Dairy

Established to Exceptional: Refining an Organic System

Anderson Brothers is a farming partnership run by brothers Matthew and Philip Anderson alongside their respective wives Becky and Mary. The business has developed a profitable and resilient organic system…

Managing Mastitis Risk During the Grazing Season

Mastitis is often associated with the housing period, when the risk of infection is typically higher. However, the grazing season also presents challenges. Environmental and clinical mastitis can occur at…

Feeding and Ensiling Potatoes for Cattle

Stockfeed potatoes are a viable energy feed for cattle and a useful additive to ensiled forage when managed correctly. They offer an economical alternative to cereals but require: Gradual introduction into diets …

Organic Arable Silage – What You Need To Know

At Kirwaugh Farm near Wigtown in the Machars peninsula, Andrew Robinson has been running his dairy farm organically for over 17 years. As part of his crop rotation and weed…

Automated Milking Systems

Labour shortages are leading to an increase in the number of producers turning to Automated Milking Systems (AMS) to reduce the long and often anti-social hours associated with milking twice…

The Value of the Cull Cow to Dairy Businesses – Is She Covering Her Costs?

With milk margins under pressure and beef prices remaining strong, every cow must justify her place in the herd. Animals that are infertile, underperforming, or carrying recurring health issues can…

Too Much of a Good Thing? Copper Oversupply in Dairy Herds

Trace minerals are essential for reproductive performance, immunity, and productivity in dairy herds. They play a key role in maintaining enzyme systems and immune defences. Traditionally, mineral supplementation strategies have focused on preventing deficiencies whilst accounting for interactions that may reduce absorption. However, this approach alongside…

Regenerative Dairying – Planning Now for Resilient Milk Production

Regenerative farming and its principles are increasingly appearing in milk contracts, buyer discussions, and supply chain sustainability strategies. For many dairy businesses, the question is no longer if it will…

Nutritional Opportunities from EFA Greening

With EFA greening changes coming into place in 2026, many farms will grow new crops that can be utilised as home grown feed for dairy cattle. These crops include nitrogen fixing plants like clover, lucerne and beans, whilst others include…

The Dairy Labour Crisis – Who will Milk the Cows Tomorrow?

Across the dairy sector, margins are under increasing pressure. Following the recent milk price drops and ongoing market volatility, rising input costs and heightened environmental regulations often dominate headlines. For many producers, labour is no longer just…

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