Dairy Event and Livestock Show News

Dairy Event and Livestock Show prize draw improves farm efficiency
30 January 2009

John and Lola Ham are the lucky winners of a Volac computerised calf feeding system in a prize draw run jointly by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, HSBC Bank and Volac at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show.

John who runs a 320 cow herd averaging 9,800 litres, with his parents, Ron and Jean at Lower West Farm, Witham Friary, Frome, says three months on after installation and abandoning a milk bar feeder, the computerised system is already having a major impact on the unit’s overall performance and efficiency.

“The feeder has brought a real boost to labour saving; we’ve reduced time spent with the calves by around one hour per day and we’re now spending more time actively checking them,” he explains. “The computerised system offers a precisely controlled regime, so the calves are now drinking little and often. We’re able to check how much each individual is drinking and its drinking speed so we are able to detect any health issue before it becomes visual, and then treat accordingly. Overall the calves are more contented and they’re in better condition at weaning.”

Philip Dolbear, HSBC Agriculture Banking Manager in the South West said: "As principal sponsor of the Dairy Event and Livestock Show it is particularly pleasing that the prize has gone to a young dynamic couple who are clearly making full use of the technology in their business. Attention to detail and high levels of management are two key elements towards achieving profitable margins and this is clearly being demonstrated here." 

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