Archive Article: 1998/03/13
Less concentrate
Improved grass management has cut concentrate use by 200kg a cow at Westway Farm. But both Mr Watkinson and his consultant, Norman Ford, recognise further cuts will be made by manipulating the calving pattern to coincide with early grass growth. The aim is to reduce concentrate use per cow to 500kg a lactation.
Adopting the Westway Farm approach to early turnout offers a significant chance for Mr Gardner to lift profits at Rhodes Farm. Consultant Richard Foster is hoping to have all cows turned out earlier in spring next year.
As well as utilising early grass, early turnout should also see an improvement in grass productivity. Although two cows a hectare stocking rate is low, Mr Foster suggests the hilly nature of grassland will be the limiting factor to increasing it.
Less concentrate
Improved grass management has cut concentrate use by 200kg a cow at Westway Farm. But both Mr Watkinson and his consultant, Norman Ford, recognise further cuts will be made by manipulating the calving pattern to coincide with early grass growth. The aim is to reduce concentrate use per cow to 500kg a lactation.
Adopting the Westway Farm approach to early turnout offers a significant chance for Mr Gardner to lift profits at Rhodes Farm. Consultant Richard Foster is hoping to have all cows turned out earlier in spring next year.
As well as utilising early grass, early turnout should also see an improvement in grass productivity. Although two cows a hectare stocking rate is low, Mr Foster suggests the hilly nature of grassland will be the limiting factor to increasing it.