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

Boosting calf health: The powerful impact of dam vaccination on dairy farm's calves

Boosting calf health: The powerful impact of dam vaccination on dairy farm's calves

Implementation of dam vaccination protocols in late pregnancy has had a transformative effect on early life calf health at the Manor Farming Company in Shropshire

clock 10 December 2025 • 5 min read
Nuffield Conference: Inspiring the next generation of dairy farmers

Nuffield Conference: Inspiring the next generation of dairy farmers

Inspiring the next generation of dairy entrepreneurs was the title of Ifan Roberts' Nuffield

Katie Jones
clock 09 December 2025 • 2 min read
Northern Irish dairy herd celebrates 10,000th calf born

Northern Irish dairy herd celebrates 10,000th calf born

Earlier this year, a Northern Irish dairy farm celebrated a milestone – the 10,000th calf to be born on the farm

clock 08 December 2025 • 4 min read