Dairy Farmer articles from September 2008

Dairy Farmer archives from September 2008

COMMENT: What price trust.
September 19, 2008... Just when we thought we were about to enter a new more co-operative era where supply groups worked with buyers, it all went belly up. Tesco's 99p Freshnlo' bombshell left everyone dazed thinking that it must be some quirky aberration which...

Handley prepares to man the barricades!
September 19, 2008... Pressure is increasing on Tesco as the fallout from the retailer's cut price Freshnlo' milk offer, which resulted in two litres of milk being sold by retailers for 99p compared to #1.44 before, continues to rock the industry. FFA leader...

Costs rocket upwards by 3ppl.
September 19, 2008... Milk production costs have continued to increase and in the year March 2008 to March 2009 will be up 3ppl, according to a new industry report by Kite Consulting. This states that while cost changes to 2005 were relatively small ( "Milk...

Feed costs not set to fall back.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... The indifferent harvest weather and inevitable delay is doing nothing to mitigate rising feed costs. Despite dips in energy costs and cereal prices, there seems little prospect of the average dairy diet dropping below the #200 a tonne...

Will Tesco's move cap liquid rises this autumn?
September 19, 2008... Fears are growing that Tesco's Freshnlo' move will have a significant effect on milk price negotiations this autumn and could cap liquid rises. But there are some positive moves on the cheese front. No sooner had Dairy Farmer gone to press...

People love dairy foods.
September 19, 2008... The Government may be doing all it can to knock dairy products but people love them, says the Dairy Council. According to a recent survey carried out by the organisation, 96% of all respondents reported consuming dairy foods, with 94% consuming...

OFT sniffs at Stilton future.
September 19, 2008... The sale of Dairy Crest's Hartington cheese plant to Long Clawson raises a question over the plant's long-term future. Closure is a virtual certainty after years of quality problems due to the introduction of mechanisation to try and reduce...

DFB says results are in line with plan.(Dairy Farmers of Britain Ltd.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Dairy Farmers of Britain is putting a brave face on its #3.5m after tax losses, up from #2.58m the year before, saying they were expected and in-line with the business plan. The business is on track to break-even in this current financial...

Fighting talk but little action.
September 19, 2008... Despite the surprising fighting talk emanating from the NFU, it still was unprepared to take the final step and support active protest. FFA boss David Handley expressed his disappointment claiming while the NFU was saying one thing it...

Milk price must go up a fair bit or supplies will fall away.
September 19, 2008... Like lots of other producers, Tim Gibson is facing a cost-price squeeze with escalating costs and an inadequate milk price to cover them. Don't mention the weather, don't mention the weather... and for the middle of summer you can quite...

COWMEN COMMENT: Goodness knows what is so alluring about a dead pigeon.
September 19, 2008... Even though it may be the middle of the night when there's a commotion in the cattle ranks in the yard, you jump up fearing the worst. Sally Leaney explains. We have at last been paid our final SPS payment for 2007 - yes in mid- August...

Swollen legged heifer proves bit of challenge for all of us.
September 19, 2008... This month Paul Higgins has been busy seeking out a new recruit to help him with the cows and, after standard treatment was found wanting, has been trying out a burdock concoction to help reduce the swellings in a heifer's legs. I had a...

POTTER'S VIEW: Tesco lobs in firecracker and puts market into spin.
September 19, 2008... Just as every thing seemed to be on a relatively even keel, Tesco lobs in its latest grenade and suddenly everybody is scuttling for tin hats, as Ian Potter relates. From hero to zero, and below, in less than 18 months. That's where Tesco...

EU NEWS: Catching up.
September 19, 2008... Nestle has held its position as the world's biggest dairy company, in a league table published by the Dutch Rabobank. However with Nestle disposing of some its dairy interests, a series of acquisitions by the French giants, Danone and Lactalis,...

Will the EC have to revise policy in light of changing markets?(European Commission)
September 19, 2008... The EC could face some tough choices this autumn over dairy support - and it may have to be persuaded away from a belief that it is still green lights all the way to expand production to meet the demands of a buoyant world market. Richard...

EU NEWS: French dig in.(agricultural policy of Michel Barnier)(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... French farm minister, Michel Barnier, has urged his fellow ministers to set new priorities for the CAP, and this will be the subject for debate at next month's informal farm council. In the document Barnier suggests four new priorities. These...

LETTER: Mary defends Friesian data.(Letter to the editor)
September 19, 2008... From: Mary Mead, Holt Farms, Blagdon, Nr Bristol. The letter from Wil Williams in the August issue of Dairy Farmer fills me with despair as yet another example of the inability to understand basic economics, so necessary for running a...

