RABDF NMR Summer Open Days
22/05/06

All dairy farmers will have the opportunity to visit two of the UK's leading herds at a series of summer open days jointly organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers and NMR.

Sally & Ian Macalpine with herdsman Les Helliwell

The first event will be hosted by Ian and Sally Macalpine, Laneside Farm, Waddington, near Clitheroe on Wednesday 14 June. Their 195 cow pedigree Ribblesdale Jersey herd was among the six finalists for the RABDF NMR Gold Cup 2005 and was also presented with the Lily Hill Trophy for the highest placed Jersey herd. The Ribblesdale herd, which averages 5,900 litres at 6.58% butterfat and 4.00% protein, is a relatively new venture having been established by the Macalpines to replace their Holstein herd when restocking after FMD.

The open day will also feature a series of discussions led by the Macalpine's milk buyer, Jim Dickinson, Longley Farm who will focus on his requirements as a processor; consultant, Graeme Surtess will explain how the Macalpines work to meet their business targets; while Peter Larson of Dansire will introduce the benefits of Danish Jersey genetics for profitable milk production.

John Round, winner of the RABDF NMR Gold Cup 2005, will host the second open day at his Elmore Back Farm, Elmore, Gloucester on Thursday 29 June. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about his 280 cow commercial herd with an average yield of more than 11,500 litres. Mr Round stresses that priority is given to running a commercial dairy unit. "We place a lot of importance on quality breeding, but this is a home-bred herd without a fashionable name, so to be a winner of the award was a great achievement and a huge recognition for all those involved in the running our enterprise," he says.

The Elmore Back Farm / Dairy Crest relationship will be discussed by the processor's Lindsay Chapman and the herd's feeding regime by KW's Michael Marsden, while Kite's John Allen will explain how to grow a dairy farming business within the current constraints. In addition, to walking the herd and talking to the many suppliers who are supporting the open day, visitors will be able to visit the maize trials hosted on the farm.

RABDF's chief executive, Nick Everington comments: "The two open days offer a tremendous opportunity for all producers to find out more about how these very practical dairy farmers are succeeding in their different ways. They will also be able to lean how a finely tuned balance of genetics plus nutrition combined with sound business and technical management are an integral part of operating an efficient and profitable herd."

All visitors must register for a lunch invitation by calling RABDF's Sophie Jenkinson on 0845 4582711.

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