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Newsletter October 17, 2023
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UK - AHDB's four Sector Councils publish levy increase proposals
Proposals for increasing the AHDB's levy rates from the start of the 2024/25 financial year have been published by the Sector Councils representing Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork.
Levy payers are being given the opportunity to ask questions about the proposals over the coming weeks, including during AHDB's Funding Your Future livestream event on Thursday, 9 November 2023. The purpose of increasing rates is to meet the request from levy payers to deliver more key services, including marketing and exports for the Beef and Lamb, Dairy and Pork sectors and more independent research for Cereals and Oilseeds. This comes at a time when AHDB's spending power has been greatly reduced by rising costs, which have been particularly affected by the increase in inflation.
Sector Councils will make a final recommendation to the AHDB Board, which will put the proposals to Government Ministers and Devolved Administrations later this year. The proposed levy rates for Dairy is: Dairy (set more than 20 years ago); Dairy farmer - 0.06p/litre to 0.08p/l
Commenting on the timing of the proposals, AHDB Chair Nicholas Saphir said: "The message from levy payers through Shape the Future was clear, that key services provided by AHDB, such as independent research, the Strategic Farm networks, activity to identify new export markets as well as domestic marketing, are seen as vital to levy payers."
AHDB Dairy Sector Council Chair, Lyndon Edwards, said: "Levy payers have asked us for more marketing campaigns, more work on promoting the reputation of the industry and to grow dairy exports. We will need additional levy funding to deliver this. "An average British dairy farm producing 1.65m litres per annum would pay an additional £330 each year as a result of this proposed increase of 0.02ppl."
Levy payers can find out more about the details of the proposals by visiting www.ahdb.org.uk. Sector Councils will be available to answer relevant questions via face-to-face meetings, email (info@ahdb.org.uk), social media and the Funding Your Future livestream event throughout the autumn. Further details of Funding Your Future, along a full schedule of activity, will be announced in October.
AHDB
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Ireland - Listen: Dairy farming 'is a business - it has to feed a family'
Dairy farmers will have to ensure that their "cows are the best performing and the most efficient" when the lower nitrates derogation limit comes into play, the Chief Executive of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) has warned. Laurence Feeney, who was speaking on the AgriFocus podcast by Agriland said that dairy farmers are currently facing a lot of changes and that there will be a lot more to come over the next couple of years with "environmental concerns" driving that.
"We need a profitable, efficient dairy industry and we would see IHFA as very much part of the fabric of breed improvement in Ireland because there are a lot of things that we can offer that address some of the challenges in relation to environmental concerns. In general we need an efficient productive cow that's going to make money and there are things that can make an animal a little bit more environmentally friendly, one of the big things that we've started to see at the moment is around making cows last longer in herds," Feeney added. He said it makes sense that if a cow lasts longer in a herd it means that she does not have to be replaced and a lower replacement rate means that "a farmer can carry less replacement stock and more productive stock".
"That's very good in terms of nitrates regulations because farmers can manage their stock a little bit more efficiently," Feeney said.
According to the Chief Executive of the IHFA there has been a shift in breeding towards "efficiency and longevity". He said that as cows age there are factors which can becoming limiting factors. "When a cow is younger the most important thing is that they get in calf - as they get older there can be problems around lameness and mastitis so there can be limiting factors in relation to longevity and the physical makeup of the cow - such as has she got good quality udder, has she got good quality legs and feet."
He believes that the era of expansion may be over for dairy farm families and that they may now be moving more into an era of consolidation. "People are changing their mentality in that they have what they have and they need to manage what they have as best as possible and be as efficient as possible within the farm." https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/listen-dairy-farming-is-a-business-it-has-to-feed-a-family/
Agriland
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US - Less dairy leads to decline in iodine concentrations
Median levels of iodine among women of reproductive age in the United States have declined significantly in the past two decades, while levels among pregnant women have remained below those recommended to maintain healthy thyroid hormone status during pregnancy and prevent adverse outcomes, a new study concludes. "The study uncovered a worrying decline in urinary iodine concentration levels in reproductive age women in the US over the last two decades," report the authors in research presented at the American Thyroid Association (ATA) Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration.
