FAR Case Study (Dairy) Robert Skelton, Dugdale Nutrition
David Moss
Key outcomes of feed advice
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Improved farm output
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Healthy animals
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Profitable and sustainable business
Background and area of expertise
Robert studied Agriculture at Bangor University then returned to work for 15 years on the family dairy farm. In 2008 he joined Dugdale Nutrition as a Ruminant Sales Specialist. During this period, Robert has had the opportunity to further his knowledge and competence as a Ruminant Nutritionist. Through working with experienced colleagues, and being given the opportunity by Dugdales for external study at Harper Adams University, Robert is able to combine practical and scientific solutions that benefit his customers and their animals.
Robert's main area of interest is dairy cows, particularly combining high levels of production with ongoing improvements in herd health.
Give an example of how your feed advice has made a measurable difference
Robert has helped one of his customers as they made the transition from a grazing based dairy herd to a more intensive, higher yielding system with more cows on the farm. Recognising the very significant investment the customer was making in this transition, Robert's knowledge and experience was vital in ensuring that the new diets were formulated to the cows needs and monitored regularly to maintain herd health. Over this time yields have increased from 25 litres / cow to 36 litres, whilst maintaining good milk quality. Cows have ideal body condition which positively influences fertility and lameness.
The success on this farm is very much down to the farmers ability to produce consistently high-quality forage through the adoption of a multi cut grass silage approach. This is fed together with other forages that provide a source of starch and digestible fibres. This provides the cows with a highly digestible and nutritious base diet that requires a minimum of purchased feed to balance their requirements.
The cows are walked regularly with the farmer to check for any signs of nutritional disorders such as acidosis. This also provides an opportunity to check the ‘cow signals’ to ensure that the cows are in good health and that all is being done to keep a high standard of cow welfare.
In addition to the nutritional advice, Robert also provides a costings service that monitors the feed costs in relation to the current milk price, so margins are always maximised. As part of the diet planning Robert can be asked to advise on the relative value of a bought feed before a decision is made on whether to include it in the ration.
This farms milk buyer has some environmental requirements that must be met to satisfy their contract. Robert is able to provide the relevant information to assist the farmer in obtaining the best milk price available, and together with colleagues Robert is in a position to assist with submitting the relevant information.
What difference does FAR make to you and your customers?
Being FAR registered has provided Robert with up-to-date knowledge through the on-going training programme. This has included nutritional principles to apply in day-to-day situations on the farm. The training also focuses on the wider environmental impact of livestock farming that allows him to understand the direction of legislation, consumer perceptions and demands.
Through this Robert is able to discuss the issues with customers and help provide practical solutions to the many demands placed on them in a positive way.
