With huge scope to maximise productivity from forage, Wynnstay has launched a new Forage4Profit campaign, which is designed to support farmers to improve meat or milk from forage.
The 2022 Kingshay report indicates that the average milk from forage on UK dairy farms is 2,900 litres, showcasing that there is huge scope for improvement, with some of the best farms reaching over 5,000 litres.
Grazing in the spring often leads to a loss of production in dairy cows. Grass tetany may be the cause. The disease causes a decrease in appetite, milk production and milk fat content. The cause: a lack of magnesium, often associated with a drop in ruminal pH.
Reseeding an existing ley can lead to a significant return on investment. Within several years ‘weed grasses’ will ingress into a sward – particularly if the field has experienced poaching or after a hard winter. These ‘weed grasses’ have poor quality characteristics compared to ryegrass varieties from the Recommended List. These include poor digestibility and a poorer response to fertiliser, as well as not converting to meat and milk as efficiently as ryegrass.
Reflecting on the challenges the industry faces, whilst the changing agricultural landscape continues to evolve, UK agriculture remains at the forefront of ensuring self-sufficiency alongside contributing to environmental goals. As a result, attention focuses on environmental stewardship, enhancing soil health and water quality, cover crops, regenerative agriculture principles and increasing biodiversity across the farmed landscape.
Within our environmental seeds portfolio, we offer a range of mixtures for environmental stewardship schemes, cover crops, game cover and wildflower mixtures. We understand that farm-specific advice is essential, as no one enterprise is the same. Our specialists can offer up-to-date advice and help you make informed decisions on the best mixture options to suit your needs.
The transition from winter housing to spring pasture, often referred to as "turnout," requires careful planning to ensure the well-being of the livestock involved. A successful turnout is dependent on thorough preparation.
Working dogs play an incredibly vital role, from herding livestock and assisting law enforcement to aiding individuals with disabilities and performing search and rescue, their contributions are immeasurable. However, their demanding work environments and outdoor lifestyles put them at a significantly increased risk of encountering ticks.
Ticks pose a significant risk to pets, primarily through the transmission of various diseases, in this blog we explore ways in which you can reduce the risk.
Over the past year, Wynnstay’s Dairy Technical Team has collaborated with the University of Nottingham's Centre for Dairy Science Innovation to implement a soya-free diet for the university’s dairy herd. The work conducted at the university’s farm has shown that dairy cows can thrive on this optimised, soya-free diet, not only increasing milk production from forage but also maintaining high milk quality.
Sheep show season is well and truly on us, and many of us will be starting to get our sheep show ready. Not only do you want your prize ewe to look its best, you also want to highlight its best qualities.
Preparing the wool for sheep showing is an art and can be perfected through trial and error. Everybody has their preferred way of preparing their show sheep but here are some tips we have found.
A successful turnout requires careful preparation to prevent health issues and ensure animal well-being. A gradual transition from winter feed to lush pasture is essential, allowing the rumen to adapt and prevent digestive upset.
Mineral supplementation, particularly magnesium, is crucial during the spring grazing period amongst other seasons to avoid deficiencies like grass tetany, also referred to as grass staggers. Well-maintained pastures with adequate grass and water, coupled with close health monitoring, contribute to a smooth turnout, minimising stress and maximising health and productivity.
Working dogs experience physical demands that can strain their bodies. Supplements can help support joints, muscles, and overall health. They do this by fixing nutritional gaps and providing essential vitamins and minerals. This helps them stay healthy, active, and perform well.
Even the best diets may not fulfill the specific needs of working dogs facing unique challenges. This is where supplements come in, offering targeted support based on the type of work a dog performs and the conditions they work in.