LETTER: DairyCo hits back and maintains book is good source of debate.(Letter to the editor)
September 19, 2008... From: Tim Bennett, chairman, DairyCo. Miles Browne's letter (DF p15, August 2008) refers to Dairy Statistics - an insider's guide which DairyCo publishes annually. Obviously we are sorry he doesn't value it but at a cost to print of...

DAIRY EVENT: INTRODUCTION - Welcome.(Editorial)
September 19, 2008... Welcome to our Dairy Event special where we have tried to give you a flavour of what will be unfolding at this year's premier event. Just as the industry seems to be on the cusp of yet another setback on the milk front, it is important to...

MILK: What sort of margin can we expect to be left with?
September 19, 2008... Just as in politics, a year can be a long time in dairying too. Promar National Dairy Consultant Derek Gardner considers the impact of recent changes and looks at the prospect for future dairy margins. Since we put our predictions forward...

MILK: Time to strike a better deal as supplies set to stay tight.
September 19, 2008... The fall in milk production over the past 18 months has caused an intriguing struggle in the UK dairy industry as power has gradually moved down the chain as milk output has fallen and the pound weakened. John Allen, of Kite Consulting, gives...

MILK: Battle hots up for finalists in Gold Cup race.
September 19, 2008... The geographical spread of finalists in this year's NMR/RABDF Gold Cup is greater than ever with one from Northern Ireland, two from Scotland and three from southern England. Among the six are four newcomers to the last stage including one...

MILK: New award for lifetime daily yield.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... For the first time this year an award will be made to the herd with the highest Lifetime Daily Yield (LDY) from all 868 herds meeting the NMR/RABDF Gold Cup criteria from across the whole of the UK. Herd LDY is the average of all cow LDYs...

MILK: Ecolab claims breakthrough in milk equipment cleaning.
September 19, 2008... Ecolab's new Lactivate system is a break-through in milking equipment cleaning that saves both money and time, while still maintaining the highest quality milk result. Ecolab has a strong history of developing solutions that help customers...

BREEDING: Rising importance of longevity.
September 19, 2008... The emphasis is on breeding easily managed, long-life cows, says Genus European business development manager for dairy genetics Hugh Ratcliffe. With the high cost of replacements, a trend that is expected to continue due to the UK shortage...

BREEDING: Keeping an electronic herd diary.
September 19, 2008... The vast number of dairy farmers who have yet to computerise their herd records, mainly due to lack of time and computer expertise, can benefit from the launch of a new entry-level software programme. Its simplicity of operation and clear...

BREEDING: Brachyspina marker test.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... A new marker test confirms that brachyspina is a genetic defect which can be traced back to a common ancestor, the bull Sweet Haven Tradition. The test has been developed by CRV and the University of Liege to identify carriers and it will...

BREEDING: Fresh calver temperature.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Daily temperature checks of fresh calvers can monitor health and impact on future pregnancy performance, says Genus vet John Cook. "Post-calving uterine infections such as metritis can have a big effect on conception rates," he explains....

BREEDING: Aussie Dairy Shorthorns set to make impact here.
September 19, 2008... The first new Dairy Shorthorn bloodlines from Australia in four decades will be launched at this year's Dairy Event. Semen will be made available from the Illawarra bull, Redrama, which the Shorthorn Society is privately proclaiming as the...

BREEDING: Taking advantage of affordable sexed semen.
September 19, 2008... Dairy breeders are being given the opportunity to take up the latest technology with sexed semen at affordable prices at the Dairy Event. High ranking Holstein bulls Dillon, Pomeroy and Stopper - all over #130 PLI, more than +200kg for...

BREEDING: Heat detection.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... It is widely recognised that poor fertility is a growing challenge to the national dairy herd. Recognising fertility is a major challenge, Carrs Billington Agriculture has strengthened its Complete Dairy Package by becoming the exclusive...

BREEDING: Change of emphasis brings new wave of bulls to listings.
September 19, 2008... To date it didn't seem that the revised PLI formula was having much impact on rankings, but the latest proof run has thrown up a whole raft of new bulls set to challenge the established order. Beneath the apparent stability of the newly...

BREEDING: Fertility indexing.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Fertility Index has now been incorporated into the genetic evaluations for coloured breeds, bringing the Ayrshire, Guernsey and Jersey into line with Holsteins and Friesians. "Because of the smaller population size for these breeds, it...

