The Challenges of Grass
UK - Challenges at grass will be the focus of a farmer meeting in Mauchline near Kilmarnock on Wednesday 16 July. The meeting is being organised by DairyCo, the new organisation which replaced the Milk Development Council.Kicking off at Barneighthill Farm, Mauchline at 10.30am Helen Carty of SAC Vet Services will look at the physical impact of worm burden and Kate Cross, DairyCo extension officer, will discuss its financial implications.
A number of other organisations involved in the monitoring of burden in the area, including Armour Vet Practice, will add to discussions about the problems that can arise and how best to avoid or address them.
There will also be a working demonstration of an aerator to aid discussions on how to eliminate standing water in fields and improve soil structure, factors which both play a part in the challenges at grass.
The Smith family, host of the jointly funded DairyCo/QMS monitor farm, relies on grass as a major part of the summer diet of both the dairy herd and the crossbred animals kept for finishing. Any burden from worms or fluke can have a major effect on the production and finishing times of animals, ultimately impacting on the bottom line.
The meeting in Scotland is the second in a series of events to be teamed with regional DairyCo board meetings and levy payers are encouraged to come along and meet the new board members.
TheCattleSite News Desk