How 365-day grazing, herbal leys and spring calving have helped reduce costs on a Devon dairy farm

Thinking outside the box has seen one Devon-based dairy farm reduce costs by introducing all-year-round grazing to their cross-bred herd

Katie Fallon
Livestock Specialist
clock • 7 min read
Left to right: David, Katie and Mary Ackland.
Image:

Left to right: David, Katie and Mary Ackland.

A move to 365-day grazing and spring calving, plus the introduction of herbal leys, has reduced costs at the Ackland family's Devon-based dairy unit, with herbal leys now accounting for two-thirds of the...

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

Opinion: Milk price rollercoaster must be tamed
Dairy

Opinion: Milk price rollercoaster must be tamed

Farmers Guardian deputy editor Alex Black discusses the ups and downs of the dairy market

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 11 September 2026 • 2 min read
UK Dairy Day Jersey judge looks for balance and breed character
Dairy

UK Dairy Day Jersey judge looks for balance and breed character

Phil Arrell will make his national judging debut when he takes charge of the Jersey classes at this year's UK Dairy Day. Wendy Short spoke to him ahead of his assignment

Wendy Short
clock 11 September 2026 • 6 min read
Why hoof trimming technique in pre-calving dairy heifers matters
Dairy

Why hoof trimming technique in pre-calving dairy heifers matters

Study shows preventative hoof trimming in housed dairy heifers can help to reduce the severity of claw horn lesions in first lactation

Katie Fallon
Katie Fallon
clock 10 September 2026 • 5 min read