2006
British Grassland Competition November 2006
At the recent Gloucestershire British Grassland Society (BGS) meeting the winner of the BGS National Grassland Management Competition was announced. All three finalists came from dairy farms but with different systems as quoted by Dr. Dave Roberts SAC, Head Judge of the competition. All objectives were clear and forages were selected to conditions and layout of their farms and systems.
Competition Winner: Thomas Craig
Before announcing the winners of the competition, which is sponsored jointly by DLF Trifolium Ltd and Kemira Grow How, Dave talked about important aspects of dairy farming. “Identifying your type of farm is important, as is the recognition of strengths and weaknesses of the farm itself but also of your staff. Knowing your costs and what you can do to optimize those costs is essential. Be accurate but don’t worry too much about precision,” explained Dave. “When considering the importance of good forage, look at high intake characteristics, but also consider alternative forages such as protein crops, maize and the inclusion of white clover”.
Other factors to consider as well as the efficient use of inputs, included biodiversity management, recycling waste and finally remembering the general public, whether this means informing them of footpaths on your farm or considering the interest of the public in the attributes of your products.
The Competition sets out to find the farmer who best demonstrates excellence in the management of grass and forage, leading to profitable livestock production and care of the land. Ballykelly farmer, Thomas Craig was confirmed winner of the fiercely contested competition. “Thomas’ enthusiastic and innovative approach to grassland and forage management, and his attention to detail to all aspects of this commercial yet sustainable dairy unit, can only be admired,” said Dr Dave Roberts.
Thomas farms with his father Jim and brother Robert on 180ha of reclaimed land on the edge of Lough Foyle. The land lies between 0.5m above and below sea level.
For more information please call 01386 791101 or email forage@dlf.co.uk
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OPEN DAY AT COMPETITION WINNER – GLASNANT MORGAN
Farmer merchants enjoyed the opportunity to visit the farm of Glasnant Morgan, 2005 winner of British Grassland Management Competition. The Open Day, organised by DLF Trifolium, joint sponsors of the BGS Competition, gave everyone the opportunity look round the farm.
En route round the farm
of Glasnant Morgan
Jessica Buss, British Grassland Society Director said, “The open day was an excellent opportunity for farmers to see a well managed commercial beef and sheep unit, with an eye on environmental issues. Of particular interest to visitors were the red clover leys being used to finish lambs on the farm’s high ground and the methods being used to improve pasture and control weeds.”
It was an excellent opportunity to see the GrassMax Overseeding initiative in action and hear about the financial benefits of the system as well. “Maintaining sward output in young grass through routine overseeding is proving to be a vital tool in maximizing profitability from grass,” says Tim Kerridge, Agriculture Product Manager at DLF Trifolium. “In today’s economic climate grassland farmers should no longer accept declining output from grass fields as they deteriorate through age and use. Trials and on farm experience have demonstrated beyond doubt that regular overseeding of young swards dramatically slows down the process of sward decline and ensures optimum output is maintained year after year. We have developed the GrassMax system because it is important to follow specific procedures to ensure optimum success and get the best returns from overseeding.”
Tim Kerridge demonstrates the
overseeding initiative - GrassMax
For more information regarding the GrassMax Overseeding initiative, or if you would like to receive a copy of the GrassMax DVD, please call 01386 791101 or email forage@dlf.co.uk.
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