|
|  |
|
April 16, 2024
|
|
UK - Need for early fly control strategy as warm, wet weather increases cattle risk
A leading livestock vet is warning of the increased risk from flies this spring and urging early action to prevent costly losses following one of the warmest and wettest springs on record.
According to the Met Office, UK winters are getting warmer and wetter, with the number of ground frosts declining. Vet Patricia van Veen from Zoetis said warm and wet weather provides optimum conditions for the overwintering of flies and the acceleration of maggot development. She suggests the best way to manage flies within a herd is to put controls in place before large fly numbers become visible.
"Implementing measures early in the season before flies are readily visible will make their control easier and more effective. Once you start seeing flies, the population has already exploded, making it harder to manage them. Fly traps are a good way to monitor levels on the farm. When you start seeing flies appearing in the traps, that is when appropriate action must be taken to protect stock," she said.
The main flies affecting cattle include stable, horn, house, face, and head flies. They can spread diseases such as summer mastitis and New Forest Eye and cause significant production losses due to constant irritation. Studies in cattle have shown that fly worry can cause growth rate losses of up to 0.3kg a day and 0.5l a day milk loss, mainly due to the 'hassle factor' leading to reduced feed intake.
"Not only do flies cause a significant financial loss, they are also a welfare concern," she explained, and suggests the most effective control method is a two-step approach, using spot-on products or long-acting fly control ear tags, alongside environmental management to control fly breeding sites. When it comes to managing flies, farmers will have more success by combining chemical control alongside the management of fly breeding sites. Spot-on products like Fly & Lice Spot On and DYSECT and long acting fly control ear tags such as the Flectron tag will help safeguard stock. The ear tags are particularly useful when cattle are grazed away from the farm, as they offer up to five months of protection against nuisance and biting flies,.
"However, ideally, their use should not be considered in isolation. Many fly species travel considerable distances to feed and survive over winter by their larvae burrowing into the ground. So, keeping stock away from fly breeding sites like wet and muddy areas can help reduce the risk," she said. Fly numbers can also be managed by: Improving ventilation in sheds to create unfavourable conditions - Providing good drainage - Using fly sheeting in high-risk areas - Keeping manure dry and compacted and turning it every 2-4 weeks - Covering manure heaps and not overfilling slurry lagoons. A good fly control strategy is an important part of preventative healthcare for all livestock. Not only does it have the potential for improving productivity in your herd, but it also prevents costly diseases, which can have devastating consequences."
Zoetis
|
|
|
UK - New blood in the rankings for spring and autumn block calvers
With inseminations now in full swing in spring calving herds, and autumn calving some months away, breeding decisions for block-calving herds may be either made, or on the distant horizon.
However, as AHDB publish the new across-breed sire rankings based on Spring and Autumn Calving Index, (£SCI and £ACI), this may be the proof run from which autumn calving producers will make their breeding decisions.
Read about the rankings here: ahdb.org.uk/news/new-blood-in-the-rankings-for-spring-and-autumn-block-calvers
AHDB
|
|
|
|
|
UK - Organic dairy shows resilience in challenging retail market
Due to inflation, organic grocery prices have been climbing, and price focussed consumers have traded down product tiers. Despite this, Neilsen data shows that total organic cow's dairy volume was down by just 1.1% year-on-year (YoY) in the latest 12 w/e 24 February 2024, with butter and yoghurt categories both showing growth.
2023 delivered the twelfth year of value growth for the total organic market, though significant price rises had a large part to play. Dairy made up 28% organic sales according to the Soil Association.
AHDB's Agri-market outlook for the dairy market highlighted that total domestic dairy demand is showing signs of returning, set for steady recovery in 2024 as consumers are expected to regain some confidence. In comparison to conventional cow's dairy, the organic cow's dairy sector has contracted slightly in terms of volume change, following limited demand throughout 2023.
