Start with the dam to maximise heifer performance

An all-encompassing approach which starts before a heifer is even born has helped Stowell Farms reduce their average age at first calving by two months in the last three years

clock • 6 min read
At Stowell Farms, heifers are currently calved in at 24 months with the aim to reduce that to 23 months.
Image:

At Stowell Farms, heifers are currently calved in at 24 months with the aim to reduce that to 23 months.

The target age for calving heifers is 23 months at Stowell Farms in Pewsey, Wiltshire, which is one of Mole Valley Farmers' Focus Farms. READ NOW: Pre-weaning period key to rearing sustainable replacement...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Dairy

Pink eye in dairy cows: What farmers need to know
Dairy

Pink eye in dairy cows: What farmers need to know

Vet, Emma Greaves, shares her top tips for managing pink eye infections within the dairy herd

Dairy Farmer
clock 23 March 2026 • 4 min read
Dairy markets update: Some milk price rises likely for May
Dairy

Dairy markets update: Some milk price rises likely for May

The markets have continued to improve markedly, and the first price increases since the autumn of last year are on the cards for May, for some but by no means all processors

Dairy Farmer
clock 20 March 2026 • 4 min read
The importance of living space for the housed cow
Dairy

The importance of living space for the housed cow

Studies have shown how providing cows with adequate living space can boost milk yields and reduce lameness prevalence

Katie Fallon
clock 20 March 2026 • 3 min read