The main thrust of our business has always been to produce the milk from good quality grazed grass for as much of the
year as weather conditions will allow.In the past we have calved the majority of cows in the Spring but due to seasonality
payment changes we have moved to all year round calving.
We are fortunate to have a good team of reliable staff.Twelve in total comprising Herdsmen,relief Herdsmen,Tractor drivers
and a farm fitter.Without the professionalism and committment of this team the business would not be where it stands today.
As far as possible all farming operations and maintenance are kept "in house" including silage making, muckspreading
and land work.Administration is totally "in house".
D.I.Y A.I has been used for over thirty years on the milking cows although Hereford bulls tend to be run with the maiden
heifers for ease of management.
Rotational grazing is practiced and cows are turned out in early March if conditions allow.A typical rotation lasts 21
days however when grass is in short supply this is reduced to nearer 14 days and when there is an abundance of grass
the ground is locked up for silage.
Silage is made in two to three cuts between May and July and forms the basis of the winter ration. Grass is cut and wilted
for 24 hours before being picked up and ensiled in concrete bunkers.Dry matters should be in the region of 25 to 30%.
During Winter the silage is fed out in either round feeders or down a feed passage with a forage wagon.No other feedstuffs
are used or grown on the farm and we are totally reliant on the quality of our grass silage for Winter milk production due
to the low levels of concentrate fed in the milking parlour
