Publications

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 third in the 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. Dairy cows produce approximately 21 grams of Methane (CH4) per kilogram of dry matter consumed: 500 g/day for cow consuming 24 Kg/DM/day, or 4,828 kgCO2e/yr. Reducing methane levels in the atmosphere is seen by many as a powerful lever to buy time until a decarbonised economy is created. This dairy insight explores practical ways to mitigate methane production on dairy farms.

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.

Business planning and succession planning are often seen as two separate topics, but fusing them together is a must if farming families want to safeguard their business's future. After all, if the long-term business objectives of the current farming generation do not fit with that of the successor this could result in long-time business challenges. At the same time, if different people have varying expectations of how the farm will be divided, this could lead to a will being contested and potentially the end of the business. This BUSINESS insight explores the succession process with this in mind.

Many factors determine the quality of the silage that is ultimately fed to dairy cows. The Forage Cost Report bases yield and cost values on an average of well grown crops in a typical growing year and medium soils. But this is only part of the story. The quality of the grass, the speed and consolidation of the grass in the clamp, the chop length, clamp design, sealing, fermentation characteristics and the feed out all impact on the amount and value of the original crop that is ultimately converted to milk or meat (silo losses). In this DAIRY insight we compare the strengths and weaknesses of Forage Wagons versus Precision Chop systems in their silage making qualities.

In recent years many papers have been published around the procedure of disbudding, the use of NSAIDs, as well as health and safety aspects – including the inhalation of noxious gases during the process. This DAIRY insight explores a selection of this research.

This issue of DAIRY insight looks at the importance of keeping bacteria out of milk, from a farm, processor and consumer point of view. It examines the main causes of high bactoscans and provides solutions to issues seen on farm.

Prompt recognition and treatment of disease are essential to reduce pain in cattle and promote cow welfare. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important component in helping manage pain, inflammation and disease. This DAIRY insight publication will look at how NSAIDs can form part of a treatment regime in cattle.

Making sure cows are moved onto the correct winter ration will not only ensure milk production and cow health is maintained, but that the farm's grazing covers are closed correctly to allow adequate grass the following spring. This insight publication will highlight the key considerations for transitioning cows onto a winter diet.

Employing the wrong person can be costly to a business, not only financially but to the team as a whole. Therefore, the interviewing process is incredibly important, but how can you make sure you get the best candidate for your farm? This dairy insight publication explores best practice around the interview process. Issued August 2019. […]

Compact feeding is a popular concept in Denmark and one that is growing in popularity in the UK. It was developed by Danish professor, Niels Bastian Kristensen. The principal of compact feeding is soaking and mixing concentrates, then adding forage and mixing again – creating a consistency similar to porridge. This DAIRY insight publication looks at the process of compact feeding and examines the advantages and possible pitfalls