This family operation, dating back to 1931 and now in its third and fourth generation, has transformed adversity into opportunity through bold decisions and a willingness to challenge conventions.
Farm facts: South Dyke at a glance
| Established | 1931 (family farm) |
| Herd size | 370 calving cows |
| Calving pattern | three-week block |
| Average production | 5000 litres, 460-480 kg milk solids |
| Target | 9% solids |
| Ideal cow weight | 440 kg |
| Genetics | primarily LIC |
| Notable sires | Kryptonite, Luca, Flash Gordon, Jaq, Darius |
| Land | 120 hectare grazing platform, 90 hectare support ground |
Rising from adversity
In 2001, South Dyke Farm faced devastation during the foot-and-mouth outbreak that devastated British Agriculture and wiped out their entire herd. For many farms, this might have marked the end; but for the Tweedie family, it served as a catalyst for transformation.
“The foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 meant we lost everything,” James Tweedie reflects. “But in a way, it served as a reset button for our entire approach to dairy farming.”
That reset came in 2002 when South Dyke Farm discovered LIC in the UK. Inspired by New Zealand farming systems. South Dyke transitioned from a traditional British grazing system (six months in, six months out) to an intensive grazing model with a three-week spring calving block.
Genetics tailored for efficiency
South Dyke’s journey with New Zealand genetics began long before their transformation. “We first used NZ genetics in 1982,” James explains. “We found that the NZ Friesian suited our system well.”
Following the 2001 outbreak, the farm took bold steps to rebuild their operation. They purchased two distinct herds – one Jersey and one Friesian – and spent five years crossbreeding to develop cows optimised for grazing efficiency and milk solids production. Today, their herd includes genetics from sires like Kryptonite (praised for early calving ease), Jersey sires Luca, Flash Gordon, and Jaq. They favour Darius as a crossbreed option for Jerseys due to his consistently low birth weights.
“Kryptonite was heavily used in our last AI,” James notes. “We’ve been very happy with the results. Early and easy calving, high vigour of calves, and easy management.”
The farm currently manages 370 calving cows and breeds 25% replacements to build up their herd to desired levels, though they aim to reduce this to 18% once they reach their target numbers. Their breeding strategy involves both sexed and conventional semen, with approximately two-thirds of replacements coming from sexed semen.
“We’re very selective about our breeding choices,” James notes. “Sexed semen is used exclusively on healthy, high-fertility cows calving within the first three weeks. We don’t use it if there’s any doubt about them being in heat.”
Their targeted approach has yielded impressive results: 70% conception rates on heifers and close to that on cows.
Innovative management practices
South Dyke Farm demonstrates innovation across all aspects of management.
- Calving management: Following a disciplined schedule, 50% of cows are calved by day eight of the calving period.
- Calf rearing: Early calf separation ensures calves receive optimal colostrum before joining groups of 20 for cake and powdered milk feeding (500 g/day). They are weaned at eight weeks with targets of 60% liveweight at 15 months. When calves are first turned out to grass, they are buffer fed hay and cake to aid transition and rumen development.
- Milking regime: Experimenting with variable milking schedules has improved labour efficiency without sacrificing production; especially once-a-day milking during early and late lactation. “We especially liked going to once-a-day for the first three and last six weeks of lactation. It’s good for labour management and work-life balance.” James reports.
- Grass management: Moving away from replicating international models, South Dyke focuses on tailored grass management strategies using mixed swards and targeted nitrogen fertiliser applications. “We want a long growth curve for our grass with a targeted use of nitrogen fertiliser,” James explains. “We have mixed swards and aim to achieve the same amount of growth and production with less inputs.”
Production with purpose
Supplying milk on an Arla contract, South Dyke prioritises milk solids (460-480 kg milk solids from 440 kg cows). “We aim for 9% solids, which gives us average production of about 5,000 litres,” James explains.
The farm maintains 120 hectares of grazing platform supplemented by 90 hectares of support ground. Rather than focusing on expansion, their emphasis is on efficiency. “We’re not looking to grow much more, so our focus is on efficiency,” James notes. “Liveweight and milk solid production is what’s important. We want the highest kg milk solid per kg liveweight without compromising on lameness, mastitis, fertility, and short gestation length.”
Data-driven decision making
South Dyke’s success is underpinned by their commitment to data-driven decision making. “We’re confident in our milk recording information,” James states. “The consultative approach of LIC has helped drive breeding efficiency over the last few years, and their is crucial as a basis of data and liveweight efficiency.”
Their ideal cow is described as “low maintenance, efficient, and fertile” a clear reflection of their focus on profitability through efficiency rather than sheer volume.
Looking ahead
As part of this year-long series, we’ll revisit South Dyke Farm throughout its seasonal cycles, from breeding strategies to grazing challenges, to explore how their innovative approach continues to drive success.