Source: NIQ Homescan Panel, Cows dairy, Volume and price % change YoY. 12 w/e 24 February 2024
Read the full analysis by AHDB's Annabel Twinberrow here: Organic dairy shows resilience in challenging retail market
AHDB
|
|
|
UK - Retailer to switch cows to feed designed to avoid 11,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
Marks & Spencer has announced a fresh £1m of funding to change the diet of pasture-grazed dairy cattle in its supply chain, as part efforts to reduce methane emissions by up to 11,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Working with all 40 M&S Select Dairy Farmers in its pool of milk suppliers, the new initiative is forecast to cut the carbon footprint of M&S's RSPCA-assured fresh milk by 8.4%. The latest move comes after the retailer invested in an exclusive green fertiliser for all its M&S Select Dairy Farms and launched a Pathway Farming partnership with a number of M&S Select Beef Farmers to identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions from beef rearing. The announcement also represents a boost for the government's net zero growth strategy, which forecast that "high-efficacy methane-suppressing products" would enter the market from 2025.
While methane has a far shorter atmospheric lifetime than CO2, it is claimed to be more potent at warming over a 20-year period. As well as moving to tackle methane emissions, M&S also announced a string of new investments funded through its Plan A Accelerator Fund this month, which aim to help deliver on its goal of net zero emissions by 2040. Further Plan A projects to be confirmed in the coming months will explore green hydrogen production through electrolysis powered by wind and solar power generated on farms, pasteurisation using heat pumps and renewable electricity, the use of polytag technology to better understand how much branded single-use plastic is recycled, and the potential to provide shoe recycling services.
Moreover, M&S hopes to use new agricultural technology to produce a field of net zero emission root crops using a minimum till approach, low carbon fertilisers, biological controls, and autonomous farm vehicles and drones.
BusinessGreen
|
|
|
|
|
UK - Don't let grassland weeds add to your woes this season
A wet autumn followed by a very wet spring means weeds are thriving and giving grassland farmers yet another problem to grapple with.
Many pastures were left unsprayed in the autumn as the wet weather set in, allowing grassland weeds to become more established than ever. Ryan Came-Johnson, Area Manager at Corteva, said: "There were a lot of weeds untreated in the back end of last year, with some unable to be sprayed last spring, so the situation has intensified. The weed burden across the country has kept on building as ground remains wet preventing access. Weed-infested grasslands pose an additional economic burden for livestock farmers by reducing the quality and quantity of available forage."
Added to this, farmers have been contending with higher levels of poaching this season, another risk factor for vibrant weed growth. And although typically associated with cattle, even sheep are causing poaching issues on the unusually sodden land.
Ryan explained: "Poaching creates thin areas of pasture and gaps, potentially leaving a more open sward as well as disturbing the soil structure and can allow problem weeds to encroach in these areas. We are currently seeing problems with chickweed, buttercup and docks. To make the most of a difficult situation, I strongly advise farmers to tackle weeds in their grassland this spring with robust weed control; it'll be worth the time and effort."
To cope with the wet conditions, some farmers will have had a sacrifice field where silage bales have been put out, accepting the ground will be ruined by livestock. These fields will need a spring reseed, he suggested. "If you are reseeding, don't forget weed control in the newly sown ley. Once grasses have reached the three-leaf stage, check whether a herbicide spray is needed to remove any annual weeds, such as chickweed and redshank, or perennials such as docks and thistles. Left unchecked, they'll take hold and smother the new grass.
"Herbicides should be applied when weeds are small and actively growing. It is more economical and effective to treat weeds at this stage than wait for them to establish and treat when they are bigger."
For more information and support on this topic go to corteva.uk/crops/grassland
|
|
|
Belgium - Robot milking reaches new peak
A small Belgian farm has hit record levels for a DeLaval milking robot for the second year running. With an average of 74 cows, Jef and Nathalie Geerts in Pulderbos, Belgium, have milked two million kilograms of milk since installing their DeLaval VMS V300 milking robot. DeLaval VMS robot specialist Adam Hayward says:
"Through good teat positioning and a high milking speed the Geerts have been able to realise the full potential of a VMS V300 robot and may yet see higher yields. They are proof that robotic milking is helping farms to reach new levels of productivity and efficiency."
