Dairy Farmer articles from September 2004

Dairy Farmer archives from September 2004

COMMENT: Preparing for battle.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... No one would want to detract from DFB members' euphoria over their #75m deal, but part of this inevitably arises from their gleeful release from their frustrated helplessness of being end-of-chain price takers. Now at last they feel they are...

MDC and DIAL team up with PFA.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The MDC and DIAL have teamed up with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) to encourage teenagers to drink milk and get active. As part of this season's promotions, teenagers can log on to www.footballerslovemilk.co.uk and find out...

Milk price war spells trouble for producers.
September 15, 2004... The latest round in the bitter price war between the big three liquid suppliers who are jockeying for supermarket supply contracts spells nothing but trouble for producers, according to milk industry consultant Mike Bessey. "Processors...

DFB reports rise in profit.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Dairy Farmers of Britain has reported a 118% increase in operating profit to #12.2m for the last financial year. According to the co-op's annual report, DFB also saw an increase in turnover of 11% to #436.3m. Last year DFB acquired a...

Study raises doubt over benefits of A2 milk.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... A New Zealand study has claimed there is insufficient evidence to decide whether so-called A2 milk with lower levels of A1 beta casein is better for health. A Kiwi corporation is marketing this milk, mainly from Jersey cows, on the basis...

French angry at milk price.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... French farmers have again made UK protests over milk prices look modest, with a day of action branded "White Day" bringing milk deliveries to a halt in much of western France. The protest was organised by the main French farm union which...

Cumbrian breeder has left his mark.(Obituary)
September 15, 2004... The black-and-white cattle breeding world lost one of its most knowledgeable and personable ambassadors last month with the death of Cumbrian breeder Michael Armstrong. Owner of the renowned Wolfa herd, Mr Armstrong was a well respected...

Red tractor comes in for attack on welfare.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The NFU's new `Promise' campaign to increase consumer awareness and promote the benefits of the Little Red Tractor logo has come under severe attack from welfare lobbyists Compassion in World Farming. CIWF's Paul Hook urged consumers not...

Arla cuts price 0.4p to directs.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Direct suppliers to Arla have taken a cut of 0.4ppl in their milk price from the beginning of September. The price cut comes in spite of Arla securing an exclusive deal to supply Asda and has been blamed on competitor pressure on wholesale...

Cowmen comment: At last we're taking control of our future.(dairy industry aspects)
September 15, 2004... Our Yorkshire correspondent Tim Gibson sits on the council of his DFB milk buying co-op and is more than delighted with the recent acquisition although it does mean the capital levy has been ratcheted up a notch. Finding what to write...

Cowmen comment: Why we risk becoming an endangered species.(Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
September 15, 2004... There are now more DEFRA bureaucrats than dairy farmers in England, and that's official. But as Sally Leaney reminds us it's not natural, and any excess of predators over prey is, in the modern jargon, not sustainable. For either party! Read...

Cowmen comment: Outside view can start you wondering.
September 15, 2004... The problem with getting away from it all, apart from worrying whether your kiwi cowman is coping with the calvings, is that it gives you a different, and, in many ways, perturbing view of the industry, as Paul Higgins found out. Perhaps I...

Interview: DFB buys way into big players' league.(Associated Co-operative Creameries )(Interview)
September 15, 2004... There can be little denying that Dairy Farmers of Britain's acquisition of Associated Co-operative Creameries has been heralded as a much needed development by producers tired of being processor price takers. But when the euphoria dies down the...

EU News: Which way will new EU farm boss jump?
September 15, 2004... Europe's new farm commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, comes to the post with strong dairy industry connections. Her father, Marius Boel, was widely regarded as an industry pioneer and invented Danish blue cheese. Although a hawk in the past...

EU News: Little impact yet from intervention cuts.(price cuts)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The US Department of Agriculture has warned that world milk prices, which have helped fend off the impact of EU intervention price cuts, have peaked. But it says the balance between production and demand remains good, and says prices will...

EU News: Milk output to increase.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... RESEARCH from the University of Iowa, commissioned by the DeLaval dairy company in Sweden, forecasts that milk production around the world will grow by 8 per cent over the next four years. At 50 per cent China will have the biggest...

EU News: Cost conscious buyers keep prices down.
September 15, 2004... THERE is growing evidence across Europe that discount store chains such as Lidl, Aldi and Netto are having a disproportionate impact on liquid milk prices. Reports from various countries says the activities of these groups with own label...