BREEDING: Test your skill to win tour of US elite herds.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Producers can test their skills at evaluating important production and longevity traits - and have the chance of winning a 10-day trip to visit top US dairy herds. World Wide's team of evaluators will be on hand to discuss their answers on...

BREEDING: Genus launches grass-based bull.(Genus ABS )(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Genus ABS has launched the first bull from its UK Grassland Cornerstone programme, which samples bulls specifically across grass-based UK herds. Called ABS Topnotch, the bull offers moderate size with below average angularity. His...

BREEDING: PLI listings.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... The top two cows in the UK for PLI are two maternal sisters, one by Shottle and the other by Comestar Lee. Riverdane PS Sara and Copywood Lee Sara Red rank in equal first place on the August list with a phenomenal 328. Their dam is the...

BREEDING: Sexed semen gives boost to ABS line-up.(Genus ABS )(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... The Genus ABS line-up gets a boost this month with the addition of two Comestar Outside sons to their sexed semen stud. The first is Ca-Lill Marlin (who will be marketed as Lin) and is an Outside from an EX92 Demand backed by a deep US cow...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Maize seed in short supply.
September 19, 2008... With maize seed stocks at an all-time low because of demands for biofuel and rocketing fuel prices, a new forage seeds company is working hard to help maintain supply. Forage seeds breeder Advanta Seeds has become part of the French...

Additional benefits of aiming for more precise dry matters.
September 19, 2008... Harvesting forage maize anywhere between 28% and 32% DM content promises the ideal combination of digestibility, starch content and dry matter yield factors. But aiming for a more precise dry matter content within that small range could...

Why feeding high energy diet can be wrong approach to boost yield.
September 19, 2008... The escalating cost of high energy feed may be a blessing in disguise, explains nutritionist Peter Allen. In 1974 the Metabolisable Energy (ME) system was a great step forward - but like so many innovations it became a `bandwagon' to be...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Volac fat clinic.
September 19, 2008... Identifying the role of protected fat is the focus of a special clinic at this year's event. The `Volac Fat Clinic' offers advice to help balance diets during lactation and producers are urged to bring their current ration and milk payment...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Automatic feeding system to be launched.
September 19, 2008... An automated feeding system that sweeps the fodder back to the feed fence and distributes small amounts of concentrates or blends throughout the day and night is being introduced in the UK at the Dairy Event. This is claimed to encourage cattle...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Cut costs with mineral-based slurry additive.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... A new, natural mineral-based slurry additive that can boost manure nitrogen content by 6kg/cow/year and cut the fertiliser bill by over #5/cow is being showcased at the Dairy Event. C&H Nutrition calculates that even after the cost of the...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Analysis of dry matter of silage.
September 19, 2008... A fast and reliable method of checking dry matter content in the field and on the move via John Deere's HarvestLab system will be on display. John Deere will demonstrate how, by providing accurate analysis of the silage dry matter content,...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Big boost to N value.(EnviroSystems introduces Slurry Booster System)
September 19, 2008... Dairy farmers can enhance the nitrogen value in slurry by over #64.00 per acre by introducing the next generation of inoculation from EnviroSystems (UK). For a 340 cow herd, that figure translates to more than #30,000 worth of nitrogen...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Slurry centre.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... For the first time at the Dairy Event, farmers will be able to bring samples of manure or slurry for free testing at the Slurry Centre hosted on the RABDF stand. A LINK funded research consortium will analyse samples using NIRS (Near...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Free trial pack of maize seed.
September 19, 2008... Visitors to the Limagrain stand will be able to register for a free pack of seed from one of their new varieties of forage maize. Growers can opt for the variety that best suits their conditions and three of the four varieties will be available...

FORAGE & GRASSLAND: Cob clinic.(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... For growers wanting advice on cob maturity and harvest dates, Limagrain will be running a cob clinic on their stand. Growers are asked to select four to five cobs at random from different parts of the field, fresh that day, and bring them to...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Less milk turbulence.
September 19, 2008... Milk turbulence in the liner can lead to a host of problems from individual teat self-infection to cross contamination. To reduce this turbulence, Milk-Rite has introduced a top vented liner (as opposed to a claw vented liner) which allows...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Calf health key to profits.
September 19, 2008... Healthy Animals, Healthy Profits - a new exhibition for the Dairy Event will feature a series of practical demonstrations combined with technical information provided by some of the UK's leading specialist vets and advisers. It will...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Palatable ration that is claimed to cut costs.(James and Son Ltd.)(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... James and Son is launching its new range of moist and dry dairy feeds, Milk Max, at this year's Dairy Event. Designed to drive cow performance cost-effectively in winter feeding systems, the range combines quality co-products and is...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Mycotoxin deactivator.
September 19, 2008... Mycotoxins are increasing in the UK herd but many farmers are still unaware of their effect on animal health. Biocell is offering a free feed test to farmers at this year's Dairy Event to show it is a bigger problem than many think. ...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Kingshay ready with solution to problems.
September 19, 2008... In pursuit of healthier and more productive cows, a new service launched at the Dairy Event involves a detailed on-farm assessment of the cow's environment and milking facilities, same-day verbal feedback and advice, then a detailed report and...

