Publications

A refractometer is a simple instrument used for measuring concentrations of aqueous solutions. It requires only a few drops of liquid, and is used throughout the food, agricultural, chemical and manufacturing industries – and the home brewers amongst you will certainly be familiar with them. This DAIRY insight publications looks at how to use a Brix refractometer and what you can test on farm to make informed management decisions.

How can you be sure you have sufficient feed to see your cows through to spring turnout? And if you haven't got enough, what can you do now, to maximise stocks for the winter? There has never been a more pertinent time to calculate your current forage stocks and compare with your expected forward requirements. […]

The UK does not often experience the hot temperatures currently being faced, and the duration of the heat is almost unprecedented. So what additional considerations need to be taken into account due to these conditions?

Wastage in silage making is inevitable – but careful management can reduce losses significantly, resulting in considerable cost savings and markedly improved silage quality. This issue of DAIRY insight we look at how farmers can go about reducing silage wastage this season.

To achieve high levels of milk from forage, grass quality and good ley management are vital. There can be a large variation in the performance of paddocks. Accurate measuring and recording of grass yields identifies underperforming fields, highlighting areas for reseeding. This issue of DAIRY insight considers the various aspects of reseeding.

What is the most cost-effective dairy system? With Brexit just around the corner, and global dairy markets remaining volatile, farmers are going to have to manage risk more carefully than ever. This demands a critical focus on profitability, which needs a complex blend of technical efficiency and business focus. This report encourages readers to align […]

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 […]

The potential to improve fertiliser use efficiency by foliar application of nutrients has been researched for several years. Reducing the length of the nutrient pathway after application can potentially reduce losses of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), and reduce the time taken for uptake. This Farming Note considers this method of application and reviews a recent […]

Underperforming grass swards can occur for a number of reasons, such as inadequate crop nutrition, soil structure issues, weed infestation or plant diseases caused by pathogens. Grass pests and diseases can have a huge effect on both grazing and cutting yield, as well quality and palatability of fresh and conserved forage. Yield losses have been estimated to be as much as 2t fresh-weight per acre.

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

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 […]

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 […]