cent, with a metabolisable energy level of 10.5MJ/kg of DM.

Dr Cara Campbell, senior consultant and area manager at SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College, explains the advantages of forage peas as a high protein

source within the dairy diet. While forage peas usually contain a higher protein content than grass

silage, the crop contains a higher level of rumen degradable protein.

This is unlike by-pass protein, which is also required by dairy cows, digested in the small intestine, and is found in proteins sources such as soyabean meal and rapeseed meal.

Tannins

However, to combat this, forage peas contain naturally occurring tannins which bind to the protein, protecting it from microbial breakdown in the rumen and allowing it to be digested in the small intestine along with by-pass proteins.

YIELD AND FEED QUALITY

Average dry matter (DM) yield 4-6 tonnes per hectare (1.6-2.4t/acre)

Average fresh yield 20-30t/ha (8-12t/acre)

DM 20-25 per cent

Crude protein 16-20 per cent

Digestibility value 62-64 per cent

Metabolisable energy 10.5MJ/kg DM

With a high protein content and the ability to maintain yields, forage peas could provide source dairy farmers have been searching for. Katie Fallon reports.

SOURCE: LIMAGRAIN UK

Forage peas are best fed as a silage, alongside a grass or maize silage or a wholecrop cereal

DR CARA CAMPBELL

source the alternative protein

ESTABLISHMENT

WITH a relatively flexible sowing date, between the end of March and early June, depending on the weather, forage peas can be harvested 11-14 weeks after sowing, making it a fast-growing crop.

Mr Spence says: “The fact that forage peas are a legume means they are high in protein, but also nitrogen fixing for the following crop, meaning it can work well in an arable rotation going into wheat or barley.”

Forage peas are fairly hardy and straightforward to grow. Preferring lighter soils and temperatures of at least 8degC for successful

establishment, forage peas can be grown in most parts of the UK.

Mr Spence says the main causes of poor establishment tend to be due to bird damage, from rooks

Solving scour...

Dr Campbell says: “Without the tannins most of the protein would be degraded in the rumen and, in the case of a high yielding cow, she would require supplementary protein to maintain higher milk yields.”

Dr Campbell advises farmers not to fully replace soya or other protein sources with forage peas, but says they can reduce the amount of supplementary protein required.

She says: “I would always say that forage peas are best fed as a silage, alongside a grass or maize silage or a wholecrop cereal. I would not put it in on its own and it should be used as part of a ration.”

In terms of production, studies have found forage peas to maintain dry matter intake and milk yields.

By-pass proteins

However, Dr Campbell advises farmers to be aware that by-pass proteins may still be required.

She says: “It is about yield. The high yielding cows will need a source of by-pass protein as well as the peas, whereas a lower yielding cow does not have as high a requirement of by-pass protein.”

She adds: “Always talk with your nutritionist to determine the correct inclusion rates and how to alter concentrations to get the optimum milk yield and performance out of cows.

“Do not just go and do it yourself, speak to your nutritionist and get advice before you do it.”

and pigeons in particular. He says that if the seeds are not sown deep enough, the rooks access the seed very easily and, once established, pigeons can become an issue.

Reference: 1. APHA 2012-2019 Neonatal, Prewean, Postwean calf groups. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/veterinary-investigation-diagnosisanalysis-vida-report-2012

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The growing cost of peas is about £102 per tonne of utilised dry matter.

The fact that forage peas are a legume means they are high in protein

JOHN SPENCE

Over

Teamwork drives large-scale dairy farm

Recent developments at Sansaw Dairy in Hadnall, Shrewsbury, has included the building of new cubicle sheds, which means the business does not have to rely solely on out-wintering of the 1,600-cow herd.

Farm manager Breiffni Daly says while he is a fan of out-wintering as a system which puts less reliance on resources such as straw and labour, it is also very weather-dependent and the farm had little in the way of back-up.

In the past, the whole herd had been out-wintered on fodder beet and baled

silage. Today, all the youngstock and a proportion of the herd is out-wintered.

In 2019 a 1,200-cow shed, complete with 900 cubicles and loose housing space for a further 300 cows, was built.

Looking ahead, Mr Daly says they are considering putting up extra buildings. He says: “Over the next three to five years we are looking at extending the yard to fit another 600 cubicles.

“Another shed would give us the option to indoor or outdoor winter the cows, as if needed the cows could all be brought-in. We currently do not have the option to do this.”

Mr Daly says another reason for building the £1 million housing facility was to significantly tighten up the dry periods and provide calving space on the unit instead of on a sister farm.

This has allowed Sansaw to milk at least once a day all year round. Before this, they would dry off cows in December and January.

Mr Daly says: “This has improved productivity and is easier from a management perspective for both the herd and the workforce. It also helps our cashflow.”

Diet

Despite the new building, cows are still on a forage-based diet at housing, with cows feeding from three new selffeeding silage pits, which have been positioned between the cubicle sheds.

The pits provide 90 days’ worth of silage, with analysis showing the silage provides 11.5MJ/kg of dry matter of metabolisable energy (ME).

Mr Daly says: “The silage is ideal for our type of cows and the ME level helps reduce milk fever.”

A string is used to stop cows from trampling silage.

Mr Daly says: “We have found this needs to be positioned 19 inches out from the face and 32in off the ground

to allow the best feeding techniques. The cows receive a small amount of concentrates at milking, with 500750kg fed annually and the youngstock receive some corn.”

Performing well off their forage-based diet, cows are producing 4,850 litres at 6.4 per cent butterfat and 3.85 per cent protein.

However, Mr Daly is aiming to reach 5,000 litres.

Due to cows being out-wintered, the milking in the spring is labour intensive, says Mr Daly.

“We have four people in the parlour; three are wiping and dipping to help keep the udder clean. The fourth is taking the clusters off. As we go into summer when it is drier, there are two in the parlour, as we need only one person wiping and dipping teats.

“But udder health and hygiene are paramount to Sansaw, so this method keeps problems to a minimum.”

the past 10 years, the dairy business at Sansaw Estate has gone from a greenfield site to a successful large-scale milking herd. Ellie Layton finds out more about recent system changes.

PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Breiffni Daly is farm manager at Sansaw Dairy.

In-calf heifers in the straw shed.

As a result of this attention to detail in the parlour, they have only had a handful of mastitis cases across the herd.

