Shropshire Farming Talk: Adjusting to the seasonal weather

 At Walford we are now focusing on the preparation of the cows for breeding after a really successful calving period.

Our breeding performance last year was outstanding, which ensured a really effective calving block this Autumn.

We have increased concentrate feeding slightly and continued to manage the grazing platforms in preparation for the return to  grazing in January.  

We have been conducting additional tests recently on our overall performance and looking at how we can make further gains in production and efficiency. We have also been assessing our Carbon performance and sustainability. 

The change to a pasture-based NZ grazing system and the change in cow genetics has really improved efficiency levels. 

Our recent soil and forage testing is helping us make well informed decisions on pasture management and continues to help us improve soil health and fertility. 

The aim is to reduce any waste and avoid using any unnecessary treatments, fertiliser or chemicals. 

As part of our continued progress towards improving efficiencies and reducing our carbon footprint, Tom has been reviewing our pasture management, storage and feeding processes with the All Tech Navigate advisor.  

With adjustments to the silage cut, timing, tedding and processing into the clamp we can make considerable changes to the Dry Matter going to the cows. 

Adjusting the access and delivery systems could potentially also have significant benefits. As always, the weather and overall cow health and welfare will also impact on the margins gained. 

The quality of milk produced by the cows is excellent and providing a good source of milk for our Joseph Helers contract. As we are aiming for the majority of our milk performance to come from grass and silage, the ongoing testing, checks and management of these resources is essential. 

We want our students to recognise the importance of using accurate data to help make good decisions on the farm. They have visited Harper Adams this week and we are linking with Hartpury University to expand their understanding of land management. 

Along with health checks and vaccination of the sheep, checks, freeze branding and treatment of the calves and cows, the team and students have been flat out. The activity on-site along with the early morning milking duties and farm projects are really developing their skills levels. 

The majority of the youngstock will stay out and the majority of autumn calves are enjoying some grass and extra space. Growth and health of the calves has been phenomenal again this year. We have focused a lot of time and energy on calf and youngstock care and feeding

We will be hosting the Landex and Land Based Colleges sustainable Farm Network in Spring and we are finalising the plans for Tom to attend the London Awards event in February. 

This week we are also attending the Landex Learner of the Year awards event with one of our Equine students. 

Please keep an eye on our updates through spring as we begin the move into some new adventures and explore opportunities to get more people interested in working in the farming industry. 

by Bronwen Bray, Walford College