Archive Article: 2001/02/09
NORTH
Despite advice to the contrary, careful seed-bed management means Jim Williams successfully grows maize on a marginal farm.
TAKING advantage of frosty weather by muck spreading in the small hours and judicious use of alternative feeds are just some of the factors which lie behind one Yorks producers successful dairy enterprise.
Jim Williams of Jowett House Farm, Barnsley, South Yorks, chose to ignore consultants advice that he shouldnt grow maize, whole-crop or use a total mixed ration system. "I am using all three, but with a marginal maize growing farm it is important to get the seed-bed right."
Maize ground is sub-soiled to aerate the seed-bed before ploughing. "A good seed-bed, polystyrene-like in consistency, is vital as half a maize crop is beneath the ground," said Mr Williams.
Slurry is spread on maize ground in frosty conditions to avoid compaction.
"We used to have frosts more frequently but they have been less hard in the past three years. I spread slurry during the night when necessary, to avoid compaction."
Use of alternative feeds such as potatoes and bread help to keep feed costs under control. "While attending a football match in a local city I caught a whiff of bread and decided to investigate. It resulted in a constant supply of bread waste for cows from a factory nearby."
Commenting on Mr Williamss maize clamp, judge Brian Metcalfe felt that evenness of chop could be improved. "Adjusting the forage harvester would result in a more even chop length which should improve intakes. There was also some shoulder waste."
Currently, the units 140-cow herd is yielding 8000 litres and future plans are to expand the herd, although land is currently a limiting factor, explained Mr Williams.
What makes a prize
winning clamp?
• Plenty of rolling,
particularly at edges.
• Using salt when in doubt.
• Setting forage harvester
correctly.
• Simple, cost-effective
feeding.
• Making good use of
effluent.
Good vermin control.