Sexed semen from LIC is used alongside beef semen and a small

amount of conventional dairy semen. The aim is to breed heifers at 15 months and 550 heifer calves are kept each year as replacements.

Spring 22 quarter pg blue.qxp_Layout 1 28/04/2022 15:21 Page 1

Mr Daly says: “All bulls are picked on estimated breeding values. We use

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Friesian genetics on the Jersey-bred cows and cross-bred cows are put back to similar breeding.”

Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus beef semen is used and these beefsired calves are sold at Shrewsbury and Market Drayton marts, along with some private sales to produce an average price of £380 per calf.

In 2020, due to Covid-19, an onfarm sale of the calves was held, with prices averaging at £420.

Mr Daly says he has been keen to

try continental genetics and has used 150 straws of continental beef sires this year and is looking forward to seeing how these calves perform.

Calving

Calving takes place over a 10-week block. This sees nine temporary members of staff join the team to share the workload.

Youngstock rearing is headed up by Joanna Cornes, with this arrangement taking some pressure off Mr

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Continental beef genetics have been used on some cows this year.

DAIRY

Daly during the busy 10-week calving period.

Calves are moved to the rearing farm 24 hours after birth.

Mr Daly says he spends a large proportion of time managing his team of 14 full-time members of staff and the temporary staff.

There are also four team leaders heading up the beef and replacement units, as well as the grassland system.

He says: “We have an enthusiastic, young team of staff here. We embrace change, especially technology, which can help make the day-to-day life of the team easier and the cows’ life comfier.”

Looking ahead, Mr Daly says another parlour elsewhere on-farm is being considered.

He says: “Due to the size of the grazing block, some cows have to walk 5km, which has led to conversations about installing an additional unit for 300 cows with a herringbone parlour, which would reduce the need for cows to be walking long distances all of the time.”

Mr Daly says the walking to and from the parlour at the moment is leading to a one- to two-litre production loss per cow.

He says: “These are things we can think looking into the future to ensure cow health is of the utmost importance.”

The aim is to breed heifers at 15 months and 550 heifer calves are kept each year as replacements.

Farm facts

■ Sansaw is made up of 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres)

■ The building of the dairy unit began in 2012 and included the installation of a 70-point rotary parlour

■ 1,600 LIC-bred cows

■ The estate’s managing director, James Thompson, who is the sixth generation of his family to farm at

Sansaw, began the development of the unit following a career in the marines

■ Mr Thompson directs operations at Sansaw, which also involves the management of some 125 residential properties and 50,000sq.ft of office space, alongside his wife and business partner Asa

■ Grass lays are typically perennial ryegrass with white clover

■ Cows are rotationally grazed during summer around the farm’s 110 paddocks

■ First-cut silage is carried out in late May, followed by a further two or three cuts, depending on grass growth

The building of the dairy unit included the installation of a 70-point rotary parlour.

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Sustainability to the fore for visiting Irish Innovation

The need for technology and innovation on farm to improve efficiency and to support UK agriculture’s net zero goals was the theme of the Irish Agtech Visit to the UK, which took place alongside the record setting Dairytech in Stoneleigh Park This was reiterated by keynote speaker Shelagh Hancock, CEO of First Milk at the Enterprise Ireland Agtech Reception who stated that it is time for UK Dairy to “embrace change”.

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This two-day visit involved a delegation of Irish Agtech Companies travelling across the Irish sea to learn more about the unique British Dairy sector and how they can best meet the needs of British farming.

Across the visit, the Irish agtech delegation, which featured ten Irish agribusinesses and members of University College Dublin and Munster Technological University's Agtech innovation teams visited with Harper

They also attended the aforementioned UK Agtech Reception and Dairytech show.

This year’s show featured as strong an Irish presence as ever, with 18 Irish exhibitors at Stoneleigh Park amongst the 320 show stands, representing the strong connection between UK and Irish Dairy

The UK Agtech reception, which took place on the eve of Dairytech at the Brandon Hall Hotel, featured over 60 guests from across agriculture and included UK industry such as Muller, Wynnstay, Ornua and the CO-OP, who met to discuss the changing needs of British agriculture. On the night attendees heard from keynote speaker Shelagh Hancock, CEO of First Milk and Vice Chair of Dairy UK who discussed the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the UK dairy sector

The travelling delegation featured innovative agri product companies including Terra Nutritech, Moonsyst, Dairy geyser, Lvlogics and True North Technology Green agtech offerings such as Farmeye and Proveye also attended, supporting farmers to become more sustainable. Rounding out the delegation was Agri-Guardian, whose application is protecting the most vulnerable on farm and Micron Agritech who are improving animal welfare through their rapid parasite testing solution

Kevin Fennelly, UK Agriculture lead for Enterprise Ireland, who organised the trip, adds “We continue to see the demand and appetite for new innovation on farm across British agriculture Irish agtech businesses see the opportunity at this side of the Irish sea with record export figures to the UK reported last year, showing a continued strong connection between British and Irish Agriculture.”

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Is there a query over Q fever in your herd?

Primarily affecting reproductive performance in cattle, Q fever is thought to be endemic in GB dairy farms, with studies showing positive bulk milk samples ranging from 70 per cent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive in south-west England to 80 per cent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) positive results across 255 UK herds.

Renzo Di Florio, veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health, says farmers should ask their vet to investigate Q fever if cows in their herd

are experiencing high levels of metritis and endometritis, unexplained abortions or stillbirths or if there is unexplained poor fertility performance such as repeat breeding, higher calving to conception rate and embryo loss.

He estimates that for a 100-cow herd, the disease could cost more than £7,000 a year, yet it is frequently overlooked as other infertility causes are often investigated first.

Cause

The disease, which is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnettii, is also zoonotic, which makes it a health risk to those in contact with infected animals, including farmers, farming families, vets and abattoir workers.

Mr Di Florio says: “Diagnosing Q fever can be challenging as infected dairy cattle generally do not display symptoms, however they include severe hyperthermia and rapid pneumonia in the acute phase with spontaneous recovery over seven days.

“In the chronic phase, Q fever affects reproductive performance in cattle and presents a serious threat to productivity. Symptoms include infertility, metritis, retained placenta, abortion, stillbirth and weak newborns.

“Infection may cause an increased calving to conception interval, as well as increased early pregnancy loss.”

He says that infection is generally through inhalation of aerosols and dust particles contaminated with the bacterium.

