Dairy Farmer

Growing lucerne to reduce reliance on bought-in protein is part of one Leicestershire farm’s strategy to create a more sustainable farming system.

Cutting grass at the optimum stage and applying a silage additive are just some of the reasons one all-year-round housed herd is producing nearly 50% milk from forage.

Applying a silage additive to multi-cut grass silage can help create a more stable fermentation and cut dry matter losses in the clamp by half, according to recent trial work.

Reduced fertiliser costs and more milk solids means including clover in the sward could bring a benefit worth £215 per hectare, according to Irish research.

Thinking about what fertilisers are used and how they are applied could help farmers get ahead of the curve and reduce ammonia emissions before regulations are introduced.

February 2020 Dairy Farming edition

Research into the DNA of cows is being used to help produce better dairy and beef cattle, but it could also improve the health and lifespan of humans. Nick Drainey reports.

Dairy-Tech once again returns to Stoneleigh Park, taking place on Wednesday, February 5. Katie Jones previews what will be happening at the event.

University of Bristol vet Dr Gwen Rees conducted her PhD research into dairy farmer attitudes to medicine use and recording.

Unlocking the potential of UK-grown seaweed as part of new research could see used in the production of some ruminant animal feeds.