Greater flexibility with computerised calf feeding system.
September 19, 2008... Up to 300 calves can be reared on a single new computerised feeding system to be launched by Volac - resulting in significant cost savings as well as introducing greater flexibility which can be helpful to producers rearing a lot of calves. ...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Improving foot care.(cowsfeet.co.uk )(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... An innovative system for hoof care has been developed by cowsfeet.co.uk so that even the inexperienced can treat lameness - easily, quickly and economically. Demotec Easy Bloc is designed to avoid all possible pressure points with a...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Low cost teat wipes.
September 19, 2008... New low-cost teat sanitising wipes are being launched by Pal International which has been manufacturing teat wipe products for some 20 years, previously producing for Genus ABS. Ideal for pre and post milking hygiene, VetPal Teat Sanitising...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Automatic teat sprayer for rotary parlours.(Dairy Spares)(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Dairy Spares will be launching a new automatic teat sprayer for rotary parlours called the Platform Magic, at the Dairy Event. Visitors to the stand can view the time-saving piece of kit, as well as learn more on other ways to improve...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Advanced technology in new fertility programme.
September 19, 2008... New advanced nutrition technology is being incorporated into a fertility programme which is being unveiled by specialist feed company SCA NuTec at this year's Dairy Event. The programme consists of consecutively feeding two products each...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Helping eliminate spread of disease.
September 19, 2008... Waste milk and colostrum pasteurisers help reduce the spread of infections from one generation to the next - particularly in herds at risk of diseases such as Johnes, salmonella and heifer mastitis due to cross suckling. The range of...

Revamped exhibition designed to keep beef producers in the loop.
September 19, 2008... With almost half the visitors to the Dairy Event farming beef cattle, there's a new exhibition aimed specifically at them. Developed in association with NBA, and sponsored by EBLEX, the Beef Exhibition will focus on a variety of exhibits of...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Improving parlour hygiene with low pressure cleaner.(Rosebeck Services introduces Parlourgold Foam )(Brief article)
September 19, 2008... Parlourgold Foam is a low pressure, non-acidic, spray-foam cleaner, designed to improve milking parlour hygiene without the risk of damage to electronic equipment, glassware or fittings, and is to be launched by Rosebeck Services at the Dairy...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Helping cows to faster recovery.
September 19, 2008... Rehydration and appetite stimulation is the key to helping cows recover from calving and settle into lactation by replenishing lost nutrients and helping to maintain an effective immune system. By providing a balanced supply of specialised...

HEALTH & NUTRITION: Getting ahead with herd health planning.
September 19, 2008... XLVets will be giving advice on how to get going with herd health planning to reduce disease costs and improve herd performance, and there will also be free fact sheets on a range of health issues. The newly published fact sheets provide...

MACHINERY: Bigger and better machines.
September 19, 2008... Represented by no fewer than 50 machinery suppliers, this year's Dairy Event and Livestock Show boasts more machines than ever before and for the first time in years includes many of the leading tractor suppliers, writes Steven Vale. There will...

MACHINERY: Claas Axos.
September 19, 2008... The event provides the first public outing for the brand new range of Claas Axos tractors. Replacing the former Celtis versions, the new range consists of four Perkins-powered models - the Axos 310, 320, 330 and 340 - which have power...

MACHINERY: Zetor Proxima.
September 19, 2008... Anyone looking to catch up on the latest dairy farmer tractors will be pleased to know that this year's event will feature Agco (MF, Fendt and Valtra), New Holland, John Deere, Claas, JCB, Same Deutz-Fahr and Zetor, many of which will have new...

MACHINERY: Scorpion.
September 19, 2008... At the time of going to press Claas UK was still not sure which Scorpion telehandler it will bring to the demonstration. It may very well provide an opportunity to take a closer look at one of three new models recently added to the top end...