“The highest excretion level is observed in birth products such as foetal membranes, amniotic fluids and placenta, at parturition or abortion. However, other frequent routes of excretion are vaginal mucus, milk and faeces.

“Coxiella burnetti is highly resistant in the environment and can be transported by the wind for up to 11 miles, so slurry spreading on windy days should be avoided. The bacterium can also live for five months in soil and up to two years at -20degC

and it thrives in dry environments. Rain and wet conditions can stop it spreading so easily.”

But Mr Di Florio says climate change means that Q fever may become more of a risk in the future and it has the potential to have a significant impact on both livestock health and production and human health.

He says diagnostic tests may include PCR in the bulk milk tank and ELISA blood tests.

“If there is a series of abortions in a herd, PCR on vaginal samples on at least two aborted dams should be taken. It is essential that the sampling is done within seven days following the abortion and is sent

If there is a series of abortions in a herd, PCR on vaginal samples on at least two aborted dams should be taken RENZO DI FLORIO

In the chronic phase, Q fever affects reproductive performance in cattle and presents a serious threat to productivity

MICHAEL OAKES

without delay to a veterinary diagnostic centre. The placenta and stomach content of aborted calves can also be sent as sample materials for investigation.”

There is also a vaccine available that significantly decreases the excretion of Coxiella burnetti. It can be safely used in pregnant animals and can help to minimise shedding from infected cows and protect naive animals.

Underestimated

Mr Di Florio says: “Q fever has been historically underestimated in UK dairy herds, however it is highly prevalent in the UK. It can survive for a long time in the environment, making the disease a significant problem and a threat to human health.

“It is advisable that farmers speak to their vets for advice about Q fever if they have any fertility issues or unexplained foetal losses at any stage of pregnancy in their herds to help protect both their health and the health and productivity of their cattle.”

Q fever control

Q FEVER is controlled by combining biosecurity and vaccination.

Biosecurity measures can help to reduce or prevent exposure to contaminated aerosols and minimise environmental contamination and can include:

■ A strict hygiene required during calving

■ Avoid spreading manure, especially in certain weather conditions (strong winds)

■ Remove and destroy the placenta and aborted foetus and clean the calving area

■ Avoid disinfecting with high-pressure sprays (aerosols) and check to make sure that the disinfectant being used is effective on the bacterium

Single Point Erosion

“Independent trials have demonstrated significant increase in blood trace element status.”

For a 100-cow herd, Q fever could cost over £7,000 a year, said Renzo Di Florio.

production, Angharad Edwards now works with her partner Roger James on

a career in

farm in Wales, where she has helped to strengthen the future

the

through diversification. Ellie Layton reports.

Moat Grange Farm, Pembrokeshire, is home to a 300-cow herd of threeway cross British Friesian, Montbeliarde and

Norwegian Reds. The farm has been run by the James family for four generations, and is now headed by Roger James, in partnership with his father Robert and his brother Simon, who works as a

The vending machine in its shed at the end of the farm lane.

builder. Roger says that the main aim of the farm business has always been to produce high quality milk, rather than focusing on the quantity of milk produced.

The herd produces an annual average yield of 8,000 litres at 3.5 per cent protein and 4.35 per cent butterfat.

This focus on milk quality has also led onto a diversification project, which has been spearheaded by Roger’s partner, Angharad Edwards, who now works on the farm following a career in TV production.

Farm gate

She says that a few years ago she noticed there was a gap in the market in their area for a milk vending machine, despite there being a growing trend for farm gate sales across other parts of the UK.

After much research into raw and pasteurised milk vending sales, and numerous discussions about costs and potential income, they decided to get the ball rolling for their own pasteurised milk vending machine.

A processing room was constructed in a shipping container next to the dairy, where a pasteuriser and cooling tank were installed.

A milk vending machine and a glass bottle vending machine were

A selection of the farm’s products.

Fusion Dairy Feeds Sustainable High Performing Feed

installed in a small shed at the bottom of the farm lane.

And after numerous tests and sampling to ensure consumer food safety, on April 14, 2021, the Llaeth Preseli milk vending machine was open to the public.

Angharad says: “The set-up took longer than we intended, due to delays caused by lockdown, but the uptake was seen immediately.

“I believe the Covid-19 restrictions of staying local at the time helped our start-up, as it became somewhere new to go and buy milk – a household essential.”

The milk is gently pasteurised in small batches to keep the taste and consistency as close to raw milk as possible.

Angharad says: “We chose a batch pasteuriser which heats the milk gently and keeps it at 64degC for 30 minutes before cooling it to 5degC within 90 minutes.

“The milk is non-homogenised, so the cream rises to the top. We have had lots of comments that the milk tastes like ‘milk used to’.”

The machine sells whole milk and four flavours of milkshake with syrup added to the milk.

The whole milk is sold in two bottle sizes: litre bottles for £1.20 and 250ml ‘mini milk’ bottles, popular for children, at 50p.

While the diversification project

Roger James and Angharad Edwards at Moat Grange Farm.

PICTURES: RUTH REES

DAIRY

required a significant investment of about £50,000, Angharad says the vending machine milk is popular with locals, with about 50 litres sold through it each day.

They are also selling their milk via a local milk round, as well as supplying their mini milkshakes to a cafe in nearby Cardigan.

Angharad and Roger have spent time building the Llaeth Preseli brand and they believe this brand awareness is crucial.

Their marketing is primarily done online, with the use of their social media accounts and website.

Gelato

The success with the vending machine and the excitement of selling a product from the farm encouraged the couple to look at other value-added products and they are now also making gelato, which Angharad says has a much higher milk percentage and a ‘stretchier’ texture than ice cream.

Despite the couple’s concerns that the process would be technical and machinery costs large, they decided to visit R.S.S. Hereford, a company specialising in artisan ice cream equipment, for a trial day.

Angharad and Roger took some of their milk to the site to see the process.

Roger says: “Seeing our milk being turned into gelato was incredible and we knew we had to make a go of it.”

They decided to approach a local food centre to help with the process.

They now take batches of milk to Food Centre Wales in Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, which is used by local food producers.

They hire the on-site dairy production room for a day-and-a-half and there a large batch of the gelato base is made. It is then churned into different flavoured gelato by

Farm facts

■ The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) mostly owned, as well as some local grassland rented to make silage

■ The herd is milked twice a day in a 16/32 swingover parlour, with help from employed staff

■ Beef sires, a mixture of Limousin, British Blue and

adding various fruit pastes, nut butters or chocolate blends.