With an average production of 41 kilos per cow the Geerts milking robot has a seven-day average of 3,000 kilos. The milk has a fat content of 4.3% with protein of 3.6%. This is facilitated largely by the robot's four quarter milking method which has seen an average milk flow of 1400 grams per minute, per quarter.
"The robot is able to attach quickly and can manage each teat individually to not under or over milk. This improves yield, but also, importantly, teat condition too, so that the cows can continue to offer higher than average yields throughout their lactation," says Hayward.
The cows visit the robot an average of 2.4 times a day and the Geerts are certain that the herd has not yet reached its full potential. They see milking over one million kilos per year recurrently as a benchmark target that can, and should, be beaten.
"We hope to install a second robot at the Geerts farm soon, pending local permissions. It is a remarkable achievement to reach yields this high in the first two years of milking and with just one robot for 74 cows it shows how efficient the VMS V300 is," concludes Hayward.
DeLeval
|
|
|
UK - GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition
GEA Farm Technologies has acquired Northern Ireland-based agricultural software company CattleEye Ltd., adding a pioneering artificial intelligence system to its existing portfolio of solutions for dairy farms, say the company.
"With the trend towards larger and more automated dairy farms, the need to monitor and track animals and production is becoming increasingly important," said Peter Lauwers, Chief Executive Officer of GEA Farm Technologies. "By adding CattleEye's advanced AI technology, we are expanding our DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management. This can be a game changer for farmers to improve herd health, farm productivity and financial stability."
CattleEye is an artificial intelligence system designed to detect and predict lameness in cows quickly. CattleEye also provides critical data to assess body condition scores, which help analyze cow health after calving, determine ration adjustments and monitor the cow's general physical condition. By using this AI-based software, farmers can take immediate action to improve the welfare and productivity of their herd.
CattleEye was founded in 2019 by Terry Canning, the son of a dairy farmer, and Adam Askew, a senior software architect with over 10 years of experience using deep-learning image analytics to detect cancerous tumors. Launched in April 2021, the system monitors over 100,000 cows worldwide.
CattleEye data can be accessed anytime via an app on a smartphone, tablet and computer. It automatically identifies lame cows or cows in the early stages of discomfort so dairy farmers can treat them promptly.
Feedstuffs.com
|
|
|
UK - AHDB appoints new Director of International Trade Development
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Richard Hampton as its new International Trade Development Director.
Hampton will take up his position from 3 June and lead the AHDB International Trade Development team's work with government and industry to optimise global growth opportunities on behalf of its levy payers. He has substantial experience in developing and transforming businesses, working with fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and drink, retail and agriculture sector stakeholders. Richard Hampton, who has also held many senior positions including Managing Director of the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Operative (Omsco), has extensive international experience in foreign markets and negotiating export agreements, including export market development initiatives in both dairy and red meat.
International trade development is a critical part of AHDB's work for livestock levy payers in supporting export health certification, site approvals for export, inspection audits from overseas government officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and coordinating inward and outward trade missions.
Graham Wilkinson, AHDB Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted to announce that Richard Hampton will be joining AHDB. His vast experience on the global stage will be a huge asset in ensuring that AHDB continues to deliver for its levy payers, so more consumers around the world are enjoying British red meat and dairy. "Our levy payers have told us how much they value our work on international trade development and that they want to see us do more in this field. Richard's appointment, coupled with AHDB's long established record of working with industry and government to maximise global trade opportunities, will help us continue to ensure our levy payers' products flourish in markets the world over."
AHDB
|
|
|
UK - Is recruitment limiting the growth of your dairy business?
Does lack of quality accommodation affect your ability to recruit skilled people? Has your son or daughter returned to work on the farm and need their own housing? Dairy farms, by nature, are mainly rural and sometimes remotely located. Without providing quality accommodation for workers and their families, dairy farmers can struggle to recruit the right people which can limit the growth of their business.