The declines underscore "a lack of awareness about the importance of iodine nutrition among both medical providers and the general public," senior author Elizabeth Pearce, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, told Medscape Medical News.
A drop in dairy consumption is directly linked to the decline in iodine concentrations and inversely associated with education level and socioeconomic status among women of reproductive age. Among pregnant women, the only factor found to be significantly associated with urinary iodine concentration was dairy consumption. The data details the significant trends of reduced dairy consumption, with the percentages of reproductive aged women reporting "rare" frequency of dairy consumption significantly increasing over the study period, while those reporting "often" consuming dairy products dropped from more than 50% in 2001-2004 to less than half that by 2017-2020 - and patterns were similar for pregnant women.
Changes in dietary trends linked to the decline in dairy consumption include increased consumption of cow's milk substitutes such as almond milk and soy milk, which do not contain iodine. Those reporting higher consumption of soy milk or plant-based substitutes indeed showed trends of lower median urine iodine concentrations compared with those consuming more dairy products among reproductive aged women. "The median urinary iodine levels of women consuming plant-based milk substitutes are lower than those in women consuming cow's milk," first author Cheng Han, MD, also from Boston University, said in presenting the findings.
Medscape.com
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UK - Net zero delivers significant farm benefits
Achieving net zero on farm is entirely possible - and it can deliver significant benefits in terms of improved soil resilience, reduced input costs and potential new income streams. That's according to speakers in the seminar programme at the Dairy Show (4 October), which was curated around the theme 'Carbon Talks'. The focus was on farmers harnessing their land in order to sequester carbon and reduce emissions, with the aim of reaching the industry's net zero goal by 2030.
Under the Farm Carbon Toolkit's (FCT) Farm Net Zero project, three demonstration farms aim to fully reach net zero, said Dr Hannah Jones. "It is achievable - we have farmers who have done it already." Taking place in Cornwall, the five-year project is being run on 43 farms, 40 of which aim to achieve a carbon reduction of 30%, while the final three plan to completely eliminate emissions. "The project is successfully demonstrating the ability of farmers to create carbon solutions."
There are many practical solutions available for farmers to preserve and increase their soil carbon. "It's like a bank account, we've got to make sure we are putting more CO2 into the soil than we are taking out," said Mole Valley Farmers' Lisa Hamley. Opportunities include correcting the soil pH to optimise nutrient availability, eliminating soil compaction, and increasing the variety of roots in the ground, as well as regular soil and carbon testing to identify the direction of movement. "Managing our soil carbon storage is the most important thing we can be doing. Collectively, we [as farmers] can make a difference: We are looking after our future."
www.bathandwest.com/the-dairy-show.
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UK - Increasing popularity of on/off grazing
AHDB is offering advice about 'on/off grazing', where cows are rotated between pasture and housing in the autumn, as the practice has become increasingly popular. The benefits include weather resilience, pasture preservation, optimised nutrient utilisation, reduced soil compaction, improved parasite control, effective manure management and enhanced cow well-being. All this contributes to increased production and long-term farm sustainability.
"For those thinking of on/off grazing to avoid poaching in wet weather this autumn, remember that it works best when cows have an edge to their appetite," says the AHDB report. "This changes their eating habits; they graze for longer and, in turn, increase the number of days at grass and performance."
The method also helps to set the farm up during the final rotation to grow grass over winter and provide grass the following spring. "On/off grazing allows farmers to preserve their pastures by preventing overgrazing and poaching; and alternating between grazing and housing allows cows access to fresh pasture and time for previously grazed areas to recover.