Angharad says: “This is an incredible facility to have in Wales for small start-ups like us and we will be forever grateful to the team at Food Centre Wales for their invaluable support and guidance.”

The gelato is made once a month and can keep for a year in the storage freezers if required. In July 2022, they began selling the prod-

Aberdeen-Angus, are used on about 200 cows; the remainder are put to sexed semen with 60-70 replacements retained each year

■ Calves are fed via an automatic milk machine

■ Beef bred calves are sold as stores at 18 months through Whitland market

uct from a portable pod, which lies adjacent to the vending machine.

It attracted more customers than expected to the farm — locals and tourists alike — which the couple says was incredible to see after the further investment.

They also attended some local agricultural events and weddings, as well as hosting parties and themed events on the farm to help attract customers in the colder

weather when custom was steadier.

The new business path saw Angharad come home full-time from her career in TV production.

Progression

She is a driving force behind Llaeth Preseli’s business ventures and has attended business development and gelato-making courses in order to ensure continued progression.

She says: “We wanted to establish sales from the farm for the first year as that is what will provide a consistent income.

“But looking ahead, we would like to focus on attending more offfarm events with the portable pod and also hopefully erect a permanent point of sale at the farm allowing us to reach more people.”

Over the next few years, their aim is to be able to make the gelato on-farm, with the expected set-up expense set to be about £60,000.

The farm aims for quality rather than quantity from its herd.

Milk is distributed for sale by the farm’s vending machine.

Some of the family’s British Friesian cross calves.

Lameness: Winter Housing and Livestock Health

Winter housing can be an incredibly stressful time for cattle. Elevated cortisone levels in stressed animals can have numerous potential harmful effects on the animal’s immune system. The animal experiences a range of stress factors at housing such as moving to new housing, temperature changes, crowding, confinement, feed quality issues and other new environmental challenges which may easily result in a reduction in the functioning of the animal’s immune system, and hence an increase in the spread of diseases, especially as the cattle may be in a confined space which can hasten the spread of infections. Simple things like access to fresh water, enough space to lie down comfortably, good flooring, slurry removal, and equal feeding space can be the difference between health and sickness. On many farms, winter housing will be the first time that groups of animals are mixed, and as a result the chances of a disease outbreak occurring increase. Amongst the major disease problems in housed cattle are hoof problems and lameness.

Lameness usually shows a steep increase in incidence over the winter period. Hard concrete

floors, slats, wetness, lying areas, and slurry underfoot can all predispose to hoof problems. Hoof health problems are serious issues in cattle that can cause tremendous economic losses. Factors such as overcrowding, flooring type, nutrition and trace element status all play a role here.

Lameness is one of the three main challenges facing dairy farmers all year, but at housing the risk is heightened. Reported lameness prevalence has been higher in housed systems and lower in pasture-based systems because pasture provides an optimal walking surface for improved mobility. Published reports have shown that cows housed on concrete were five times more likely to be diagnosed as lame as those housed on rubber mats over concrete. Lameness is a costly gateway disease which makes cows more likely to suffer from mastitis, milk fever, reduced milk yield and infertility. A regular foot bathing protocol with a proven non-toxic foot bath is an effective way to tackle foot disorders, especially digital dermatitis which can result from lack of underfoot hygiene, bacterial infection, and failure to remove slurry.

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Taking every opportunity as it comes

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ow happily residing on 50 hectares (124 acres), David Hichens and his partner Helen, along with their two young boys, two-year-old Ben and two-month-old Tom, took on the tenancy of Kerris Farm, near Penzance, in 2020. But the process has not been without its challenges.

After graduating, he spent some time in New Zealand.

He says: “I did what any 20-yearold would do – went and drove a forager then travelled around.”

Little did he know that he would return to New Zealand a few years later.

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He says: “I never had any aspirations to go to university, but I did okay at A levels and when everyone was doing their UCAS applications I thought I had better do one.

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Growing up on a small family dairy farm near Penzance, Mr Hichens did not have a particular yearning for academia.I went to Harper Adams and, even when it came to starting, I thought I would try it for a few weeks and see, but I never looked back

DAVID HICHENS

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Without a simple succession plan in place on the family dairy farm, David Hichens went in search of other opportunities to build a future. He learned a lot along the way and has now secured a tenancy where he is developing a flying herd. Ruth Wills reports.

David Hichens took on the 50-hectare (124-acre) Kerris Farm in 2020.

Operating a flying herd has helped keep things simple while the business gets established.

family farm and on leaving Harper

I liked the idea of being a farm manager,” he says.

Mr Hichens applied for Velcourt’s management training scheme, which led him to become a farm manager at Bristol University’s Vet School.

He says: “I did not mind milking cows and the industry was – and still is – struggling for people, so I was successful in my application.”

Rewarding

It was there that he learned a lot about managing people. He says: “It was hard work, very rewarding and I learned an awful lot; I had the freedom to make my own mistakes and learn from them.”

He was there for seven years before the Cornish coast called him home.

“I ended up staying longer than I thought and I was still learning a lot. Then someone asked if I had ever considered a Nuffield Scholarship – I had heard of it but never thought about applying.”

In 2017, he was accepted on to the scholarship and handed in his notice.

He says: “Although your job would normally give you time off

to travel and study, I used it as a push to leave my job with a rough plan of what to do next; it gave me more time to travel and study.”

This took him back to New Zealand: “I went with all the questions

I did not know I needed to ask the first time.”

During his Nuffield Scholarship, he worked part-time at home and locally. His topic was how to have a successful career in farming.

He says: “It started quite broad then ended up homing in on what success is and what success is for individuals. Rather than ‘I heard you are doing 14,000 litres, how did you do that?’, it was ‘how did

Left to right: Helen, Tom, Ben and David Hichens.

you figure out what you wanted to do? And how did you know when you got there?’”

In 2020, he found and secured a 50-hectare (124-acre) Farm Business Tenancy nearby.

He says: “It was an ex-dairy farm, which milked cows up until 2014. It had been let out for vegetables and beef stores more recently and most of it had been put back to grass.

“We also have another 50ha on short-term lets.”

The farm had some stock-proof

hedging, a few buildings and a parlour pit, but no parlour.

