CAFRE Farm Innovations visit to North Yorkshire large dairy herds

The farms were A E Banks, Wildon Grange on the edge of the ‘Vale of York’ and Metcalfe Farms, Washfold on the edge of the ‘North Yorkshire Moors’.

Michael Garvey, CAFRE dairy adviser, said: “Both herds were housed full time, milked three times daily and all female progeny were genomically tested.

"They were fully TMR fed with no parlour feeding and have access to by- product feeds. The cows were grouped according to stage of lactation or lactation number.”

Michael continued that: “They had well trained, enthusiastic staff who followed task protocols to ensure quality, uniformity and repeatability.”

What did the group learn about managing large herds?

Cathy Adams, CAFRE agriculture lecturer replied: “On both farms we saw the importance of the owner being hands on.

"These farms prioritised cow feeding, calf rearing, cow health and welfare. They knew the pinch points in their businesses and their parlours were certainly up to the job.”

And on staff management, Cathy continued: “Staff training is important, especially where there is repeatability of tasks.

"Both Banks and Metcalfe farms invested in their talent and allowed them to develop. Excellent communication within their teams was obvious.”

Further information on FIV trips is available at: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/rural-development-programmes/farm-innovation-visits/

A Farm Innovation Visit is a study tour by a group of farmers or growers from Northern Ireland to a location outside Northern Ireland. The size of the group is usually between 15 and 20 people. The group aims to study a particular innovation in farming that is being used in other countries but not yet here. The groups are led by CAFRE staff. To be eligible you need to be over 18 years of age, own or work in a farm business and not be in full-time education.