Take care if you gamble…
DAIRY UPDATE
Take care if you gamble…
Few of us can resist an occasional gamble, even if it is only a pound in a Grand National sweepstake or a charity raffle ticket. But is it worth gambling with your livelihood?
Most would answer No, but in reality many who run their own businesses do just that. And farming is becoming an increasingly risky business, as profits seem to lie in the hands of government support and theres increasing pressure on prices.
So when is a gamble worth taking? When you can afford the loss?
Affording an unnecessary loss or expense is something most milk producers – or their bank managers – are unable to accept this year. But should that apply to quota thresholds?
If you do decide to gamble on a quota threshold, be sure to assess the impact of a super-levy. And remember that each milk buyer will have its own threshold, so talk to them rather than general gossip about the national position.
As an alternative, it may be wise to consider quota leasing as a cheap insurance against super-levy, as one consultant in this Update recommends.
Looking ahead to the next quota year, it looks as though prices will rise a little. But cow performance will remain an important focus and reports in this Update provide some thoughts on achieving high cow yields with high-spec diets, reducing lameness and mastitis, and planning for a successful grazing season.
Farmer Focus 3
Key industry issues 6
High yields still making sense 8
Teat condition worth a check 10
Sorting surfaces for foot health 12
One year on for assured scheme 14
Quota sums still need doing 16
Are you short of forage? 17
Choosing a second-hand ATV 18
Well fed heifers grow to target 20
Breeding conference report 23
Dried lucerne good ration buffer 24
Cropping changes for profit 25
Guernseys make good grazers 26
Edited by Jessica Buss
Next issue Mar 2