Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Attention to detail ensures top broiler performance
• Biosecurity ensures profitable production • Growth targets and feed conversion goals • Disinfectant and cleaning delivers results Good biosecurity is helping a Derbyshire broiler producer hit growth targets and feed conversion goals. George Adsetts rears 3.5 million birds annually on all-in-all-out systems across three units – including the... Read more
Why a fodder budget is a winter essential
A challenging season which has played havoc with silage reserves means a fodder budget will be vital on most farms this winter. With both fodder quality and quantity affected by this year’s weather – including a wet spring and dull summer – it is essential to assess forage reserves... Read more
How silage additive helps ensure maize quality
• Spoilage risk in warm wet season • Helps combat yeasts and moulds • Treated silage is more palatable A silage additive to aid maize forage fermentation is likely to pay dividends this autumn – helping to prevent significant mycotoxin accumulation. A good additive will restrict the development of... Read more
Major role for maize in winter forage rations
Milk producers concerned about winter feedstocks should make the most of maize this year – including seeking out extra supplies. With many arable producers drilling maize due to the difficulty of establishing winter and spring crops in recent months, additional sources of both forage and grain maize could be... Read more
Forage-based approach delivers dairy dividend
High quality maize fed in a simple forage-based system is helping a Nottinghamshire dairy producer deliver higher margins more efficiently. Supplying high-quality milk for Long Clawson Stilton cheese production, SW & CJ Jukes achieve more than 60% of their milk from forage and a margin over purchased feed (MOPF)... Read more
How new season grain can affect broiler performance
Poultry producers are being advised to take care when including new season grain in broiler diets – because doing so can impact feed conversion and performance. The variable metabolizable energy content of freshly harvested grain can have a detrimental effect on poultry production, says Elanco technical consultant Alex Sly... Read more
Look at ingredients when switching from fishmeal
A slow-release feed product aims to provide pig and poultry producers with a cost-effective alternative to fishmeal. While fishmeal can be a valuable protein source in livestock diets, it is becoming limited by cost, availability and sustainability concerns, says Joe Magadi technical manager at nutritional supplement manufacturer UFAC-UK. “Pig... Read more
Catch crops offer rescue plan for forage shortfall
Farmers facing a lack of home-grown forage this winter could grow an autumn catch-crop – and unlock additional revenue from the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Lack of sunshine has restricted grass and maize growth. But one way to plug the forage gap is to plant a catch crop, suggests Simon... Read more
Simple changes boost profits for 2600-cow farm
Reducing on-farm emissions by making simple changes is helping to increase profits on one of the UK’s biggest dairy units. That was the message delivered by Grosvenor Farms dairy manager David Craven to 1300 visitors at last month’s Down to Earth event in Cheshire. The 2,600-cow herd is housed... Read more
Premiums needed for changing milk market
Dairy fortunes are showing signs of recovery – but milk prices still have some way to go to cover production costs on many farms. Values have steadily risen over the past year following a sharp drop to 36.49ppl in July 2023. But they frequently fail to provide a fair... Read more