“In the summer of 2020, Mum and Dad decided to upgrade their parlour and I ended up taking it on – a 10-a-side herringbone – it fitted perfectly in the old building with the parlour pit.”

Important

Needing cows, Mr Hichens purchased a herd from a Velcourt farm.

He says: “It just goes to show how important it is to build and

maintain good relationships within the industry. I bought 200 Irish Friesians and Jersey cross cows ready to calve in February and March, and I have just completed the second season with some very basic tracks and fencing.”

Although he could not get the finance and planning to buy a new parlour, he says it was the best thing which could have happened.

“I had become quite fixated on spending money up front and building a nice facility from the

outset but when I was forced in the other direction, I was able to get cows and get milking, and learn about the place before going crazy,” he says.

“The biggest challenge now is getting planning for a slurry lagoon because we are close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but I do not have any regrets about taking the farm on.

“When I did the Nuffield Scholarship, I did not have any lightbulb moments or learn any new ways to milk a cow. It was more about

All cows are served to beef and the calves are sold at three weeks old, depending on TB restrictions

DAVID HICHENS

David Hichens purchased 200 Irish Friesians and Jersey cross cows after taking on the farm tenancy.

gaining the courage and confidence to get started.”

And he says if he cannot get the planning for the slurry storage, he will continue with a loose-housed straw bedding system to reduce the amount of slurry.

Mr Hichens outwinters dry cows on a forage rape and stubble turnip mix and some rough ground to allow for more space in the yard.

“We are a flying herd to keep things simple while getting started. I was keen to maximise cows in milk and worry about replacements as and when they are needed,” he says.

“I would like to go to more of a cross-bred cow. I need to increase constituents because the cows are quite milky but the fat and protein are not as high as I would like. All cows are served to beef and the calves are sold at three weeks old, depending on TB restrictions.”

Mr Hichens’ hard work was recognised in October 2022 when he won Best Dairy Farmer at the Cornwall Farm Business Awards.

He says: “I found out on the night that our landlord nominated us. It was nice to be nominated, but I never thought we would win the award, compared with some of the other businesses which were more polished. But I guess maybe it was our fresh enthusiasm that made up for it.”

Looking ahead, he is keen to im-

prove the farm’s infrastructure.

“I’m hoping to acquire more land and hopefully end up milking about 250 cows stocked at 2.7-2.8/ha on the grazing platform,” he says.

Increase

“I will stick to spring block calving, try to increase the constituents and increase milk from grazed grass.”

And for any young farmers in a similar position wanting to start out, he recommends getting out and talking to others, particularly if they have someone to regularly bounce ideas off and who can become a mentor.

“Of course, finding people in the same situation and seeing what they did helps, although it is not a one size fits all answer. Find people with similar problems who have come up with their own solutions and find one that works for you.”

Farm facts

■ 50-hectare (124-acre)

Farm Business Tenancy and a further 50ha (124 acres) on short-term lets

■ Arla contract

■ David Hichens and two part-time employees

■ 200 Irish Friesians and Jersey cross cows

Cows are loose-housed, which reduces the amount of slurry on-farm.

David Hichens

Look at feed ingredients to bring down emissions

With pressure increasing on dairy farmers to show progress in reducing emissions, taking a closer look at feed ingredients is a good place to start, says David Wilde, national ruminant technical manager at Massey Harpers Feeds.

He says: “UK dairy farmers already produce some of the lowest emission milk globally. According to Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers calculations, UK emissions are 1.25kg CO 2 e/litre, compared to the global average of 2.9kg CO2e/litre.

“But the drive is still to reduce levels further, largely driven by milk processors and retailers looking to

reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains.”

When looking at strategies to reduce emissions, Mr Wilde stresses the need to look at the big areas first, but also to focus on changes which will reduce rather than increase costs.

Reducing

He says: “For example, reducing age at first calving and lowering replacement rates can have a big impact on emissions and also reduce total rearing costs, so trimming emissions and overall costs of production.”

He also suggests that feed is a good place to start to reduce emissions, specifically feed ingredients.

“Forages and feeds account for

about 30 per cent of total emissions. In purchased compounds, ingredients account for over 95 per cent of the carbon attributed per tonne of feed.

“The emissions per ingredient will vary based on factors including where they are gown and how they are processed, so there is scope to reduce emissions by looking closely at the ingredients.

“One of the ingredients most closely associated with higher emissions is soya and this is something retailers and processors are picking up on.

“Increasingly, they are challenging their suppliers to switch to sustainable soya, although exactly what this means is confusing, or to remove soya products completely from dairy diets.”

The reaction has been that farmers are beginning to look at how to change to meet their customers’ requirements he continues.

However, many are questioning whether they can feed cows successfully without the inclusion of soya. The good news is that thanks to advances in the understanding of protein nutrition, the tools are there to allow nutritionists to ration cows effectively while reducing or removing soya from diets.

He says that since the popularity of soya first increased, the way dairy

cows are rationed for protein have evolved allowing increased precision. By understanding the cow’s requirements for specific protein fractions it is possible to feed a balanced range of protein sources to meet these requirements, while at the same time reducing the total protein content of the diet.

“We are increasingly seeing diets performing adequately with closer to 16 per cent crude protein whereas previously it was more common to see diets around 18 per cent crude protein. And this can be achieved without hipro soya.”

Nutritionists now have a wide range of ingredients available to ensure cows’ protein requirements are met without necessarily feeding as much, if any, hipro soya and many have a greater reduced carbon footprint.

Rapeseed and rumen-protected rapeseed can be used alongside feeds such as wheat distillers from the bioethanol production industry and beans.

Interesting

Beans are particularly interesting, as in addition to a good protein content and balance, they also provide quality starch.

“We now have a range formulated to eliminate the use of ingredients linked to environment damage, in particular hipro soya, soya hulls and palm kernel, containing zero soya products and palm kernel.

“They have been replaced with proven ingredients with a lesser impact on the environment including protected rapeseed, wheat distill-

One of the ingredients most closely associated with higher emissions is soya and this is something retailers and processors are picking up on DAVID WILDE

David Wilde

ers, rapeseed, sugar beet pulp and wheatfeed.”

The difference is emissions can be significant. Mr Wilde says that by avoiding ingredients with higher emissions it has been possible to produce compounds with lower emissions.

The Global Food Life-Cycle Assessment Institute has created a database of CO 2e values for most

raw materials meaning there is an independent database that can be used by all compounders to allow meaningful comparison of different compounds on the basis of emissions.

