All things Dairy

[Cows 'n grass]

I can't remember when we started grazing this year but it will have been around 20th of Feb and we'll still be grazing a fortnight yet.

Winter 18/19 we only housed for 39 days.

Next winter I'll have some sheds if all goes to plan. They will just be for loose housing. Will I use them if straw is £100/t?

 

[Jdunn55]

I can't remember when we started grazing this year but it will have been around 20th of Feb and we'll still be grazing a fortnight yet.

Winter 18/19 we only housed for 39 days.

Next winter I'll have some sheds if all goes to plan. They will just be for loose housing. Will I use them if straw is £100/t?

What have you done up until now? Why do you want/need to change?
If you dont mind me asking when you weren't housed by were out during the 'winter months' what were they eating other than grass? And if just grass how did you grow enough to feed them? Thanks

On another note, are there any good guides on how to design cow tracks, particularly where they should be going for best grass management? A 39 day winter sounds more fun than a 7 month one...

 

[som farmer]

cheapest cow tracks, if you are lucky enough to have a source of stone, on farm, lay your track, and there are firms that will grind it down to a hard suitable finish
astroturf, works well, if you can get it, ours was free, approx 1200 meters, ex school all weather hockey pitch !
concrete sleepers, gone up in price, and transport kills it
readymix, not a stupid option, depending on no. cows, and soil type
wood chip good short term
design, work out your grazing/cutting fields, track up through the middle, so you can feed each side.
you can always add to your track, so make sure the beginning of the track, is 'proper'

 

[lazy farmer]

Nice to know I’m not stupid.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

What have you done up until now? Why do you want/need to change?
If you dont mind me asking when you weren't housed by were out during the 'winter months' what were they eating other than grass? And if just grass how did you grow enough to feed them? Thanks

On another note, are there any good guides on how to design cow tracks, particularly where they should be going for best grass management? A 39 day winter sounds more fun than a 7 month one...

Nearly 1800 pages in this thread. Start at 1 and when you finish you’ll know more about dairy farming in the Uk than you ever wanted to

 

[pappuller]

Took a little trip to Gisburn today, 1 fresh heifer and 2 ic heifers due in a months time.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

Took a little trip to Gisburn today, 1 fresh heifer and 2 ic heifers due in a months time.View attachment 923297View attachment 923298

Ever sat on your hands?

 

[pappuller]

Ever sat on your hands?

Yes,yesterday at local market couldn't get going. But if your going to play with the big dogs, no point pissing like a puppy.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

Yes,yesterday at local market couldn't get going. But if your going to play with the big dogs, no point pissing like a puppy.

No more imports then?

 

[TheRanger]

Took a little trip to Gisburn today, 1 fresh heifer and 2 ic heifers due in a months time.View attachment 923298

Like peas in a pod

 

[pappuller]

No more imports then?

When only buying in 1s and 2s its easier buying at home

 

[pappuller]

No more imports then?

The 17 imported sucklers have all now calved.
Positives, all calved themselves,17 live calves, been trouble free training them to the robot,all yielding between 30/37kg milk,good heats and regular, first 2 pd+,tidy constituents.
Negatives, calving dates were a little off the requested, the more pure members of the group ie the red ones haven't got as tidy udders as the more crossed, black/white but the robot hasn't had any problems.
I also feel that the overall average milking speed is near or below average, this may be a breed trait.
Summing up im very pleased with them but want to get a full year cycle before I jump in for any more, that said at the price they were minus the calf price they were very sensibly priced.

 

[lazy farmer]

Yes,yesterday at local market couldn't get going. But if your going to play with the big dogs, no point pissing like a puppy.

Oh my God! Somebody’s got the testosterone flowing!

 

[Beef farmer]

Ever sat on your hands?

Only when he's in the club with the red sign above the door.

 

[Dian Landman]

Steel construction up and ready for roof sheets. 54 point rotary in the making.

 

[pappuller]

Oh my God! Somebody’s got the testosterone flowing!

It reduces as the years pass

 

[pappuller]

Only when he's in the club with the red sign above the door. [emoji105][emoji61]‍[emoji126]

Amen to that

 

[pine_guy]

Steel construction up and ready for roof sheets. 54 point rotary in the making. View attachment 923341

should make some quick process, I count at least 18 people in that photo!

 

[Beef farmer]

should make some quick process, I count at least 18 people in that photo!

18 people, but 2 are missing.




Health and his mate safety

 

[pine_guy]

18 people, but 2 are missing.




Health and his mate saftey

I know, only 6 have hi viz on