Publications

This is the first in a series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions'. We will attempt to identify the sources of each GHG, how it may be reduced and aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040.

In the busy day to day running of a dairy farm, it is all too easy to focus attention on the things that you can see and overlook what you can't see. Soil health is one such area. So, what can you do to make sure your soil and therefore your crops and forage, are […]

Soil health is key to crop yields and quality – but it relies on a complex balance between biological, chemical and physical factors. Whilst best practice to manage soil physics (soil structure) and the basic chemistry (nutrients) are well documented, soil biology is often neglected. This Soil Biology – an introduction DAIRY insight is the […]

This insight publication is one in a series of three worming publications: Understanding Anthelmintics and Youngstock Worms, that together provide a comprehensive guide for developing a good worming strategy in conjunction with your vet. In the UK, anthelmintic resistance is common in sheep, and while less so in cattle, it is a growing threat to […]

is the buzzword of the moment – but what does it really mean and why is it essential to farmers? This insight publication looks at why natural capital is important in the dairy industry and summarises some dairy farming practices that support natural capital. Issued November 2018. About Kingshay insight publications insight publications […]

This is the first issue of our new publication, RESEARCH insight. The aim of the publication is to translate relevant scientific research into useful information for your farm. This issue looks at: Lameness in Dairy Heifers – Randall et al. Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, […]

Slurries and farm yard manures represent a hugely valuable and often under- utilised resource on many dairy farms. Understanding their nutrient values could help reduce reliance on bought in fertiliser and save money. For example, a typical 200 cow dairy herd produces muck containing about 1,750kg of nitrogen, 1,200kg of phosphate and 4,400kg of potash […]

A timely maize harvest this season could provide the perfect window of opportunity to plant a highly productive, cost effective, catch crop grass ley. Doing so would provide additional dry matter yield, reduce environmental issues and potentially give cows an early spring bite. Issued September 2017 About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been […]

In Spring 2015, Kingshay drilled their first red clover monocultures trial in light of their use as an EFA for greening.

Slit aeration is promoted as a remediation method for compacted grassland, however, research results are mixed. This Farming Note covers: • What is slit aeration capable of? • What conditions need to be met for slit aeration to have any benefit? • Is slit aeration cost effective? Issued February 2016. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since […]

This Farming Note is the fourth part of the sustainable Soil Management Series. It explains What green manures are How these green manures and other crops benefit soil health When and how to grow the crops Ecological Focus Area qualifications for BPS Issued July 2015. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been publishing […]

Nitrates in forage can reduce milk yields and cause fertility problems, can turn silage butyric and even cause death in stock. This Farming Note covers: How to ensure grass nitrate levels are down at a safe level before grazing and cutting What environmental conditions cause grass to have a higher nitrate content than usual How […]