"Due to declining grass quality, autumn forage can be less nutritious than summer forage and the practice gives cows a balanced diet by supplementing their grass intake with high-quality supplementary feed," it adds. "Where cows are on an all-pasture diet before on/off grazing, no buffer feeding is needed. Where supplements are being fed, it is important to ensure that cows have finished this feed at least three hours before going back out to grass, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to maintain health and production levels."
By minimising soil compaction in wet autumn conditions, the land can recover. As far as parasite control is concerned, autumn is a prime time for parasites like gastrointestinal worms to thrive in moist pastures, and constant grazing can increase the risk of infection among cattle. "On/off grazing helps in parasite control by reducing the time cows spend on contaminated pasture, and when they are housed, they are less likely to encounter infective larvae," says the report. "By minimising exposure to harsh weather, cows are less stressed, which can have a positive impact on their immune system and overall productivity."
Top tips
- Use different gates for entering and exiting.
- Target higher covers as they provide additional protection against soil damage.
- Autumn block farmers should house their colostrum herd as they do the most walking.
- Wet conditions can soften hooves, so zinc or copper footbaths are a good idea.
- Plan the grazing rotation so the wettest paddocks are grazed off towards the end of October.
AHDB
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UK - Homebred dairy cows top the board at the Dairy Show
A passion for home-breeding paid off for exhibitors at the Dairy Show, with several of the championship winners coming from long and beloved family bloodlines.
Scooping the prestigious interbreed championship was a home-bred Jersey cow exhibited by Emily Davis. Rivermead Minx Candy VG89 had her third calf just three weeks ago and is already yielding 33 litres/day. Sired by Stonyrun Aus Tbone Minx, she was riding on a tide of success, having won her class at UK Dairy Day in 2022 and been placed as champion Jersey at Dairy Expo earlier this year. "Jerseys are our passion, and to reach the top is amazing," said Emily. "It's the first time we've won at this show, and it's just fantastic." Emily was celebrating her birthday on the day of the event (4 October) and also had success with the family's other home-bred entrants, winning the National Jersey Championship, reserve champion and reserve honourable mention. The Davis family milk 230 cows near Tiverton, Devon, and all share the Jersey passion, including Emily, her brothers, sisters and parents.
Taking the reserve interbreed title was Thuborough Farms' Holstein senior cow, shown by Roland Ley. Another homebred, by Stantons Adorable, Thuborough Freda 610 is rated EX95 and is yielding 48 litres after having her fourth calf in March. Despite a string of previous successes, Roland has never previously won the breed championship at the Dairy Show. "So to get breed champion and reserve interbreed is a great result." The family milk 270 Holsteins near Holsworthy, Devon, with an average yield of 11,000 litres. Before her success at the Dairy Show, Freda won the breed and interbreed championship at the Devon County Show and was breed champion and reserve interbreed champion at the Royal Cornwall Show. "She's got a really good udder and is very youthful despite being a fourth-calver," said Roland. "She has a lovely balance and moves really well."
The Dairy Show was also host to the Guernsey National Show, which was won by the Greenslade family's Greensfield Dandy Dan Butterfly. "It means a lot to us," said exhibitor Emma Greenslade. "We work quite hard with our breeding, and we bred both her and the sire behind her - Greensfield Dandy Dan. His dam won at UK Dairy Day and here, and now we've done the double again."
UK Dairy Day and the Dairy Show were Butterfly's first two shows, and she claimed the breed championship at both. "She'd never been shown before - I dragged her out of the shed a week before Dairy Day. She's just so quiet," said Emma. The family milk 100 cows near Cullompton, Devon, and this second-calver; who calved in August, is giving 25 litres/day. "She's small but mighty, and very correct," said Emma. "You can't fault her, and she's very clean through the rump."
The other breed champions were: Ayrshire Rosehill Madison Jelly VG87, Dairy Shorthorn Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63, and British Friesian Greenway Solo Billie Jo.
For more information visit www.bathandwest.com/the-dairy-show.
