Work smarter and not harder with expansion

4 August 2000

Work smarter and not harder with expansion

By Marianne Curtis

INCREASES in herd and flock sizes look set to continue, but they can only be sustained if investment in farm infrastructure and skilled labour is adequate, according to experts.

Analysis of last years mid-year agricultural census figures reveals increases in herd and flock sizes for several livestock sectors. Since the mid-1990s average dairy herd size has increased from 73 to 80 cows in England with a higher average of 87 cows/herd recorded in Scotland.

Coping with dairy herd expansion means working smarter not harder, according to ADAS business consultant Nick Holt-Martyn. "Achieving production such as 700,000 litres/man a year is only possible when the focus is on harvesting milk.

"Contracting out duties such as silaging and manure handling frees staff to concentrate on husbandry duties and reduces machinery costs and depreciation."

However, there is an unwillingness in the UK to milk for longer than two hours/session, says Mr Holt-Martyn. "Being prepared to milk for longer by rotating staff when necessary allows herd expansion without necessarily upgrading the parlour."

But Glos-based vet Chris Watson believes when there is only one herdsman, spending too long in the parlour is counter-productive. "Some 200-cow herds manage with one skilled herdsman and additional help with duties such as feeding.

"However, spending too much time in the parlour can mean fertility suffers, as there is insufficient time for heat detection." Having time to keep on top of health issues such as lameness is also important, adds Mr Watson.

Looking after large numbers of cows can only be done by highly skilled herdsmen and is not a job for young, inexperienced staff, he says. "You only have to look at contract herd care companies to see that even when salaries between £24,000-£29,000/year are offered, they are still constantly looking to fill vacancies requiring highly skilled staff."

There is a similar problem in the pig industry which will lead to increasing investment in labour saving systems, according to Signet consultant Malcolm Black.

"Larger units are having problems sourcing labour meaning stock carers are having to work longer hours. As money becomes available, there is likely to be increasing investment in automated cleaning and feeding systems."

But keeping too many pigs on one site will eventually lead to health or pollution problems, warns Mr Black. "Sow numbers should be restricted to 400-500 on one site. On units larger than this, it is more difficult to manage staff and pigs effectively and hygiene and disease control measures become more critical."

Increasing numbers of producers will move to multi site production to help overcome these problems, he adds. "Breeding, rearing and finishing herds may occupy three separate sites, each with its own specialised labour force."

Unlike the pig industry, expansion of sheep numbers is patchy and mainly confined to lowland flocks, according to Gwent-based Signet consultant David Evans. Figures for Wales show breeding ewe flock size increasing to 376 head, up 15 head on the previous year.

"Although there has been an increase in flock size over the last couple of years this has mainly been due to producers hanging on to cull ewes because of their low market value. A reduction in ewe premium, low lamb prices and stocking density restrictions for HLCA payments are likely to lead to smaller hill flock sizes."

Lowland flocks considering expansion should think carefully before they do so, according to Cotswold-based sheep consultant Alister Bird. "Take into account grassland area, labour availability and the state of buildings. Also, consider split lambing both early and in spring to spread labour resources."

Generally suckler herds have not expanded which may be due to subsidy restrictions, adds Mr Evans.

HERD AND FLOCK SIZE

Mainly increasing.

Skilled labour required.

Is farm infrastructure adequate?

567wds

HERDANDFLOCKSIZE

&#8226 Mainly increasing.

&#8226 Skilled labour required.

&#8226 Is farm infrastructure adequate?