It looks like winter is here, so most people will be gearing up winter rations based around good silage quality. As always, it is important to remember that good silage doesn’t compensate for getting the basics right.

1. Make sure feed is fresh every day
2. Ad lib feeding is essential to optimise intake
3. Push feed up regularly, remove refusals
4. Measure usage and intakes – and record the information
5. Target the best facilities to the highest yielders

With weather starting to get a bit cooler and wetter, attention should be turned towards looking after fresh calved dairy cows. Dry matter intake is the key to keeping energy balance positive, and lush wet grass won’t help. Try separating cows calved in the last 45 days and giving some silage and extra concentrates. This will aid both milk yield and fertility, and reduce potential body condition losses.

Don’t forget to fill in your waste exemptions to ensure you pass your farm assurance. Go to Natural Resources Wales website or phone the office for more details.