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New model SCHURR cow brush D22
The D22 includes a new PM motor and a specially developed frequency converter with a significantly higher level of efficiency. Further power savings for the new cow brush D22 compared to the previous model C12 and model B00 with standard motor.
Cow brush is started by turning the brushes slightly. PM motor and controller are now separate and available separately. SCHURR has also partially changed the design and the frame construction of the brush: stable and robust for heaviest usage of the cows.
According to Schurr, a type D22 cow brush is suitable for herd sizes of up to 120 animals. Quality, longevity and service are part of the brand promise. This is also underlined by the 24-month guarantee period on all parts of a SCHURR product.
The SCHURR 2-brush system for cows has been around since 1992, and the Schurr company is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The family business now delivers to over 65 countries and is known worldwide for its animal welfare products. (Freight costs are added.)
Further information: Schurr Gerätebau GmbH, telephone: 07374 9299020; www.schurr-geraetebau.de
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SENS Nutrition is organising an event for dairy nutritionists and consultants to demonstrate a handheld analytical instrument, developed by Animine, for assessing trace mineral content in forages. The event will be held at two venues and will comprise presentations from guest speakers from Animine and also from BioZyme. Amaferm is an EFSA authorised zootechnical additive for dairy cows, produced by BioZyme and distributed in the UK by SENS Nutrition.
The presentations:
- Precision mineral nutrition in dairy cows. Leandro Royo, Animine
- Using AniGun for sustainable and precise mineral nutrition in dairy herds. Dr Rahma Balegi, Animine
- Improving nitrogen efficiency and mineral absorption with prebiotic technology. Dr Fernando Bargo, BioZyme.
The events will start at 10 am, through to no later than 3pm. The dates and locations as follows:
25 October: The Barn at Yew Tree Farm, Lower Road, Halewood, Liverpool, L26 3UA
26 October: The Walnut Tree Hotel, 87 Fore Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6QA
For further information and booking details contact Steve Ladbrook
info@sensnutrition.com
www.you-know-it-makes-SENS.com
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Global - 'Consumers trust farmers': Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trends Report
Among the main five trends reported, there are several important factors - from consumer disillusionment with green claims to relationship- and image-building opportunities. Farmers as 'trustworthy sources': In times when environmental sustainability is on everyone's lips, consumer mistrust is growing. According to Mintel, 60% of US consumers agree that many companies are 'just pretending' to be sustainable, while 52% of German shoppers do not trust companies to be honest about their environmental impact. The market intelligence agency suggests that to get through to consumers, brands need to communicate their eco-friendly practices in authentic ways and through measurable forms rather than catch-all, zero-sum terminology. Mintel |
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UK -Search on for dairy industry's next aspiring star through RABDF dairy student competition
This year's Dairy Student Award, run by RABDF, and sponsored by ForFarmers, is open to entrants studying at universities and colleges. To enter, university and college course leaders must nominate applicants for the award by emailing ambermckay@rabdf.co.uk with the nominee's details. Students entering the award must then prepare an essay response to a case study, which has been put together by Kite Consulting and reflects real-life farming challenges. Essays must be submitted by Friday 17 November, after which a panel of judges will choose six finalists to join them for a formal interview and presentation at The Farmers Club in London on 8th December.
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UK - Wyke Farms launches carbon neutral Somerset Red hard cheese
Wyke Farms has launched Ivy's Reserve Somerset Red, which it claims is the first innovation in hard cheese from the UK in 20 years. The red cheese has a "buttery smoothness, combined with the richness and savouriness of the vintage reserve, but with an added creaminess, tanginess and nuttiness on the end". The cheesemaker said it has a "moreish" taste and melts with ease. Somerset Red was made with natural starters used to produce the texture that have been kept on the farm by the Clothier family for over one hundred years. "For this special cheese we selected a unique strain from our natural starter set," explained Rich Clothier, MD of Wyke Farms. " TheGrocer
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