News

Improving soil health has been the answer to maximising milk from high quality grass forage on a family dairy farm in West Wales

Making good quality silage depends on many factors, not all of which can be influenced. But planning ahead means it should be possible to take control and avoid many potential pitfalls.

Looking after equipment and carrying out basic maintenance checks can save thousands of pounds and avoid breakdowns at the most inconvenient time.

This is the first column I have written for Farmers Guardian since my wife Rose’s suicide in June. I have been very touched by the response of so many farming people.

Talking about suicide may be tough but it is incredibly important to consider how we talk about it, Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, has said.

Industry leaders have warned the pig sector is in a ‘critical state’

The UK Government announced its aim to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 back in June 2019 and many industries rose to the challenge with their own commitments to emissions reduction.

Evidence from many respected sources shows those dairy businesses which maximise milk from forage are usually the most financially successful.

Soil health has risen up the agenda rapidly in recent years, making dramatic headlines in the national press.

After a difficult 2020, the turn of the year means a fresh start and time to look ahead to a more positive 2021.