Potter's View: Further turn of screw by selling Dutch auction style!(future prospects)
September 15, 2004... Just when there seemed relative peace and quiet on the price war front, Ian Potter believes it is just the calm before the storm. And if he is right, it'll be some storm... Beware the cornered rat. It's dangerous, unpredictable, and...

Calf Rearing: Why accelerated calf rearing could deliver payback bonus.(dairy farms)
September 15, 2004... Feeding warm ad-lib milk replacer to Holstein-Friesian heifer calves can support daily liveweight gains approaching 1kg per day up to 11 weeks of age. That was one of the preliminary findings from a long term trial at CEDAR (University of...

QMA: who do you think will win?(dairy events)
September 15, 2004... As the pace hots up in this year's Quality Milk Award, we talked to all nine finalists to find out their secrets for producing top notch milk and their plans for the future. So why not pick yourself a winner and come along to meet all the...

Conference: Milk protein can act as fertility indicator.
September 15, 2004... Feeding high proteins in early lactation has become commonly accepted practice as a driver for yield, but this could well be at the expense of fertility. Angela Rhodes reports from NMR's recent management conference. Much of the blame for...

Conference: Danger in going flat out for yields.(dairy industry)
September 15, 2004... Profit, not yield, is the key measure of performance and a continued pre-occupation with increasing milk yield means a high proportion of producers are taking their eye off the ball, according to NMR marketing manager Mike Blanshard. In a...

BREEDING: Low SCC sires battle it out for top ratings.(sire)
September 15, 2004... The August Holstein sire proofs have thrown up few surprises but they have strengthened the position of the high component, lower SCC sires. The type proofs have also improved the ratings of at least one British proven high flier. Angela Rhodes...

Top 10 actively marketed sires ranked on #PLI.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 15, 2004... Top 10 actively marketed sires ranked on #PLI Milk CFP SCC PLI Type Supplier (kg) (kg) Merit O-Bee Manfred Justice 850 61.8 -11 98 0.6...

Tie for top of type table.(crop king)
September 15, 2004... The top of the type rankings features a transatlantic tussle between UK proven sire Weeton Jackson and second crop Canadian bull Canyon Breeze Allen who are tied for first place with a Type Merit of +3.91. While Jed son Jackson remains at...

DAIRY EVENT - COMMENT: It's your Dairy Event!(Editorial)
September 15, 2004... There's no doubt that with the ever increasing pressure on producers' time, specialist events like the Dairy Event are becoming show of choice. Which puts the onus on us to make sure you are in control and able to easily gather the...

DAIRY EVENT: Danger over insulating contracts from market.
September 15, 2004... Recent pricing formulae based on limited criteria such as IMPE and feed costs may contain hidden dangers by insulating producers from the real market. ADAS dairy group director Nick Holt-Martyn outlines his case. Recent dairy market...

DAIRY EVENT: Make sure you are set on right target.(target achievement?)
September 15, 2004... With the pressure continuing to mount, dairy farmers must set challenging and appropriate targets if they are to succeed in the fast evolving industry. Derek Gardner, national dairy consultant with Promar International, takes us through his...

DAIRY EVENT: What will happen if price slumps further?
September 15, 2004... Milk price dictates virtually everything but what will the effect be if the milk price does drop further? That's the question a Kite survey set out to explore, as managing partner John Allen reveals. Establishing farmer intentions via a...

DAIRY EVENT: Bull.it steps in with extensive gene pool.(dairy industry)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Keen domestic pricing and strong competition from home-grown talent has made life increasingly difficult for semen importers. In the last six months both France and Holland have been forced to pull out of direct marketing leading to further...

DAIRY EVENT: Cogent bulls get big boost.(Cogent)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Having taken a flier on two new sires in May, Cogent appears to have backed winners as both bulls have put over 100kg milk on their proofs. Cogent Classic is a maternal brother to Cogent Courier and is sired by Lady's Manor Winchester....

DAIRY EVENT: Genus adds foreign sires.(Genus)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Genus will be launching two sires from its ABS programmes in Italy and the US that are likely to appeal to both the commercial and pedigree breeder. Hol-Stiens Darwin Pteradon is an Italian proven Convincer son out of the Dutch Celsius...

DAIRY EVENT: First Outside son for UK market.(Benner Jebediah)(Comestar Outside)(Semex)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Canadian sire Comestar Outside has established himself as a first class type and production sire and now we are seeing the first of his sons on the market in the UK. Benner Jebediah is one of a trio of new bulls on offer from Semex and has...

