Publications

In recent months, there have been numerous high-profile farm thefts in the press, including several cases of livestock rustling. According to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report, rural theft cost an estimated £42.5m in the UK during 2015 – an increase on the previous year's figures. A range of measures can be taken to mitigate […]

Since the Kingshay Cubicle Demonstration Unit was set up in 2004, there have been 4 building phases and many visitors passing through the doors to compare the latest products on the market and to get feedback on their performance. During the winter of 2015/16, another 9 cubicle types and 12 mats/mattress types were installed in […]

Big bale silage increases flexibility on a grazing platform and creates the opportunity to make a customisable forage for animal groups. This Farming Note covers: Baled silage as a feed for cattle Square or round bales? Chopper balers String or net wrap Wrap colour Bale storage Issued July 2016. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since […]

What is most commonly targeted by rural crime? How do you reduce your insurance premiums?

Well-designed collecting yards save time and reduce stress, whereas poor designs or improper cow handling will compromise cow flow and welfare.

Calibrating your fertiliser spreader is an essential task to optimise forage and crop yields and maximise the benefit from the cost of fertilisers. As fertiliser products vary between type and supplier it is important to calibrate your spreader for application rate annually, to ensure regulatory compliance. Issued March 2016. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 […]

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 […]

Environmental mastitis pathogens are naturally present in the housed environment, but problems occur when the pathogen pressure becomes too high. This Farming Note covers: What encourages environmental mastitis? Reducing humidity Loose housing risk Which bedding is the most hygienic? Bedding conditioners – prices Issued December 2015. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been […]

In response to member queries about calf jackets and their efficacy, we carried out a Tried & Tested survey and trial in early 2015. The survey was completed by a sample of Kingshay members and other dairy producers. The trial included a comparison of 8 different calf jackets that were put on heifer calves and […]

The Kingshay Cubicle Demonstration Unit has been allowing farmer members to test out different cubicles and mats and mattresses that are on the market since the first section of it was built in 2004. 11 years on, we can make clear judgements on the longevity and performance of the many products in the unit. This […]

Lighting on a dairy farm is important for animal health and production, but can be a significant cost. This Farming Note addresses: Optimum lighting levels and hours of light and dark for both milking and dry cows Advantages of 'long day' and 'short day' photoperiods Comparable costs of buying and running different types of bulbs, […]

As part of Kingshay's exhibit at the 'Livestock Event' and 'The Dairy Show' last year, farmers filled in a survey assessing levels of cow comfort on their farm. The Cow Comfort Report presents these results in an interactive style report, which is designed to help you pinpoint pressure points in your system where production and […]