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

 

More on Dairy

Semex conference: How weight loss medication is impacting dairy consumption

Semex conference: How weight loss medication is impacting dairy consumption

Weight loss medications and high protein products were also on discussion at this year's International Semex Dairy Conference , in Glasgow

clock 20 January 2026 • 1 min read
Semex conference: No uplift in milk prices for next six months

Semex conference: No uplift in milk prices for next six months

Milk price reductions over the past few months mean UK dairy farmers are facing the biggest milk crash in history

clock 19 January 2026 • 2 min read
Semex conference: "Humanoid robots will be milking cows in your parlour within five years"

Semex conference: "Humanoid robots will be milking cows in your parlour within five years"

One of the discussions at this year's Semex International Dairy Conference, in Glasgow, was the role of artificial intelligence in the dairy industry

clock 19 January 2026 • 3 min read