DairyCo
Welcome to DairyCo
Cumbria & Lancashire
Introducing the Extension Team in your area
We help dairy farmers by giving support and technical expertise
in area's of farming like tackling dry
cow, animal health and welfare. Helping you get the best out of
your herd.
As a team we are able to share our knowlegde and expertise with the
dairy farming community. Our discussion groups are always a
great tool to discover alternative methods and discuss common
problems.
What's coming up?
- NZ grass specialist
Influential speaker and consultant Dr. John Roche will be coming to North West on April 24th as part of a series of DairyCo meetings across the country discussing getting the most from grazing systems. The Meeting in the North West will be held at Birtles Hill Farm, Henbury, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4RS starting at 7:30pm. To book your place please call me on 07854 508577 or email tom.goatman@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk.
- RDPE Northwest Livestock programme
DairyCo will be holding a joint meeting with RDPE Northwest Livestock programme looking at getting the most from your heifer calves at Newland Home Farm, Bay Horse, Lancaster, LA2 9AA from 11:00 am - 2:00pm on 25 April 2012. We will be joined by Chris Coxon DairyCo technical extension officer who will discuss key aspects in successful heifer rearing. To book your place please call me on 07854 508577 or email tom.goatman@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk. Alternatively please contact Michelle Fare at Myerscough College on 01995 642206.
- Reseeding Event
The 2012 reseeding day will be held on 1 May at NIAB-TAG site, Headley Hall, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT. Organised by BGS, EBLEX and DairyCo, with the support of the British Society of Plant Breeders and NIAB-TAG, the annual Reseeding day will include technical presentations from a selection of industry speakers.
Seassions include:
- Getting the most from soils and nutrients
- Choosing the best reseeding method
- The right species and varieties for you
The event will also see the launch of 2012 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists farmer booklet. There is no additional charge for attending this event, the cost of it is covered by your levy.
To register or for more information call Helen or Sandra on 0870 609 1840 or email brpevents@eblex.ahdb.lorg.juk To book a trade stand contact Rachel in the BGS office on 024 7669 6600 or email rachel@britishgrassland.com
- Slurry Tour
Working with the Cumbria Monitor farm on a 'Slurry Tour' planned for June 2012, looking at the requirements for the monitor farm group and looking to visit farms with concrete/metal towers versus lagoons. If you are interested in finding out more about or have any inspiration for the Monitor Farm please contact Kate Gascoyne on 07548934282.
- Catchment Sensitive Farming
Date TBC with catchment sensitive farming, to look at their grant scheme for upcoming year and how farmers in Cumbria can make the best of this. Also looking at compaction and how cow tracks could be a management tool to reduce this and improve access to help your herd graze longer. For more information please contact DairyCo Extension Officer Laura Teasdale on 07990 778149
What's been happening?
- Highpoint Dairy Business Group.
Tuesday 27March 2012, Bingley, West Yorkshire.
The group was joined by Hugh Ratcliffe form Genus ABS to discuss the areas of Bull proofs and genomics. Hugh gave a very informative presentation on how bull proofs are compiled and how to use them to make the correct breeding decisions on farm. There was also good discussion around the area of genomics and how the technology can be utilised in breeding programmes.
- Young Managers Group
Monday 26March 2012, Sheffield/Dewsbury/York
The meeting was split between three of the groups farms. The visits focused on pasture measurement and formulating grazing plans. The different options at one of the farms where discussed in relation to maximizing grass utilization between the main milking group and dry cow group and the important management decisions that need to be taken.
- Red Rose Dairy Discussion Group
Wednesday 28 March 2012, G and ME Woodhouse and Sons, Boldens Farm, Ellel, Lancaster
Oakhill Vets Red Rose Dairy Discussion Group meeting saw Lameness expert and renowned cattle vet Roger Blowey explore the issues around dairy cow lameness. Roger then demonstrated hoof trimming and identification of some common causes of lameness and how to treat these. Running alongside this were two stations demonstrating The DairyCo Healthy Feet programme can be implemented. These specifically looked at how a Mobility Mentor compiles an individual farm "lameness map" and how to use the DairyCo Mobility scoring system to identify issues before they become a problem.
To get involved - If you would be interested in getting involved and/or starting your own discussion group please contact me on 07854 508 577 or tom.goatman@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk.
- Dairy Expo in Carlisle - DairyCo was represented at the event which provided a good networking opportunity for the northern team to catch up with farmers and promote our newest products including healthy feet and Milkbench+. A reasonable turnout of farmers over both days with feet resources proving especially popular.
If you would like to find out more about getting in touch with your local Extension Officer visit www.diaryco.org.uk
- We held a Mating Management Day in conjunction with LIC near Brampton. It was a very informative day with Kate Burnby, an independent vet looking at the factors that can influence fertility, focussed on getting your herd back in calf and how best to manage the problems faced whether they are cow, bull, AI or human based factors. How to look after your bull, best practice for AI and importance of cow condition scoring.