MDC updates homegrown cereals publication in line with SFPs
21/02/05

A section on the effective storage of all cereals, maize and whole crop has been added to the updated MDC publication, Making the Most of Homegrown Cereals and Protein Crops 2005.

This hugely popular publication is a comprehensive source of information on all concentrate feeds grown in the UK for dairy farmers and now, after the update, it is based on the most recent research and is truly relevant to today's situation.

The publication evaluates the major cereal, protein and oilseed crops that can successfully be grown and processed to feed direct on UK farms. All aspects of producing and feeding home grown concentrates are covered, from crop agronomy, processing and storage options to nutritional composition and how to include the final feed in balanced rations.

With the advent of de-coupled subsidies paid as the Single Farm Payment (SFP), whether the crop is grown or not, all financial figures have been updated. SFPs are all excluded from the financial data presented, as each cropping decision has to stand up as profitable - or not - in its own right.

The publication also allows farmers to calculate their own production figures, alongside examples, in order to give the real farm situation.

The new section on storage of cereals, maize and whole crop discusses the necessity and methods with which to avoid molds and mycotoxins. The effects they can have upon the feedstuff and herd are also highlighted.

The publication is available from the MDC Publication unit on 01285 646510 or from the MDC website at www.mdc.org.uk.

The Milk Development Council (MDC) is a Non Departmental Public Body established by the Agriculture Ministers following the reorganisation of the milk industry at the end of 1994. Its primary purposes are to fund research and development, economic research, nutritional and educational advice, livestock improvement, the gathering and publication of statistics, provision of dairy market information and the generic promotion of milk and dairy products, all of which are targeted at improving the profitability and competitiveness of Great Britain's dairy farmers.

** The MDC is funded by a statutory levy on all milk sold off farms in Great Britain. The MDC is run by a Council of 11 persons appointed by the Ministers, supported by staff based at the office in Cirencester and field staff based in regions throughout GB.

The shape and form of the British dairy industry is changing rapidly and it is the responsibility of the MDC to change at a similar pace to provide the appropriate support to British dairy farmers. MDC's objectives are to:

-- Expand the market for British milk and dairy products -- Promote innovation in the marketing of British milk and dairy products -- Be the principle source of information in relation to supply and marketing -- Provide practical advice to dairy farmers -- Improve public understanding of the dairy industry as well as milk and dairy products.