Whilst some farmers are wary of the planning system and the costs involved, it is a real possibility that you could achieve planning permission for an additional dwelling to house a full-time worker. This is referred to as an Agricultural or Rural Workers Dwelling.
The case for whether planning will be successful is, in the main, quite formulaic. A specialist planning consultant should be able to advise on the chances of success at the outset. "I don't believe in submitting planning applications on a 'fingers crossed' basis. If you are going to spend a few thousand on going through the planning application process, you should have a fairly predictable outcome from that." Hannah Moule, Director of The Rural Planning Co.
To be successful you must demonstrate that you meet certain planning 'tests'. While the details can vary from council to council, the two general tests are: Is there an essential need for a full-time worker (or a second worker) to live near or on site? This could be the need for close supervision of your stock for animal welfare or security and so is particularly relevant for dairy farmers. Secondly, is the business profitable and therefore likely to be long term? The planners will want to see that your business is financially sound and viable - this could be proven through submitting accounts or business plans.
We always recommend speaking to a planning consultant before making a planning application for an Agricultural Workers Dwelling. It is important to get your ducks in a row before starting the process.
RuralPlanningCo
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Commitment to People - Dairy Award
Sponsored by REAL Success
What are our judges looking for?
This new award will recognise a farm that can demonstrate a clear commitment to becoming an employer of choice through its approach to recruiting and retaining staff. Labour is one of the critical challenges faced by the dairy industry, and the judges will be looking for a farm owner, manager or herd manager who consistently places people at the centre of their business by developing their people management skills, ensuring safe working conditions, and promoting effective communication.
Innovative initiatives that attract or retain new staff will also be welcomed, as well as a commitment to ongoing learning and development of the business leaders.
Winners of this award will have a huge opportunity to promote themselves as an employer that invests in their people.
Category judge: Paul Harris, CEO, REAL Success
www.creamawards.UK
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Hooves new listings with five major wholesalers
Golden Hooves regenerative cheddar will be available for retail across England, Scotland and Wales from this month, following the announcement of listings with five new wholesale partners. Launched by British farmer-owned dairy co-operative, First Milk in Spring 2023, in order to celebrate the work of the co-op's farmers and fly the flag for regenerative dairy farming in the consumer marketplace, Golden Hooves Mature Cheddar has carved out a strong position as a 'Deliciously Regenerative' cheese. It was joined by a Vintage Cheddar last September, which won a Gold at the British Cheese Awards in March 2024, as well as a Silver in the Packaging category.
Available for retail in 200g pre-packs, via Blas ar Fwyd, Castell Howell, Caws Cymru, The Cress Company, Curd & Cure, Longman's and Rowcliffe. Stockists can request pricing information by emailing info@goldenhooves.co.uk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for the next Fertility Health & Welfare Award winner.
Could this be you and your farm team?
Sponsored by ForFarmers
What are our judges looking for?
Candidates should have an understanding and evidence of engineering characteristics that promote milk production, increase solids, health & management traits that can be passed to the next generation of cows. We are looking for dairy farmers who value an annual calving interval and link it to boosting farm profitability, monitoring genetic improvement and extra milk in early lactation. Farmers should be aiming to get the majority of their cows calved within the first six weeks. This is an award for high and consistent fertility rates on farm, proactive breeding strategies in the unit, high levels of health & hygiene.
Category Judge: Bruce Forshaw Product Manager, ForFarmers
www.creamawards.UK
|
|
BRITISH DAIRYING
ENSURE YOU RECEIVE EVERY COPY
British Dairying is available by subscription at £70.00 posted to UK addresses,
£90.00 for Europe, £115.00 for the Rest of the world
or £30 +VAT for British Dairying Online only
|
|
| |
QUOTE
"Don't let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone."
Stephen King
|
|
| |
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you are a registered reader of British Dairying and we are pleased to send you extra information to supplement the journal.
|
|
|
|
|
British Dairying,
WB Publishing Ltd
Priory Cottage, Eastbourne Road Ridgewood East Sussex TN22 5ST
WB Publishing Ltd is registered in England and Wales, Registration No 2951727
|
|