“By careful ingredient selection we have formulated compounds nutritionally equivalent to a traditionally formulated feed but with 400g CO2e/kg of feed less. If used on an

average Kingshay herd producing 8,600 litres from 2.67t of concentrates, the change in concentrates alone would reduce emissions per litre by around 10 per cent without incurring significant extra costs.

“Developments in the last few months highlight that the demands on dairy farmers from milk processors to reduce the carbon contribution from milk production will

DAVID WILDE

intensify. Many schemes have already singled out soya and soya derivatives as a problem to be addressed, but by careful rationing there is no reason why the use of soya in dairy diets cannot be reduced leading to a significant reduction in emissions.”

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Developments in the last few months highlight that the demands on dairy farmers from milk processors to reduce the carbon contribution from milk production will intensify

For those considering a move to block-calving, George Giles, vet and director at Giles and Parsons Farm Vets in Camelford, Cornwall, says it is important to consider the practicalities of the system.

He says: “Calving time can be a stressful period and tightening the window can make it intense.”

He adds that it is important to look at what is required for a block-calving system to run smoothly and efficiently.

This, he says, involves ensuring there are adequate buildings to hold and effectively feed the expected number of calves.

And he says it is important that facilities allow for good levels of fertility to be reached and, as a basic requirement, cow comfort is important so that stress is minimised and cows are able to come into bulling in a timely manner.

He says:  “Tight blocks are labour demanding and while there are

Top tips to achieve a tight calving block

It is important to have ample labour to handle calving

GEORGE GILES

benefits from having a longer break between calving and bulling, it is also important to have ample labour to handle calving,” he adds.

AREAS OF FOCUS

TO help achieve a tight block calving period, the areas of focus include the following:

■ Nutrition: Assessing the condition of your herd is key to achieving good levels of fertility, says Mr Giles

“Body condition score should be at three at calving and 2.5 at bulling,” he says, adding that over- or underfat cows can reduce fertility.

Nutrition is an important factor and should be discussed with your vet and nutritionist to ensure targets, mineral and trace elements requirements are met.

■ Fertility: Any problem cows should be assessed and any issues should be promptly treated.

Mr Giles says that there are lots of reasons that fertility could be negatively affected, including the presence of high levels of disease within the herd.

“Bovine viral diarrhoea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, leptospirosis,

Johne’s and neospora are diseases which are known to affect fertility.”

■ Culling: Mr Giles says implementing a culling policy is not an easy task, but it is important to do so as any late calvers will affect the next block.

“A culling policy will often be farm-specific and must work with involuntary culls such as bovine TB reactors or cows with long-term mastitis.”

■ Bulling: Mr Giles says: “No-one wants to be caught out with bull fertility, so testing bull fertility six weeks before bulling gives confidence and time to correct problems.”

It also allows time for a new cycle of semen to be produced.

Up to 20 per cent of bulls are sub-fertile, and Mr Giles says it is important to remember that last year’s performance does not mean there will not be problems in subsequent breeding seasons.

A tight calving block can lead to benefits in terms of management and also increases in production. Ellie Layton looks at what farmers should consider before moving to block calving and how to ensure the block is then kept tight.

Heat detection is done using tail paint.

IN THE FIELD DAN AND LIZ NATTLE, BODMIN

DAN and Liz Nattle have been working with Mr Giles to tighten up the calving window for their 260head spring-calving herd of British Friesians which they run at Lower Rosewarrick Farm, Bodmin.

Currently, the farm is operating a 14- to 16-week block, but the couple aim to tighten this block to 10 weeks this year.

Mr Nattle says: “The cows which calve first are the first to pay the bills. They also give us a longer period in milk and increase ease of management.”

Their target is for at least 90 per cent of cows to calve within the first six weeks of calving.

Cows have an artificial insemination window of six weeks, with the heifers given a window of three weeks, before a Hereford sweeper bull is introduced.

Mr Nattle says: “We had already started tightening our calving window before we started working with Mr Giles, but he has upped the ante.

“We challenge each other to bring out the best in the herd.”

A strict culling policy has now been

introduced, says Mr Nattle, and there is now a focus on disease management.

“We have good results for bulling, so are now focusing on management factors such as disease. We have eradicated Johne’s in the herd and lowered the cell count from 185 to under 100,” he says.

Two years ago they started mineral bolusing the cows at dry-off after Mr Giles picked up on low iodine levels. The

IN CALVES

boluses have helped to improve this.

While it has not been an easy process, the benefits are worth it, says Mrs Nattle.

He says: “It is hard within those first years losing cows which you know are good, especially from a pedigree perspective. However, we know it is right for our business.”

■ Running a 114-hectare (280acre) tenanted farm since 2006

■ Averages 5,300 litres per cow annually at 4 per cent fat and 3.3 per cent protein

■ Aim to graze 10 months a year on a 12 hour break rotational system

■ Heat detection is done using tail paint

Coccidiosis and Cryptosporidium, both diarrhoea causing infections common in young calves, can be fatal and are hard to treat.

Evans Vanodine recommends using Target Powergel and GPC8 in your cleaning and disinfection programme and following our calf pen cleaning routine to help reduce cases.

This routine has been tried and tested and is shown to be effective in destroying the oocysts which enable infections to spread.

Find out more and read the full article on our

We had already started tightening our calving window before we started working with Mr Giles, but he has upped the ante

DAN NATTLE

Farm facts

Liz and Dan Nattle

Value in abortion and stillbirth investigation

Current legislation requires dairy and beef cattle keepers to report any abortion to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) within 24 hours, as part of brucellosis surveillance.

But with many new disease incursions into dairy and beef systems presenting with abortion as an initial clinical finding, there are good reasons to consider investigating beyond statutory requirements, says Vanessa Swinson, of the APHA Cattle Expert Group.

Ms Swinson says: “Veterinary scanning surveillance enables early detection and investigation of new or re-emerging animal diseases and helps us to understand disease patterns and trends.

“The APHA and Scotland’s Rural College [SRUC] diagnostic services are the cornerstone of the scanning surveillance system in Great Britain.

“In England and Wales this is delivered by an APHA network of veterinary investigation centres and partner post-mortem provid-

ers and in Scotland by a network of SRUC centres.

