How the US Dairy Industry is responding to rapidly changing Economic and Market conditions - the observations of a former UK Dairy Farmer
Brian Bolton (President and CEO, Allflex USA, 3613 Hidden Trail, Flower Mound, Texas 75022, USA)
High feed costs, labour supply, high cost environmental and welfare pressures, an inability to influence farm gate prices individually, managing expansion, learning to produce dairy beef - are these familiar themes? The US dairy industry is diverse even if the trend to 'fewer/larger' continues, consequently innovative solutions are constantly sought, adapted and applied. An 'Ex' UK dairy farmer shares his observations.
From Here to There - A look back at 100 years of Black and White cattle breeding in the UK, and how lessons learned will affect the future
Simon Gee (Communications Manager, Holstein UK, Scotsbridge House, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 31313)
As Holstein UK celebrates its Centenary, this paper will be a look back at 100 years of Black and White cattle breeding in the UK and what lessons we can draw as we prepare for the next 100 years.
The Acceptable face of High Input/High Output Dairy Farming and Making it Profitable
Richard Rhone (Farm Manager (for Velcourt Ltd), Drax Farm, Charborough Park, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7EN)
The Drax Estate currently has a 400 cow dairy herd averaging 9000 lts/cow with at least 50% on a Waitrose contract the remainder on a normal Dairy Crest contract. The dairy herd is part of a 1600 ha estate owned by the Drax family.
Low Output Farming - Can It Be Profitable?
Bill Jewell (Farm Manager for J Leeson, Hele Barton, Week St Mary, Cornwall, EX22 6XR)
Hele Barton & West Peeke Farms are situated on the Devon/Cornwall border and total 765 Ha's on heavy clay/silty clay loam soils. There are a total of 900 dairy cows, including Holstein Friesians and pedigree Jerseys, producing an average of 4,500 lts/cow. Both farms are now fully organic and the principle aim is to produce milk from grass.
High Profit Milk - Thoughts for the UK Dairy Industry
Mike Houghton (Partner, Andersons Midlands, Lower Courtyard Office, Renshaw Barns, Upper Woodford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6FA)
This paper will compare and contrast high output dairy systems with low output dairy systems and consider the potential of each system.
How Do the Farmers of the Future Get Started? (We Want Tenant Farmers!)
Charles Coats Bsc FRICS (Head of Corporate Property Services, Gloucestershire County Council, Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TG)
Selecting the right tenant is without doubt the most important decision a landlord has to take in the management of let land. Get it right and the working relationship will flourish. Get it wrong and only problems lie ahead. This presentation will explore the tricks of the trade.
Making a Success of Tenant Farming - My Story
Mike Colwell (Farmer, Glyn Crest Farm, Wheal Rose, Scorrier, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 5DH)
It has always been my goal to own my own reasonable sized dairy farm with 400 world beating Jerseys on it! In this paper I will describe our three steps towards this goal on the tenant farm step ladder, how the structure of our business (with little machinery and maximum stock) is going to keep us moving up that ladder. The general theme will be keep your machinery costs low, take opportunities that come along, don't be afraid of massive risk and above all keep the system simple.
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