Publications

In recent years, the term Regenerative Farming has become more widespread in its use. This interest has not only been within the industry, but regenerative agriculture has also received attention from consumers, mainstream media and even politicians, particularly around the possibilities for positive impact on climate change. As such, it should not be ignored. In this DAIRY insight we look at what regenerative farming is, and what practices can be adopted on-farm for a sustainable profitable future.

Environmental concerns surrounding the production of soya bean and palm means their use in dairy cow diets is becoming increasingly unacceptable. Some supermarkets have already banned their milk suppliers from feeding them; a trend that looks set to continue. Growing pressure to reduce dairy farming's carbon footprint also makes these products even less attractive. As such, as an industry, we must look at alternative feed options. This DAIRY insight explores how soya and palm are used in the industry and what the available alternatives are.

This is the second in the 2-part series of publications covering Nitrogen. In this publication we look at the on-farm solutions to reduce nitrogen losses. The first publication provides an introduction to the Nitrogen Cycle and where nitrogen is lost in the system. The agricultural industry will shortly be operating under a new regulatory framework focusing on producing clean air, water, lower carbon emissions, as well as supplying food to feed the nation. Nitrogen helps greatly to feed the nation, but its effect on air and water quality can be negative and difficult to manage. Applying too much or the wrong type of fertiliser can lead to an increase of Nitrogen losses through Ammonia (NH3) volatilization, nitrate (NO3?) leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil.

This is the first part of a 2-part series of publications covering Nitrogen. In this publication we look at the Nitrogen Cycle and where nitrogen is lost in the system. The second publication examines the on-farm solutions to nitrogen losses. The agricultural industry will shortly be operating under a new regulatory framework focusing on producing clean air, water, lower carbon emissions, as well as supplying food to feed the nation. Nitrogen helps greatly to feed the nation, but its effect on air and water quality can be negative and difficult to manage. Applying too much or the wrong type of fertiliser can lead to an increase of Nitrogen losses through Ammonia (NH3) volatilization, nitrate (NO3?) leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil.

We all know that quality grass silage is the linchpin to cost effective, profitable production. Kingshay figures show that it costs just 6.1ppl to make average quality grass silage, versus 8.1ppl for a typical 18% parlour concentrate (Forage Costings Report 2017). With that in mind, it makes sense to maximise the potential of the silage you make in order to displace expensive bought-in concentrates. This DAIRY insight highlights the considerations for setting yourself up for a successful silage season.

Agroforestry is increasingly being talked about as a means of helping agriculture meet net zero targets, with DEFRA planning to support farmers with the integration of trees as part of Environmental Land Management and Wales proposing 10% tree cover as part of The Sustainable Farming Scheme. Although the details are not yet known, getting ahead of the curve and working out how trees can fit into a dairy farming system could bring big benefits, extending to animal health & welfare and farm productivity. This Dairy Insight explores the different types of agroforestry that are available and takes a look at how you can incorporate trees into your dairy system.

This is the fifth in a series of DAIRY insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions', where we aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040.

This is the fourth in a series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions', where 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. On dairy farms nitrogen oxides are produced almost entirely by the way we store and spread manures and fertilisers and the ability of our soils to manage water flow. This DAIRY insight explores practical ways to mitigate these gases.

This is the second in the 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.

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 […]