“We offer post-mortem examinations and diagnostic testing, as well as advice and support, to veterinary surgeons in practice to diagnose, control and prevent disease in farm animals.”

Abortion

For cattle, an abortion is defined as the expulsion of a calf at less than 271 days after service, or less than 265 days after implantation, whether the calf is born dead or alive.

A stillborn calf is defined as having been born dead at more than 271 days of gestation, or one that dies within 24 hours of birth.

“It has been suggested that an abortion rate of less than 2.5 per cent is considered acceptable in terms of physiological loss,” says Ms Swinson.

“Therefore, investigation at a rate above 3 per cent, or where a cluster of abortions and/or stillbirths occurs in a short time period, is advised. However, it is important to review and record all abortions and stillbirths on-farm and consider investigation early on.”

Causes of abortion and stillbirth, the APHA cattle expert group explain, fall into two categories: infectious and non-infectious.

The group’s Alan Murphy says: “Non-infectious causes are generally more common as a cause of stillbirth and include calving difficulties, such as foetal oversize or malpresentation and uterine inertia linked to metabolic disease in the cow.”

Viral causes

“Viral causes of abortion include bovine viral diarrhoea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and Schmallenberg virus [SBV],” says Mr Murphy.

“Their detection in aborted or stillborn calves assists your vet in determining whether more testing is required and the best approach for their control or elimination.”

“Protozoal abortion due to neosporosis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of bovine abortion currently.

“A detailed review of the history and management of the herd with your vet is advised following such a diagnosis.

“As Britain moves towards BVD control and eradication, abortion investigation plays a key role in monitoring a herd’s BVD status.

“Although SBV infection may result in deformities, it is worth noting that not all deformed calves are associated with SBV.”

Maintaining submissions to veterinary diagnostic services is helping to build a better understanding of bovine disease patterns. Farmers Guardian reports.

It has been suggested that an abortion rate of less than 2.5 per cent is considered acceptable in terms of physiological loss

VANESSA SWINSON

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INVESTIGATION?

INVESTIGATION of abortion and stillbirth involves a systematic and detailed examination of the body and organs, associated placenta and laboratory testing for the main infectious causes.

When an aborted or stillborn calf is submitted to the GB scanning surveillance network, the cost of this comprehensive investigation to the farmer is subsidised by Government.

Reasons for investigating abortion and stillbirth include:

■ The health and welfare of the individual cow and the herd as a whole.

■ That it might indicate a wider herd disease issue, or change in herd health status.

■ Reducing the risk of the financial and environmental cost of other abortions.

■ The zoonotic risk of some abortion pathogens.

■ Ensuring notifiable diseases such as brucellosis or bluetongue are excluded, so evidencing the UK’s disease-free status.

Ms Swinson says: “A review and assessment of the disease history and herd management are a vital part of the investigation and help in interpretation of the laboratory results.

Information required

“Information should include: the type of herd, age of dam, stage of gestation, number of abortions and timeline, any illness in the dams, managementhousing, grazing, diet, biosecurity - purchased animals, contact with other stock, vaccination and herd health status.

“Investigations can inform disease control strategies and whether any other testing is indicated, influence selection of replacement heifers or cow culling decisions and support the implementation of new interventions such as vaccination.

“Negative results are also very significant, as each calf is comprehensively screened for a broad range of pathogens, which can then be ruled out.”

PICTURE: JOHN EVESON

An assessment of the herd’s disease history is vital and should include information such as the type of herd, grazing, diet, age of dam, stage of gestation and more.

Spurred on by their role as an AHDB strategic monitor farm, brothers Wallace and James Hendrie decided to change their calving pattern and now the emphasis is on ensuring attention is paid to transition cow management to cope with this.

Speaking at a recent AHDB-organised event at the farm, Millands, near Galston, East Ayrshire, Wallace explained they had originally operated a spring and autumn calving block. But it was decided in 2020 to move everything to a spring block to allow the business to be more focused and efficient.

Now, just over two years into this transition, the brothers are hopeful that this year’s block calving, due to start this month, will show an improvement in the fertility rate.

Previously, they ran a 24 per cent empty rate, which dropped to 11 per cent last year and the brothers hope that for the calving which is due to start shortly, single figures will be achieved.

Wallace explained the 600 Holstein Friesian cows are all calved at the home farm of Millands.

Improving cow health during the transition period

He said: “Cows are brought to Millands just two to three weeks before calving as we do not have space to move them any earlier.

“Calving lasts about 12 weeks and about three-quarters of all the cows calve in the first six weeks.”

Better quality

As soon as the cows are moved to Millands for the ‘close-up’ period immediately prior to calving they go onto a better quality mineral and the ‘close-up’ diet of silage, topped with ground straw and magnesium chloride to prevent milk fever.

Wallace said: “The week before calving they will be started on a blend, which aims to improve colostrum quality, along with the silage. Ideally we would want them all on the same diet for the last three weeks, but the cost makes this prohibitive.”

After calving, cows are fed a diet

of magnesium oxide, hay, silage and ground straw.

Also speaking at the on-farm event, vet Alan Walker, of Armour Veterinary Group, said that straw fed straight was not an attractive feed, and ground straw rather the more traditional chopped straw, when mixed through with hay or silage was more palatable and ensured the cow was eating a constant, albeit low energy, ration which helps prevent over fat cows.

Wallace said they also tried to maintain intakes by pushing up silage several times a day to allow the cattle constant access to feed which helps to ensure the rumen is full.

In addition, they placed great importance on the availability of fresh water at all times.

Metabolic profiling of the herd is done annually through blood tests, which the brothers said was a useful management tool to assess a cow’s diet and analyse the nutritional and health status of the herd.

Metabolic profiling

Last year, metabolic profiling was carried out in March when three-quarters of the herd had calved and the cows were in three groups: cows which were 14-17 days calved; cows which had been calved an average of 30 days; and the dry group, which were 10 days away from calving.

The urea levels of the cows that had been calved an average of 30 days were all abnormal.

Prof Alastair Macrae, of the Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at University of Edinburgh, who was presenting the findings, said he was not concerned

about this, and attributed it to the late spring.

