Six tips for silage survival in a changing climate
The changing climate demands adaptations to our silage-making practices. Silage specialist, Dr Dave Davies of Silage Solutions Ltd, provides his tips for silage survival, and says above all, be flexible.
Learn moreZero bought-in feed for bigger profits and smaller carbon
There are no bought-in feeds and limits on other purchased inputs on the Northumberland farm of Geoff and Alan Bean. This demands a diversity of crops and originality of thinking.
Learn moreRobots and forage secure part-time farming future
Maximising the use of grazed grass and forage is a challenge in robotic milking systems. One Welsh dairy producer has done it so well, he can run his farm part-time and has transformed its long-term future.
Learn moreWhat next for wet winter soils?
Grassland consultant, Dr George Fisher, offers some timely advice to help speed up grass growth on waterlogged soils.
Learn moreNewcomers to maize boost milk solids
When Derrick Wilson decided to grow maize for the first time on his South Wales farm, he was keen to get every practice right and make the most of the crop’s benefits for his herd of Holstein Friesians.
Learn moreUnderstanding NIRS and its role in forage and feed analysis
When feed or forage analyses are returned from the lab, results are not always as expected, nor as animal performance would suggest. Dr Dave Davies, Silage Solutions Ltd, explains why this may be and why some types of feed should only be analysed using wet chemistry.
Learn moreAdding value to home-grown grain helps secure farm’s future
Lancashire farmer, Josh Rothwell, is adding value to grain on his tenanted farm, and says it’s the way he’ll make 200 acres pay, with minimal labour and investment.
Learn moreProblems rolling dry feeds addressed by tempering grain
A treatment to ‘temper’ grains and pulses – commonly used by the feed trade – is now being used on a Durham farm to address the problem of feeding poorly milled, dusty cereals and beans to beef.
Learn moreDon’t let your profits take a tumble
Think of your profit potential from home-grown feeds like a tower of Jenga pieces.
Removing any one of the key building blocks makes the tower less stable. Removing them all means your profits will tumble, just like the tower.
Who’s who in the NCS project
Earlier this year saw the launch of a project which promises to have a profound effect on the way UK farmers feed their livestock. Called the Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS), the project aims to increase pulse cropping in arable rotations to 20% across the UK (currently 5%) and to develop and test new feed rations.
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