https://ahdb.org.uk:443/topic/farm-excellence/strategic-farmsStrategic Farmshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/setting-profit-targets-with-brendan-horan-at-lydney-park-farmsSetting profit targets with Brendan Horan at Lydney Park FarmsThu, 02 May 2024 07:53:46 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/setting-profit-targets-with-brendan-horan-at-lydney-park-farmshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/welsh-dairy-farms-sought-for-national-programmeWelsh dairy farms sought for national programmeWed, 01 May 2024 13:19:35 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/welsh-dairy-farms-sought-for-national-programmehttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/three-new-strategic-dairy-farmsThree new Strategic Dairy FarmsFri, 26 Apr 2024 09:41:15 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/three-new-strategic-dairy-farmshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/farm-excellence/sdf-2024-walesSut i ddod yn Fferm Laeth StrategolWed, 24 Apr 2024 10:24:00 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/farm-excellence/sdf-2024-waleshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/gloucestershire-setting-profit-targets-with-brendan-horan-at-lydney-park-farms<h6><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Join us at&nbsp;<a href="https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/lydney-park">Lydney Park Farms</a> as we discuss setting profit targets to aid successful business planning with Brendan Horan from Teagasc.</span></h6> <h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This meeting will cover</span></h2> <ul> <li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Why KPIs and profit targets are important to any business</span></li> <li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">How analysing financial targets can identify the opportunities for a more consistent high-profitability dairy</span></li> <li>What are the key focus areas for Lydney Park to improve profitability while improving environmental performance, animal health and welfare, social licence and being a great place to work?</li> </ul> <h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">About Lydney Park Farm</span></h2> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Located in Gloucestershire, Lydney Park is a 640-ha farm located on the Lydney Park estate.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As part of the estate, the farm must remain profitable in order to cover its fixed cost.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Changing many years ago from a fully housed system to a low input grazing system has suited the staff and the land and returned increased profits.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The system has been adapted continually having milked 1,000 cows once a day at its peak.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Today the 10-week spring-calving herd of 850 Jersey X cows are milked twice a day and averages 4,750&nbsp;L per cow per year at 5.30% butterfat and 3.93% protein.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The farm still questions what the right system for dairy is and, alongside their SDF steering group has been working with Brendan Horan to develop a robust set of key performance indicators and profit targets specific to Lydney Park.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Brendan is Principal Research Officer and project leader with responsibility for the development and implementation of grassland science multi-year farm systems research projects at Curtins Farm, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork and Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan.</span></p>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:36:04 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/gloucestershire-setting-profit-targets-with-brendan-horan-at-lydney-park-farmshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/wiltshire-wolfhall-farm-strategic-dairy-farm-launch<h6><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Join us for an on-farm meeting to launch our new Strategic Dairy Farm, Wolfhall Farm, run by Antony Mitchell and Tom Blanchard.</span></h6> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The day will feature a tour of the farm and an opportunity to find out more from the team about their operation, performance figures and goals for the next three years.</span></p> <h2>This event will cover</h2> <ul> <li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">How a focus on grazing infrastructure and a flexible approach to forage crops has maximised grazing days</span></li> <li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Why the farm is changing from spring calving-dominated split block to an autumn dominated split block system</span></li> <li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What type of cow suits the farm and what will influence breeding decisions moving forwards</span></li> </ul> <h2><span data-preserver-spaces="true">About Wolfhall Farm</span></h2> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Herd Manager, Anthony Mitchell and farm owner, Tom Blanchard, run a 600 cow, crossbred herd on a split-block calving system, yielding approximately 6,000 litres per cow, at 4.8% butterfat and 3.7% protein. The autumn block is served mainly to sexed semen, with beef semen only used in the spring block. Beef calves are reared to six months of age before being sold as stores. The 600 ha farm has a 175 ha grazing platform with grass, maize, fodder beet and lucerne grown to support the dairy. Wheat, barley and Oilseed Rape are also grown.