Maximum productivity per acre thanks to better Barenbrug grasses and grassland management
A Scottish farmers investment in better grasses and grassland management has seen him maximise productivity of his 371-acre livestock enterprise.
Robbie Baird from Dalhowan Farm in Maybole runs a herd of around 280 cattle, of which 90 are milking cows, together with 350 ewes and 200 ewe lambs. To meet the feeding demands of his livestock including finishing 500 lambs per year Robbie has reseeded with top-quality Barenbrug forage mixtures, supplied by distributor RH Goldie, and invested in a forward-planning programme that has paid dividends.Robbies programme includes reseeding with Adapt long-term, dual-purpose mixture without clover in the first year, and then with clover in the second as an effective weed control. Some wholecrop was also undersown last year with Barmix, a highly successful, permanent, drought-tolerant, high-protein sward for sheep production.
As a result, Robbie has been able to increase his ewe and cow numbers, plus is constructing a new silage pit to cope with the increased productivity of the grassland. I plan to get all the grass into rotation as there is definitely a big difference in the quality and quantity of young grass, Robbie reveals. Ploughing up and starting again is the way forward with poorly performing grassland.
For further information on Barenbrug agricultural products and services, call on 01359 272000, email info@baruk.co.uk or visit www.barenbrug.co.uk.