The freshly calved cows, which had access to silage had more normal results. However, three-quarters of this group also had very high non-esterified fatty acids levels, which he said was an early indication of ketosis and a negative

Farm facts

■ 600 Holstein Friesian cows milked twice a day

■ Average annual yields of 5,400 litres per cow, of which 3,575 litres are from forage, at 4.2 per cent butterfat and 3.5 per cent protein

■ Milk is sold to Muller

■ After calving, cows are kept in two herds, split between Millands and another grazing block and milking parlour at neighbouring Netherlands Farm

■ Millands, a 345-hectare (853acre) farm was purchased by the family from a local estate just over 80 years ago; following expansion, there are now three generations of the family involved at the farm

A three-year plan to improve the family dairy herd business has seen some significant changes made to the dairy system run by Wallace and James Hendrie. Melanie Scott reports.

Ideally we would want them all on the same diet for the last three weeks, but the cost makes this prohibitive

WALLACE HENDRIE

At this point, one of the biggest challenges faced at calving time was lack of manpower

WALLACE HENDRIE

After calving, cows are fed a diet of magnesium oxide, hay, silage and ground straw.

energy balance, as a result of high milk production which exceeded the energy intake.

Importance

Prof Macrae emphasised the importance of making sure the cow kept its energy up by encouraging an increase of the intake of silage

topped with magnesium chloride. He also advised trying to limit pen movements and overcrowding at this time.

Wallace said: “At this point, one of the biggest challenges faced at calving time was lack of manpower where we need more people working on the farm.”

Inset: Brothers Wallace (left) and James Hendrie changed their calving pattern and now the emphasis is on ensuring attention is paid to transition cow management.

As labour supply remains a challenge for the agricultural industry, understanding how to best attract future employees is key to combating the hidden costs of staff turnover. Katie Fallon reports.

Planning process of recruitment is crucial to finance

Often considered a way of life, not just a job, agriculture is a unique industry in many ways, particularly when it comes to employment.

But with recruitment a constant challenge for many farm businesses and the cost of replacing a general farm worker in the realms of £15,000, how can agriculture better showcase what it has to offer as a workplace and as a career.

At a recent AHDB event, Emma Shaw, senior partner at Real Success, an agricultural people management and recruitment firm, said the hidden costs of replacing a general farm worker are often not acknowledged, but nevertheless are considerable.

With it taking on average 12 weeks to find a replacement farm worker, Ms Shaw highlighted the hidden costs during this period can be found in time spent recruiting, loss of performance, advertising costs and training.

Ms Shaw said: “As a very conservative estimate, it costs a minimum of £15,000 to replace each person in your workforce, which, on average, is the same price as 15 cows or one hectare of land.”

With these costs in mind, getting the right people and keeping them is very important, which is why planning the recruitment process is vital.

“People are probably the things which are invested in the least and there is very little spent on

Top 10 tips for attracting staff

1 Reputation: How you are regarded as an employer within the community and the industry can have a large influence on recruitment success, said Ms Shaw. This included the farm appearance, conditions livestock were kept in, employer professionalism and pay.

provided a ‘bigger pool to fish from’.

harnessing and nurturing humans on-farm.”

She explained that if the average farm worker’s salary was about £25,000 and a worker stayed on the farm for 10 years, it equated to a £250,000 investment.

People are probably the things which are invested in the least and there is very little spent on harnessing and nurturing humans on-farm, said Emma Shaw.

Ms Shaw questioned whether farmers spent the same amount of time making sure their people investments were as carefully considered as their machinery investments.

“When it comes to recruitment you cannot just go for it and hope for the best. It does not work.”

In an attempt to help farmers address the labour shortage and attract more people into the industry, Ms Shaw gave her top 10 tips to focus on when trying to recruit.

4

Animals: Potential staff, particularly the younger generation, will judge from the health, welfare and cleanliness of your animals as to how good a potential employer you might be.

clean facilities. Ms Shaw said: “Do not put stuff in there you do not want anymore and do not be cheap about it. Make it nice.”

2

Online footprint: Ms Shaw explained how unusual it was for businesses in other industries not to have an online footprint and advised farms looking to recruit to have an online presence.

Advertising: When advertising vacancies, view the advert as a door way to inviting people in, said Ms Shaw. She advised using online advertisement agencies as they

3

in staff to make sure they stay. Ms Shaw said: “In farming we are in danger of inflating salaries beyond all reason. Do not knee jerk react and start inflating salaries, but make sure to stay competitive.”

5

Housing: Ms Shaw said accommodation was the ‘jewel in the crown’ for agriculture and is not something which was offered in many other industries. If you can provide a good standard of accommodation which is well maintained, it should be emphasised within the job advertisements.

6 Working conditions: Whether it be the toilet, changing area or staff room, employers need to provide basic,

7 Working hours: Farm businesses are increasingly following normal working weeks, and while they can be trickier to manage, they are easier than constantly recruiting for staff who do not have a work life balance. More farms are starting to offer a five-day week or pay a salary instead of an hourly rate.

8

Salary: Up to the age of 26, a farm worker should be earning £1,000 for every year of their life, as long as they are not doing extreme hours. Ms Shaw advised farmers not to start inflating salaries but look at other ways of attracting and investing

9

First impressions: Ms Shaw advised farmers to go and stand at their farm gate and be very critical about its appearance. She said that first impression of the farm would go a long way with potential employees.

10

Training and development: When recruiting, be honest and real about progression. Ms Shaw suggested even the people who want to stay in the role as they are will not want nothing and there will always be natural curiosity as to what else is on offer.

When it comes to recruitment you cannot just go for it and hope for the best

EMMA SHAW

ONLINE PRESENCE

HAVING an online presence when looking to recruit plays an important part in attracting new staff.

Ms Shaw said that having some form of social media presence would give potential applicants an insight into the farm business. While it does not need to be extensive, she advised farmers to share pictures of themselves and their team, livestock and any interesting day to day activities.

She said: “An online presence can often be the deciding factor for many people when looking to hire a tradesman, for example, and it is increasingly becoming the case when looking for jobs in agriculture too.

“You might not have a need for social media now, but in two years’ time it might help to employ someone when you need it.”

Addressing the concerns of a social media presence in regard to animal rights activists, Ms Shaw said activists were likely to find farms regardless of whether they have a social media presence or not.

“Of course, there are going to be risks to it, but the risk of not doing it and having no online presence far outweighs the potential of having it.”

She said most employers would look up job applicants on social media during the recruitment process, so why should the applicants not be able to do the same.

Ms Shaw said: “If we do not change how we operate online, the labour challenge is only going to get worse.”

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Online presence can often be the deciding factor when looking to hire

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