Silage quality starts with careful grass species selection. Ley longevity, yield and quality are all important factors to consider when deciding which variety makes the cut. TEXT RHIAN PRICE When selecting grass and legumes for multi-cut silage leys, one of the first considerations is how long the ley is expected to persist. And yield and forage quality are equally important, according to Germinal’s William Fleming. “Producers should aim for a tight heading date range of about seven...

Optimax walk-through tool highlighted calf-rearing system pinch points, resolved a milk-feeding issue, and listed practical recommendations to optimise health and growth rates. TEXT RACHAEL PORTER After discussions with their herd vet in January, in a bid to get to the bottom of some unexplained calf deaths, during the previous few months, Somerset-based producer Craig Mounty decided to review his youngstock rearing system and setup – from calving through to weaning. Craig runs a 360-cow...

Boot dips are key to controlling disease on dairy units, and they should also be managed, sited and used correctly – by staff and visitors - in order to be effective. TEXT SARAH BOLT Biosecurity remains one of the most important, but often overlooked, tools for disease control on a dairy farm. While much attention is given to vaccination and herd health planning, the simple act of dipping boots effectively is often underestimated yet plays a cost-effective and critical role in preventing...