Dairy Farmer

Claire Eastham farms with her husband Martyn in Dorset, where they milk 120-spring calving cows. After gaining knowledge and experience working for other businesses, the couple started their own dairy farming journey in 2015 by taking on a share farming agreement before progressing to their current county council farm.

Fraser Jones milks 1,500 Holstein Friesians across two sites near Welshpool. As a Disease? Not On My Farm! ambassador, he works closely with his vet Oli Hodgkinson, of Trefaldwyn Vets, to prioritise animal health and welfare. Here he provides a farmer’s perspective on the recently launched National Office of Animal Health Livestock Vaccination Guidelines and considers their potential impact on the dairy sector.

This year’s extreme summer drought in many parts of the country has reinforced the need for dairy farmers to look for alternative fodder sources to maximise milk production from home-grown feeds. Dairy Farmer reports.

The Gregorys have several initiatives running across their organic dairy business to ensure they remain profitable while supporting nature and the environment. Sara Gregson went to find out more.

Following their win of the prestigious NMR/RABDF Gold Cup for 2020, the Torrance family is keen to acknowledge the whole team involved in the successful running of the herd and farm business. Wendy Short reports.

Maize trials carried out at the Carlisle Regional Technology Centre, at Smalmstown Farm, Longtown, have shed a new light on the use of narrow film.

Under-sowing grass alongside maize crops is increasingly becoming an option for many due to soil erosion prevention and winter grazing options.

Inevitably, downer cow syndrome is an issue many dairy farmers will have to deal with at one time or another. Vet Dr Charlie Mays discusses best practice for managing downer cows and how the correct use of hip hoists can be life-saving.

One of the most crucial times in a cow’s production cycle, the transition period can positively or negatively impact future milk production, fertility, and overall health.

Methane inhibitor Bovaer is the first EU additive found to reduce methane emissions in dairy cows by 30 per cent and could prove a handy climate tool for farmers here in the UK.