Recent content by ringi

How does the pearl dip change the EBVs?

Being able to enter the agreement now for starting work/commitment in September is sensible as it allows plannning and you know you will not be effected by any rule changes. I see the issue being timing of payments and the contact not automatically being extended until the 3 years of outcomes...

I tend to think the start of payments should not always be when the agreement starts

But some machine feeders can be programmed to give the preset milk amount to each calf rather then letting the bigger calfs push the others out.

Sounds likely a costly high input system with feeding robots. Not a good why for someone without experience to start.

That requires lambing, but as an arable farm they are unlikely to have the skills or the time to lamb that many. My understanding is she wishes to have her own livestock rather then pay someone to take control away from her. My understanding is they already rent out to someone running sheap...

I assume any hay etc you cut remains on the farm and is returned as fym. It seems to be assumed that a large 1st cut of silage is required to all livestock systems. ryegrass seems to have been bread to maximise how much quick release N it will use for this 1st cut.

Interesting to know how the economics compared to having a shepherd help the sheep when needed but marking all ewes the shepherd touch to be culled.

See https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/intensive-cell-grazing-cattle.405468/ and get the calfs from one of the intergraded companies that pay per kg of grouth while they are at summer grass. The £25k will cover water and fiberglass electric fencing see...

Is there much risk of schmellanberg for next few years due to high immunity in ewes?

It depends how much clover and other legumes you have, if your PH is in the range they like and if P/K remains reasonable. Along with if you return enough FYM to the land compared to hay/sillage removed. Organic farmers make it work. Some of the farm payments will pay enough to have lower...

It can't be cheap topping as it needs finely shredding. I think many people may have mis costed this option unless they have enough of own livestock.

But many of the traditional wild flowers will do better with lower p/k.

Are are lot of legumes included in the mix? Whats the protein content?

If I recall correctly, hay making is allow as an alternative to gazing. And I believe March topping is only required if black grass needs controlling.