New Opportunities for Data into Profit
Nicci Chamberlin (NMR Field Business Manager (South &East), National Milk Records, Cirencester, Wiltshire)
Time Pressures on dairy farmers have never been greater. The challenge is on service providers not to just record relevant data, but to present it back to the farmer in the most effective manner. The availability of new technology offers the opportunity to revolutionize recording and provide reporting systems that will allow dairy farmers to manage their herds with precision, minimizing unnecessary costs and maximizing returns from their enterprises.
Data, data everywhere!
Ms Sue Cope (National Operations Executive, CIS, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire)
Farmers need to record data everyday to meet legislation and for day to day management of their herd's breeding cycle. Is this a burden on their time or can it be turned into a valuable asset that saves time and provides the opportunity to earn real cash?
Working to a Future: Part 1
Mr Peter Dixon Smith (Dairy Farmer, East Norton Hall & Keythorpe Lakes Farm, Tugby, Leicestershire)
In 2003 Mr Dixon Smith wished to retire, therefore an opportunity occurred to create a new farming business. This paper will describe the transition from Dixon Smith (Lyons) Ltd to Keythorpe Farms (a partnership) run by Will Armitage.
Working to a Future: Part 2
Mr Will Armitage (Dairy Farmer, East Norton Hall & Keythorpe Lakes Farm, Tugby, Leicestershire)
In 2003 Mr Dixon Smith wished to retire, therefore an opportunity occurred to create a new farming business. This paper will describe the transition from Dixon Smith (Lyons) Ltd to Keythorpe Farms (a partnership) run by Will Armitage.
Leading the way with Ayrshire Genetics
Mr Duncan Hunter (Dairy Farmer, Haresfoot Home Farm, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire)
Ayrshires are currently in big demand throughout the UK. Dairy farmers now realise the importance of longevity and strength in the modern dairy cow. The Ayrshire cow offers this plus a lot more. The Breed Society has its own young sire testing scheme where young bulls from top cow families are tested each year. Semen is distributed and used through herds all over the country enabling us to get early proofs from these bulls and gain genetic progress.
What merit is there in being unique?
Mr David Hambrook (Assistant CEO, RJA & HS, Trinity, Jersey)
After no importation of genetics in 150 years, Jersey Island, which has seen change from 500 milk producers to just 31, now faces the prospect of accessing international Jersey bloodlines. Just how herd owners, ranging from 6 milkers to 350 tackle this scenario remains to be seen. What a challenge!
Breeding the cow of the future
Mr Tim Gue (Dairy Farmer, Huddlestone Farm, Steyning, West Sussex)
While 20 years ago we could only predict basic type and production information, today we have an abundance of information at our fingertips. Our business is changing rapidly too, as herds become larger and labour scarce, management traits and environmental issues are increasingly important. In this paper I will be discussing the tools we use to breed tomorrow's Holstein cows, and what service providers can do for me to maintain my profitability and competitiveness.
Developments in UK breeding indices
Mr Marco Winters (Director of MDC Breeding+, Milk Development Council, Cirencester, Gloucestershire)
New developments in the dairy industry require new genetics solutions. Future breeding goals can no longer afford to only consider short term profitability based on animal output. Rather than selection on yield alone, they have to present a sustainable alternative that also considers the demands from both the environmental and consumer sectors. What action do we need to take?
Do Breed Societies have a Future or does History Beckon?
Mr David Tomlinson (Farmer and Holstein UK Board Chairman, Bilsborrow Hall Farm, Preston, Lancashire)
The future of breed societies has been called into question in almost every decade of the conference. As the dairy industry emerges from one of the most challenging periods in its history, Holstein UK remains resolutely successful. Holstein UK Chairman, David Tomlinson, who farms with his family in Lancashire, explains how the organisation has retained its position by adapting, embracing new technologies and sharing its expertise with other breed societies. But what is its place in the industry of the future?
"This Club believes we should breed a dual function dairy cow"
Anne Hardy
A short report on the Dairy Day debate
To read the full papers you need to be a member of the British Cattle Breeders Club. Click here for more information.