</span></p>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:24:01 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/wiltshire-wolfhall-farm-strategic-dairy-farm-launchhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/on-farm-research-opportunities-pitched-to-arable-farmersOn-farm research opportunities pitched to arable farmersThu, 07 Mar 2024 13:48:59 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/on-farm-research-opportunities-pitched-to-arable-farmershttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/the-norfolk-arable-farm-with-practical-research-at-its-heartThe Norfolk arable farm with practical research at its heartWed, 07 Feb 2024 11:39:43 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/the-norfolk-arable-farm-with-practical-research-at-its-hearthttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-tackle-nutrient-use-efficiencyHow Strategic Cereal Farms tackle nutrient use efficiencyFri, 15 Dec 2023 11:35:52 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-tackle-nutrient-use-efficiencyhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-evaluate-cover-cropsHow Strategic Cereal Farms evaluate cover cropsFri, 15 Dec 2023 11:24:30 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-evaluate-cover-cropshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-put-ipm-to-workHow Strategic Cereal Farms put IPM to workThu, 14 Dec 2023 13:54:26 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-put-ipm-to-workhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-use-data-to-improve-yield-and-efficiencyHow Strategic Cereal Farms use data to improve yield and efficiency Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:06:42 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/how-strategic-cereal-farms-use-data-to-improve-yield-and-efficiencyhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-farms-provide-platform-for-learning-at-launch-eventsStrategic Farms provide platform for learning at launch eventsTue, 14 Nov 2023 13:09:38 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-farms-provide-platform-for-learning-at-launch-eventshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-farmer-reaps-rewards-from-grassland-management-changesStrategic farmer reaps rewards from grassland management changes Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:25:34 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-farmer-reaps-rewards-from-grassland-management-changeshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/cumbria-moorhouse-hall-farm-strategic-farm-launch<h6>Join us, in partnership with the Bailey family, for the launch of our new strategic dairy farm. The event will include a farm walk as well as talks on genetic improvement programmes and their partnership with First Milk.</h6> <p>Moorhouse Hall Farm, in Wigton, Cumbria, is run by the Bailey family. Boasting an impressive calf mortality rate, 3,500&minus;4,500 litres of milk from forage, a 20-20 herringbone milking system and genomic testing for superior genetics, the Bailey family are committed to continuous improvement of their already high performance.</p> <h2>The day will include</h2> <ul> <li>A presentation by a representative from First Milk discussing&nbsp;its partnership with the strategic dairy farm, as well as benefits and opportunities for farmers in the network</li> <li>An overview of genetic improvement programmes for dairy farming and how genetics can enhance the farm's productivity and sustainability</li> <li>A farm walk and guided tour of the facilities. This includes observations and discussions on: dairy housing and management practices; feeding and nutrition strategies; milking parlour and equipment; animal health and welfare initiatives; and environmental sustainability practices</li> <li>A discussion of the farm&rsquo;s goals, objectives and challenges as part of their vision for the next 3 years followed by a question and answer session</li> </ul> <h2>About Moorhouse Hall Farm</h2> <p>The Moorhouse Hall herd comprises 100 Holstein cows, who are genomic tested for superior genetics and follow an autumn calving cycle. Spread across 130 acres of land, the farm champions multi-cut silage practices creating an impressive 3,500&minus;4,500 litres of milk from forage, the farm and are proud partners with First Milk.</p> <p>As a strategic dairy farm, Moorhouse Hall farm are committed to continuous improvement. Their current goals include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Soil health and nitrogen use:</strong> Exploring multi-species swards, reducing nitrogen usage and considering zero-till practices, along with the integration of red clover</li> <li><strong>Crops:</strong> Eager to experiment with new crops to strengthen our farms resilience</li> <li><strong>Genetics:</strong> Focusing on sustainable genetics, including the development of %milk solids and maintenance</li> <li><strong>Farm infrastructure:</strong> Expanding our farm infrastructure with plans for a slurry store, calf building, silo, clamp, cow track and midden roof</li> </ul> <p>Book now to be part of this day, focused on s<span>trengthening our dairy farming community, sharing wisdom and exploring the future of our beloved industry.</span></p> <p><a href="https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/dairy"><strong>Find out more about our strategic dairy farms</strong></a>.</p>Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:25:05 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/cumbria-moorhouse-hall-farm-strategic-farm-launchhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/gloucestershire-lydney-park-farms-strategic-dairy-farm-launch<h6>Join us for an on-farm meeting to launch our new strategic dairy farm, Lydney Park Farms, run by Gavin Green and Keith Davis.</h6> <p>The day will feature a tour of the farm and an opportunity to find out more from the team about their operation, performance figures and goals for the next three years.