DAIRY EVENT: New US sires at Semen World.(Ri-Val-Re Basar Buck)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Semen World will be launching two good all-round type and production sires from the US at this year's event. Ri-Val-Re Basar Buck is a son of the German sire Basar from an Emory dam and is currently +698kg milk, +36.5kg CFP and has a #PLI of...

DAIRY EVENT: New UK proven sire Picston Shottle.(Genus)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Interest on the Genus stand will centre around the increasingly popular new UK proven sire Picston Shottle. Foreign visitors are showing interest too as this picture illustrates as they give Shottle daughters the once over at Andrew Jennings'...

DAIRY EVENT: Drilling date could be deciding factor.(crop events)
September 15, 2004... This year's National Forage Maize Days have been planned to co-incide with the Dairy Event and plots will be harvested on a 25-acre site adjacent to the event itself. The demonstration will include the MGA's official trial plots along with...

DAIRY EVENT: Higher yields help offset plastic cost.(Samco)
September 15, 2004... Irish company Samco has teamed up with Pioneer HiBred to manage two plots demonstrating the potential of growing grain maize and later maturing forage maize varieties in more marginal areas under plastic. Around 50% of the Irish maize crop...

DAIRY EVENT: Lupins mix it with triticale.(protein factor)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Three alternative forage protein crops will also be harvested from trial plots sown by Soya UK. Of particular interest will be a mixed stand of white lupins and spring triticale sown for whole crop silage. Until recently only winter sown...

DAIRY EVENT: Weed control will be more complex.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Tackling grass weeds in maize will become a lot more complicated after next season when the mainstay herbicide atrazine is finally banned. In anticipation of the ban, the MGA has been looking at a number of herbicide combinations to find out...

DAIRY EVENT: Suspension fertiliser is boosting maize yields.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Techniques used successfully on potatoes and sugar beet in the Eastern counties are now paying dividends on maize on one Worcestershire farm. With 20% more crop it's no wonder that farm manager David Pearce at Bennett's Farm, just outside...

DAIRY EVENT: Forage pea catch crop.(protein feeds)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The current interest in home-grown protein feeds has led to a resurgence in interest in forage and combining peas but, according to Advanta Seeds' forage crop specialist Martin Titley, they remain an under utilised resource. "Unlike lupins...

DAIRY EVENT: French claiming #279 more milk from maize.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Trials in northern France are showing benefits of 1696 litres of milk extra per ha from growing two varietes of maize together rather than a single variety, worth an extra #279 per ha. Growing more than one variety of maize in the same...

DAIRY EVENT: Feeding way out of that post-calving energy gap.
September 15, 2004... High yielding cows are genetically programmed to milk and often do so at the expense of fertility. Now new research suggests that it is possible to have high yields and good fertility by altering the diet in early lactation to create a flatter...

DAIRY EVENT: Limbering up the liver for lactation.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Cheshire-based HST Feeds has launched a new transition cow compound feed designed to improve liver function in early lactation. The new pelleted feed, HST Lift Off, contains a complex of B vitamins and micronutrients which help the liver...

DAIRY EVENT: Cutting the endometritis risk.(animal health company Intervet)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Over half the cases of endometritis in fresh-calved cows go undetected and untreated, putting them at risk of fertility problems, according to animal health company Intervet. "Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that cows with an...

DAIRY EVENT: Yeast lifts yields.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Improvements in yield of up to 1.5 l/cow per day have been achieved in trials using KW Alternative Feeds recently launched live yeast product Biosaf SC47. Live yeasts have been shown to increase the microbial population in the rumen...

DAIRY EVENT: Model approach will allow ration checking.
September 15, 2004... Dairy cow rationing has been taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new feed model by supplement manufacturer Provimi. The Provimi Dairy Model is the culmination of five years of work headed by ruminant nutritionist Dr John...

DAIRY EVENT: Test kit for colostrum.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... A test kit to enable producers to determine colostrum immunoglobulin levels will be launched by Volac International. "We've known for some time that the antibody content of colostrum varies," says Volac's Maggie Gould. "Difficult calvings and...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: RS Agribusiness.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... RS Agribusiness says a new German-made machine cuts down on cubicle cleaning time and allows the two tasks of cleaning and bedding to be combined in one faster operation. Known as the Stallboy, it is powered by a 6.8hp Hatz diesel engine....