MACHINERY: Kverneland.
September 19, 2008... The Taarup-Siloking vertical feeder range on the Kverneland stand is worth a visit for milk producers looking for even higher performance. The 13cu.m, self-loading machine uses a three-wheel tricycle design that places 80% of machine weight...

MACHINERY: New Holland LM5000.
September 19, 2008... Built and designed in-house in Italy, New Holland's LM5000 features a side-mounted 120hp engine that is capable of running on biodiesel. Available as a three-model range, but with two more coming later this year, the three comprise the...

MACHINERY: Merlo.
September 19, 2008... Tractor and equipment theft has been identified as a major concern by the NFU and the AEA, and many suppliers are looking at new ways to reduce the risk. Take Merlo, for instance, where all new telehandlers are now automatically enrolled...

MACHINERY: Kuhn.
September 19, 2008... Recent developments in Kuhn's Euromix vertical auger mixer wagon range reflect demand for larger mixing capacity and the ability to mix long fibre forages, including straw, quickly and efficiently. On display will be the Euromix 2770, a...

MACHINERY: Massey Ferguson.
September 19, 2008... MF will bring a number of tractors to the show. These include an MF5455 tractor and MF945 loader and an MF 6480. Then there will be two new models from the recently-launched four-model range of Bobcat-made telehandlers - the MF 8925 Xtra...

MACHINERY: Butler.
September 19, 2008... The Butler Robot is designed not only to keep forage within close proximity of feed barriers but also to sprinkle it with concentrates. Imported by TTMS, the automated feeding system sweeps fodder back to the feed fence and distributes...

MACHINERY: Shelbourne.
September 19, 2008... One of the issues facing most dairy managers in the UK today is trying to quickly and efficiently feed large numbers of cattle spread over numerous older buildings, many of which have narrow access or inaccessible troughs that have to be...

MACHINERY: WestMac.
September 19, 2008... Danish manufacturer JF-Stoll claims to be the first to offer a wireless weighing system as standard on its range of complete diet mixers. Known as the Feed Manager Wireless Weighing System, it will be shown on the WestMac stand. With the...

MACHINERY: Harry West.
September 19, 2008... Harry West hopes to be able to show its new 16cu.m mixer wagon. (Failing that then a 12cu.m version will be brought to the event.) Available for the first time this season, it is designed to satisfy the current demand for larger capacity...

MACHINERY: RMH Mixers.
September 19, 2008... RS Agribusiness has confirmed it will show the new range of RMH Mixell mixer wagons. The vertical mixer range features a redesigned auger featuring a two- stage start lifting plate to reduce power requirement. The two and three auger...

MACHINERY: Lely.
September 19, 2008... The simple design and long life expectancy are two features of the Sgariboldi range of diet feeders. Using a single screw auger design with large fluted opposing spirals, the result produces two rotating flows which meet and mix together....

MACHINERY: Trioliet.
September 19, 2008... There is a good chance that Dutch-firm Trioliet Mullos will bring one the biggest silage grabs in the business to the event. Offering a capacity of 2cu.m, and designed for filling 30 to 40cu.m mixer wagons, it is called the Triomaster S...

FINANCE: Take stock and assess what your production cost will be.
September 19, 2008... Andrew Suddes is agriculture banking manager for north-east Cumbria and south-west Scotland for Dairy Event principal sponsor HSBC Bank. Here he offers some advice about the need to plan carefully and to get a firm handle on your costings...

FINANCE: Well and truly caught up in growing cost-price squeeze.
September 19, 2008... Farm consultants Andersons will be analysing farm costings and making their projections for the future - which as we show below certainly look a little challenging. The future of the UK dairy industry hangs in the balance and although a...

MILK PRICES: Dairy Crest set to keep prices moving forward.
September 19, 2008... Dairy Crest is to increase its Davidstow price by 1ppl from the start of September, and this bold move should help keep milk prices pointing in the right direction while latest summer retail liquid milk promotions run their course. The...

MILK PRICES: United's auction down.
September 19, 2008... No surprise that this summer's lower commodity prices have started to make their impact on United Dairy Farmers' auction prices, with August's auction average of 25.53ppl for 30mltrs of supply, down 9.13ppl on last year and 0.97ppl on last...

MILK PRICES: Wensleydale moves ahead.
September 19, 2008... Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes, makers of the famous Wensleydale cheese, has confirmed it has increased its producer milk price by 0.6ppl from Aug'08. Leaving constituent payments unchanged but increasing their `Premium Supplier' bonus (for...