</p> <h2>What you will learn</h2> <ul> <li>How the farm consistently grows around 12.5-15t dm/ha most years</li> <li>How the farm is planning to implement changes to their system to adapt to the principles of their consumer-conscious milk buyer</li> <li>How the low-cost grass-based systems can be best optimised to produce the four million litres of milk required to cover the high fixed costs</li> </ul> <p>Keith Davis says:</p> <blockquote> <p>"What is important to us at Lydney is that at the end of the three-year period, as a strategic dairy farm, we are a more focused, profitable and environmentally sustainable farm with a happy and motivated team."</p> </blockquote> <h2>About Lydney Park Farms</h2> <p>Lydney Park is part of the Bledisloe Estate, just outside the town of Lydney in Gloucestershire. It is managed by Gavin Green with retained consultant, Keith Davis, and team leader, Pawel Wegelewski. They milk 850 Jersey-cross cows, calving in a 10-week block that starts in mid-February. The herd are milked twice a day and produce around 4,750 litres. The farm extends to 640 hectares and the milking platform is around 2 m above sea level, beside the River Severn, protected by flood barriers.</p> <p>Cows are grazed from calving to mid-November, when they are housed prior to being dried off in a block before Christmas.</p> <p>Around 200 replacement heifer calves are reared on a separate unit until turnout. They are reared outside and outwintered on deferred grazing, plus big-bale silage for their first winter, and are housed in mid-December for their second winter, prior to calving.</p> <p><a href="https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/dairy">Find out more about strategic dairy farms</a></p>Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:07:39 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/gloucestershire-lydney-park-farms-strategic-dairy-farm-launchhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/somerset-dillington-farms-strategic-dairy-farm-launch<h6><span>Join us at Dillington Farms Knott Oak Dairy for the launch of our new strategic dairy farm, which forms part of an exciting programme focusing on environmental issues.</span></h6> <p>Dillington Farms, near Ilminster, Somerset, is a successful mixed farming business with dairying at its heart. With tourism and an array of enterprises running on the estate, farming that both enhances the environment and drives profit is a priority.</p> <h2>The day will include</h2> <ul> <li> <p>A&nbsp;tour of the farm with an opportunity to find out more about operations, performance figures and goals for the farm over the next three years</p> </li> <li> <p>Insight on how the estate has&nbsp;incorporated mid-tier crops, grown on arable headlands, into the dairy and dry stock ration to achieve 3,700 litres of milk from forage</p> </li> <li> <p>A discussion on how the team use growth and performance data to select replacements, with an age of first calving of 23 months</p> </li> <li> <p>An exploration of how&nbsp;a three-way cross has led to high fertility and health cows while producing yields in excess of 10,800 litres per cow per year</p> </li> </ul> <h2>About Dillington Farms Knotts Oak Dairy</h2> <p>The in-hand farming enterprises of the Dillington estate are run by Ollie Blackburn with the help of&nbsp;Lou Thorner, the herd manager.</p> <p>The herd based at Knott Oak Dairy currently comprises a dairy herd of around 350 cross-bred cows yielding approximately 10,800 litres per cow per year. Around 130 replacement heifers are reared each year, with the remaining progeny being reared for beef in a separate enterprise. The herd calves all year round and is fully housed&nbsp;&ndash; except for dry cows and second season heifers, which graze for 5&ndash;6 months of the year.</p> <p>A&nbsp;purpose-built portal frame building accomodates all milking with its six robotic milkers and space for calving cows. Dry cows are housed in a separate cubicle shed when not grazing.</p> <p>Calves are reared in group pens on automatic feeders before being moved to weaned pens and eventually into cubicles.</p> <p>Grazing is provided from permanent pasture and parkland with a range of forages, including herbal leys and maize, being ensiled.</p> <p>This 870 ha farm focuses on home-grown feeds and is involved in an extensive mid-tier scheme, as well as renewable energy.</p> <p><a href="https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/dairy">Find out more about our strategic dairy farms</a>.</p>Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:29:12 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/events/somerset-dillington-farms-strategic-dairy-farm-launchhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-cereal-farm-east-hands-over-title-to-norfolk-farmStrategic Cereal Farm East hands over title to Norfolk farmFri, 30 Jun 2023 13:03:13 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/strategic-cereal-farm-east-hands-over-title-to-norfolk-farmhttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/putting-a-scientific-spin-on-regen-farming-set-to-pay-dividendsPutting a scientific spin on regen farming set to pay dividendsWed, 21 Jun 2023 10:55:15 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/putting-a-scientific-spin-on-regen-farming-set-to-pay-dividendshttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/trials-to-improve-cereal-crop-productivity-are-continuing-at-strategic-cereal-farm-scotlandAHDB's Strategic Cereal Farm in Scotland reports on results from harvest 2022Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:56:07 GMThttps://ahdb.org.uk:443/news/trials-to-improve-cereal-crop-productivity-are-continuing-at-strategic-cereal-farm-scotland