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Ruston's Engineering.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... A new high-performance bale shredder-blower that can handle old, damp or poor-quality bales without blocking will be on display on the stand of Ruston's Engineering. Called the P2800 RGTE, and suitable for blowing straw for bedding, the...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: WestMac.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The trend for larger capacity turbine machines capable of feeding large amounts of baled or clamp silage and also distributing straw into open yards is behind the launch of a new range of trailed Belair feeder bedders from WestMac. Called the...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Browns.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Designed to drive fence posts quickly and safely, when dropped from a height of over 2.5m, the 180kg hammer fitted to the new Browns hydraulic Swing Round post hammer is capable of handling even the largest of posts. A rubber topped post...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Shelbourne Reynolds.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Shelbourne Reynolds will be launching a new vertical auger machine called the Powermix II. The machine boasts new features including thicker 8mm sidewalls and the fact that the axle has been moved further forward underneath the tub for better...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Redrock Engineering.
September 15, 2004... A new mixing auger is the main feature of a host of new developments included on the Solomix vertical auger mixer wagons available from Redrock Engineering. Called the Twin Stream mixing auger, the inclusion of two sweeping dispenser arms...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Mixers in action.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Dairy farmers in the market for a new mixer wagon will be able to view a full range of machines representing all the main types of mixer currently available in the UK, including paddle, auger and tub designs from WestMac, Richard Keenan,...

DAIRY EVENT - MACHINERY: Broadwater Machinery.
September 15, 2004... Dust-free straw spreading and an even distribution width up to 6m are features of a new entry-level straw spreader from Broadwater Machinery. Made by Altec, and called the DR 160 S/PS Axial, it is suited to tractor or telescopic handler...

DAIRY EVENT: Benefits of benchmarking.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... This time last year the MDC trumpeted the launch (in conjunction with the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly) of the #100,000 internet- based Milk Bench benchmarking system that allows one farm to compare its performance against other...

DAIRY EVENT: Fixed rates or variable?(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The relatively low interest rates makes any decision on whether to fix loans very marginal, says one of Barclay's agricultural managers, Euryn Jones. Typical Barclays fixed rates range from between 0.65% and 0.85% more than the current...

DAIRY EVENT: Talk through interest rates.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Interest rates are on the up. That could be bad news for farmers who have borrowed heavily. But the good news is that while rates are going up there isn't that much to worry about. They won't be going up much at all, say the main banks -...

DAIRY EVENT: Your herd data on website.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... This year's Dairy Event will see the launch of a new service to help UK dairymen cut both record-keeping costs and hassle. Holstein Complete represents the next phase in Holstein UK's long- standing drive to improve efficiency for milk...

DAIRY EVENT: NMR service will give early warning of health problems.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... NMR is launching Herd Companion at the Dairy Event - a new service accessed through its website that provides dairy farmers and their vets or advisers with early indicators of likely problems. Linking in to InterHerd, (NMR's dairy...

DAIRY EVENT: Easing way into TMR.(comprehensive mixer wagon)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Despite the comprehensive mixer wagon demonstration at the event, the main perceived problem with TMR is the entry price - a brand new machine can cost the best part of #20,000 and talk of this immediately puts the investment barrier up for...

DAIRY EVENT: Taking hassle out of data recording.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Data recording is essential for progress and to maximise profits - but it can also be a hassle and be very time-consuming especially when the amount of labour on farms is falling. But simplifying recording via the parlour is not a...

DAIRY EVENT: Program for NVZ calculations.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Farmdata is launching a NVZ program designed to do all the calculations required for farms in those designated areas. The program simplifies the keeping of records for the management of all individual fields, and comes with all the tables...

DENMARK: Danes could hold key on genetic front.
September 15, 2004... In the last few years Danish Holstein sires have had little impact in the UK rankings, but growing interest in longevity and health traits is putting the spotlight back on a breeding programme that has been selecting for these traits for over...

SPAIN: Heat detection relies entirely on pedometer.(La Travesia farm's quality management measures)
September 15, 2004... Spain's dairy industry is afflicted with some of the same problems as affect UK producers, and just like here they are seeking to find ways round the obstacles. Mike Green joined a Semex-organised party from the Northern Ireland Holstein...

SPAIN: Specialist heifer unit will take 6000 calves.(La Travesia dairy unit)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... To ensure that heifers come into the La Travesia dairy unit at the right age and weight the Ahedo family has invested in a new heifer rearing unit, which was opened in December five kilometres from La Travesia. Currently the unit houses 1700...

SPAIN: Showers help to keep cows cool.(La Travesia dairy unit's temperature management methods)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The La Travesia dairy unit has to put up with a range of extreme temperatures ranging from minus 4.5deg C in winter to over 40deg C in summer. "For three to three-and-a-half months in summer it is very hot," said Jose Ahedo. In the...

