James King milks approximately 200 cows near Ballymena in Co. Antrim.
Annual production figures stand at 7,444 litres per cow, with 557 milk solids at 4.03% butterfat and 3.31% protein from a concentrate input of 2.68t/cow.
He focuses on producing quality silage and milk from grass.
30 cows in a low-yield group were turned out to grass by March 8th this year, while the whole herd has been grazing on a full-time basis since mid-April.
Take-home messages:
- Continue to measure and monitor grass on your farm;
- Consider options if growth rates do not meet herd demands;
- Review grass development in silage swards.
Image and video source: CARFEtv Youtube
