We’re over two thirds of the way through calving now, with 170 heifer calves on the ground, and just over 100 calves yet to be born, most of which will be beef. But while the end may be in sight in terms of calvings, the cows having done their bit, there’s a lot more to do on our side. A lot of time and effort goes into rearing good heifers. We’ve been pleased with calf health in general, but there is some concern over heifer growth rates. Following discussions with the vet before calving season, we are weighing all newborn heifers with a weigh band so that we can monitor their growth. This practice should help us to cater to the needs of this year’s new additions, but will also serve to inform us on the best practice for next year.
On a dairy farm every single decision is informed both by hindsight from last year and forethought for next year, it almost feels like each process, each task, is a trial run for the years to come. The farm is like one big ongoing experiment. For example, while we meet and greet our new additions, we’re already thinking of next year’s brood. Matt is very keen on bull selection, and has given a strict bull profile to the AI companies, who clamoured to present him with their best candidates. These have been carefully assessed following the August proof, and the straws have been ordered ready for serving in October. But as always with this constant experiment, which we like to call the farm, the results won’t be available until next year.
This last year’s work in the fields is currently yielding its returns. We are now feeding first cut silage, and the cows seem to be milking well on it. Unfortunately one thing that defines this year from many others, is that the season is two weeks late for most crops, but we are hoping that our maize will buck the trend. Another experiment from this year has been the growing of oats, which we haven’t done in the past. They have now all been combined, and have yielded well. The wheat harvest is also well under way, and the whole crop has been hauled off to Weald Granary for storage and eventual sale. While we are seeing the results of our work up until now, we’re also sowing into our future, by reseeding 60 acres of our grazing platform, to try and improve grass yields. In addition, we are putting in cover crops over the winter in preparation for maize. Hopefully they will improve the soil structure on some of our heavy clay soils and also provide some green manure. But again, of course, the results of these tasks won’t be seen until next year.
All in all the whole farming year seems to be a game of trial and error, though the results are, of course, very real. But without trying out new ideas and approaches, the farm would never progress, returns might not get any worse, but neither would they get any better. So we make our choices, and wait for the outcome, and hope for as little error as possible.