Spanish dairy data.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... * There are 53,355 milk producers in Spain with a total of 1,102,000 cows. The average herd size is 20.6 cows and yields are 5380kg. * CONAFE milk records over 10,000 herds which average 54 cows with yields of 9232kg at 3.68 per cent fat...

SPAIN: Tight margins despite managing 1000 cows.(Sergio Ganao Castellnou and family's dairy firm)
September 15, 2004... At San Jose farm near Llieda, Sergio Ganao Castellnou and five of his family and 22 workers run a herd of 900 milking cows and 150 dry cows plus replacements. The cows average 12,000kg at 3.5 per cent fat and 3.2 per cent protein, and the farm...

Diversification: Traditional approach to award-winning cheddar.(Daylesford Organic Cheddar)
September 15, 2004... After less than three years in production Daylesford Organic Cheddar has earned a place on connoisseurs' cheeseboards all over the country. Angela Rhodes went along to meet the cheesemaker behind this award winning brand. When it comes to...

MILKING: DeLaval gears up to launch robotic in UK.(DeLaval AB)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Already well established in its native Scandinavia with over 900 robotic systems in place, DeLaval is gearing up for a UK launch. Richard Wright reports. Dairy company DeLaval has confirmed that it is planning to launch its robot milking...

Midlands Co-op makes largest cut of 0.45ppl.
September 15, 2004... As well as highlighting the average rolling milk price for the 12 months to Jul'04, our milk price league table this month also highlights prices paid for Jul'04 in which there were just three milk price changes, all of which were price cuts by...

Dairy Crest warning on cheese milk.(Dairy Crest Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Dairy Crest has announced its direct supply milk prices will remain unchanged for September, but the company is warning of possible future downward pressure on price, in particular on milk going for cheese. Last month Dairy Crest Direct...

SAPP shows output down.(seasonally adjusted production profile)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Four months into using the monthly RPA figures to seasonally adjust the monthly volume profile of our standard 1mltr supplier and we are able to report that all appears to be working well. Having adjusted the Jun'04 supply to take into...

Milk Link sets B volume price.(Milk Link Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... In line with its forecasted schedule presented to members last year, Milk Link has set its `B' volume price for Jul'04 milk supply at 105% of the current `A' volume price. With our standard producer receiving a Jul' 04 `A' price of 18.32ppl for...

United shows mixed reaction.(United Dairy Farmers Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Milk sold on 3mth supply contracts Sept to Nov'04 held firm at United Dairy Farmers Aug'04 milk auction, with 27mltrs selling for an average price of 22.47ppl, 0.22ppl up on the Jul'04 average and 0.43ppl up on Aug'03. This helped to keep...

Yorkshire source of high melatonin milk.(Red Kite Farms)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... After a high profile launch two years ago, Red Kite Farms has ceased production of its Slumber Bedtime Milk for commercial reasons. This was an organic milk that had double the level of melatonin - the natural substance that helps people...

MDC focus on girl teenagers.(Milk Development Council)(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... The Milk Development Council will be targeting teenage girls with a #1.5m investment in a consumer campaign in the New Year. This is in the light of shocking results from MDC commissioned research showing that 75% of 11-16 year old girls...

US goes for coloured milk.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... YOUNG children could be increasing their milk consumption by drinking brightly coloured flavoured milks if a new concept launched by Danisco in the US is developed. Crazy Scoops are fruit-based flavours in powders that could be added to...

Milk week going to schools.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... Organisers of this year's School Milk Week, from 11 to 15 October, are hoping that their efforts will significantly increase the current annual 66,000 litres already distributed to primary schools through various schemes. Last year, the...

Fitness guru's low fat range.(Brief Article)
September 15, 2004... DAIRY specialist Highgrove Foods has launched four new low fat dairy products this summer under the brand name of diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley. Initially exclusive to Asda the products are a fat free skimmed milk, two whey based...

Good Evans: A case of adding insult to injury!(cattel breeding)
September 15, 2004... Benign thoughts about offering the season's first black-and-white bull calf a loving and stable home for the next 18 months suddenly get thrown back in the melting pot as the innocent-looking cuddly day-old makes his mark. And some mark. But...

WINTER FEEDING: How yeast is helping keep acidity in check.(yeasts for better lactation in cattle)
September 30, 2004... Most think of yeast as a bread or beer making ingredient but a growing number of dairy producers are looking to yeast cultures to boost intakes and lift herd performance. Angela Rhodes finds out how one dairy manager saw yields rise by 400...