With autumn block farmers gearing up for the start of mating, the main focus is around getting cows back in calf and, more importantly, back in calf at the front end of the block. Are you doing it the most cost-effective way? Is there a way you can keep your block tight while reducing costs?
Many of us will have commenced our last grazing rotation around the farm. The final rotation is your last chance to set your farm up for a successful early turnout next year.
As farmers start thinking of autumn reseeds, pasture to profit consultant Sean Chubb runs through some options to help mitigate the risk of a feed shortage during summer
Castiles Farm partners with LIC to help achieve their goal of building a more sustainable, resilient and profitable business.
Rainfall across the north has brought some relief to farmers, although without more in some areas this is just enough to keep things growing for a few weeks. Soil conditions are still firm making achieving consistent even residuals easier as the rotations build.
Ongoing social distancing and the spring weather have made the past month very unusual. I believe it has been the longest period of sustained sunshine I’ve experienced since arriving from New Zealand 10 years ago. While fine weather is welcome it has farmers nervous about the season to come.
Life has changed dramatically for me since last month, although feedback from my clients suggests that life on farm is relatively normal – apart from the kids being at home! The weather has also dramatically shifted through April. Ground conditions are now ideal for grazing and in some cases farmers are hoping for a spot of rain to keep things fresh and growing.
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown now affecting farmers across the UK, and milk buyers are either requesting a decrease in milk supply, reducing the price, deferring payment or, in some cases, a combination of these. LIC’s Pasture to Profit farm consultant Sean Chubb has come up with some clear-cut advice to help dairy producers through these challenging times.
Managing this year’s ‘spring flush’ will be a challenge for us all. With the unprecedented amount of rain over spring, farmers in the North have struggled to adhere to their spring rotation plans.
So far, this winter has been relatively warm and wet. Apart from areas that have become water-logged, you could say it’s been a ‘growy’ season.
