Herd report

Prep and protocols are key to smooth transition (Nov/Dec 24)

Focusing on dry-cow management ensures trouble-free calving and increases the likelihood of transition and lactation success. One...

Genomics supports improved breeding and sustainability (Oct 24)

Harnessing data to support better breeding decisions has seen one Cumbria-based herd jump up the PLI ranking and improve overall herd...

Study prompted return to ancient practices (Sept 24)

Applying biodynamic farming principles to herd and unit management is bringing myriad benefits to one Nuffield Scholar’s dairy business....

Building a sustainable business for the next generation (July/Aug 24)

One of latest herds to join AHDB’s Strategic Dairy Farm programme is reviewing its grassland management in a bid to further improve milk...

Cross breeding ‘ticks all the boxes’ (June 24)

One Northern Ireland-based producer’s British Friesians are meeting both his and other pedigree and commercial herds’ needs. We find out...

Automated route supports cows and staff (May 24)

Investing in milking robots, and other labour-saving automated tech, has helped one family-run unit improve milk yields and cow health....

Success built on youth and dairy experience (April 24)

A young herd – managed by an equally youthful team – is thriving on a spring-block calving system. And, after recently expanding, it’s...

Team work makes the dream work (March 24)

Lifting this year’s NMR/RABDF Gold Cup was a surprise for a recently formed Hampshire-based farming partnership, and team work and close...

Balancing business, the environment and family life (Feb 24)

Maintaining the business bottom line with a focus on core organic farming values – and maintaining a work-life balance – are key...

Three-way breeding builds herd resilience (Jan 24)

Breeding replacements using a three-way cross is supporting the long-term goals of developing an easy-to-manage herd for one dairy...

Dual-purpose breed ensures dairy survival (Nov/Dec 23)

We visited the only pure Normande herd in the country to discover what makes this breed so special and why it has helped one...

Tenacity and team work makes the dream work (Oct 23)

Planning persistence and good PR is paying off for one Wales-based dairy business. And it’s also offering long-term dividends in terms of...

Passion pays, at home and away (Sept 23)

One Cornwall-based producer’s passion for Guernsey genetics is key to the success of his family’s dairy business, as well as other herds...

Breeding for robots and increased resilience (July/Aug 23)

Breeding plays a significant role in the success of one Scotland-based dairy business, and forms the firm foundations required to manage...

Profiling key to improving herd performance

Blood testing for metabolic profiling has been well worth the time and investment for one Ayrshire-based herd. We find out more about the...

Top herd ‘ticks all the boxes’ to take title (March 23)

Striking gold was a shock for the Ayrshire-based Logan family, which has lifted the 2022 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup. We find out more about their...

Fertility focus key to herd efficiency (Feb 23)

Good herd reproductive performance depends on close attention to detail from transition-cow management and nutrition through to semen...

Ukraine battles on to produce milk (Jan 23)

Dairying in the Ukraine is currently facing unprecedented threats and difficulties due to the invasion by Russian troops. We find out...

Big changes add strength to Scottish unit (Nov/Dec 22)

A lot can happen in five years when you’ve overhauled your farming business, as a Scottish dairying family has discovered. And the result...

Guided system supports optimal herd management (Oct 22)

Automated technology is helping to improve herd productivity, both easily and efficiently, and paying significant dividends on one ...

Fine-tuning key to reducing carbon footprint (Sept 22)

A focus on maximising efficiency and soya-free rationing are contributing to one North Yorkshire-based herd’s low carbon footprint. We...

Consistent approach key to top performance (July/Aug 22)

Top-quality genetics are matched with top-class management on one North Yorkshire-based unit, with a close eye on nutrition and tackling...

Top pedigree herd lifts coveted trophy (May 22)

An award-winning Essex-based pedigree Holstein herd has won the 2020 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup, much to the surprise and delight of its owners....

Simplicity key to continued success (March 22)

A straightforward system is behind the continued and sustained success of one pedigree Ayrshire herd. We find out how it’s remained the...

Mitigating climate-change threat boosts herd efficiency (Feb 22)

Environmental challenges faced by one Dorset-based unit have seen dairy management evolve to maintain profitability and increase...

Golden girls return to Sark (Jan 2022)

The warm climate matched the welcome for the herd managers of a new dairy unit, recently set up on the remote island of Sark, just off...

Good health key to herd profitability (Oct 2021)

A passion for innovation and improvement has seen one Devon-based producer take herd health, welfare and productivity to the next level....

Building resilience and sustainability (Sept 2021)

Organic and regenerative management are key to the on-going success of one Sussex-based dairy unit. We find out more about the latest...