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Heath Producer Report

The father and son farming partnership of Mike and Simon Heath of Stockton Grange, Newport, Shropshire has seen cow numbers double in the past 2 years and expects to finish the year with a further 150 milkers, bringing the total to 550.

At that time the business was faced with a stark choice; to stick with 200 cows and a relatively low investment or to gear up for a substantial expansion. They opted for the latter. This expansion required alarge capital investment including a new 50 point rotary parlour, cowaccommodation, slurry storage and handling systems, silage pits etc..

“These are very challenging times for dairy farmers, and with such immense pressure on milk prices the only way forward that we can see is to produce more milk more cost effectively by spreading our fixed costs over a greater number of cows” comments Simon.

With a stated objective to produce quality milk with high welfare standards at the optimum economic cost the farm is now gearing up for further rapid growth.

“It is very difficult to say at this stage but I would not be surprised if we undertake another major expansion in 2 years time” states Simon.

Milk production is based around a zero grazing system and the ration currently comprises:

40kg fresh grass
20kg maize silage
3kg soya residue
3kg 25% protein premix
2kg of QLF Super 40
1.5Kg of QLF Energizer 5:19
Stock feed potatoes from the farm
Milk Yield now averages 10,500 litres

Quality Liquid Feeds were introduced to the farm 9 years ago and are blended on farm to suit the various classes of stock; they contribute a nutrient dense protein and energy source with no displacement of home produced forages.

"One valuable benefit of feeding QLF liquids is that they provide much needed, non-starch energy source from sugars and palm oil, as well as improving the overall palatability of the ration” says Simon. 

"This becomes more significant in winter when the fresh grass supply ceases."

A great deal of emphasis has been placed on improved genetics over recent years, with Pickston Shottle being the bull of choice at present, used throughout this Pedigree Holstein herd.

Only time will tell whether or not Mike or Simon have made the right decision to develop the dairy sector as they have; what is certain is that the dairy industry does need farming entrepreneurs like Mike and Simon Heath who are prepared to invest and make bold decisions.