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Being a larger operation the management was far more corporate than on my family farm at home, however, this does improve the running of the business making it much smoother


in charge of each team. There were parlour, maternity, herd health, hospital, heifer crew, crops, feeding and calf rearing departments, he says. “Every eight weeks I moved department, this allowed me to gain new skills across all areas, but I benefitted greatly from being able to focus on one area at a time. I learnt more as I wasn’t distracted by anything else at the time. I certainly have a more informed analytical approach to management and the detail in reproductive management was very helpful. “On top of learning more about cow management I gained more confidence and independence while working at North Florida. I can’t commend them enough for setting up the programme. It was hard work, but a thoroughly enjoyable time and they allow you to experience every aspect of the farm.”


The basics of farming there were the same as in the UK, according to Andrew. “They have the same end goal of producing milk efficiently. However, I found one of the biggest differences was the weather. Instead of mainly dealing with cold and wet weather they have to manage heat stress on cattle and manage soil and crops to suit the climate.” “Being a larger operation the management was far more corporate than on my family farm at home, however, this does improve the running of the business making it much smoother.”


“The ICT system in place made it easy to record in depth information on each animal which could be referred to by the whole team. Alongside pinpoint management was a tight focus on record keeping,” says Andrew. Most staff were immigrants from central American countries, they are very committed to their work putting in a lot of effort and hours. “These hard workers are the unsung heroes of the American agriculture industry.” Andrew also got to experience Florida State Fair when he was part of the team who took a string of nine cows for three days to the show in a city 200 miles south of the farm. “This is the only show North Florida exhibit at because they like to support their local show. It was good to see the


TOP North Florida Holsteins’ farm where (pictured opposite right) the cows were fed a TMR diet of mainly corn and sorghum silage with concentrates and locally available products.


LEFT Relough Gerard Danna is a VG88 daughter of Dante Danna.


40 THE JOURNAL DECEMBER 2014


merits of genomic breeding with the team including Observer, Planet, Shamrock and Massey daughters.





“With an entry of 100 dairy cattle I really enjoyed the experience; this was aided by winning champion with North Florida Armstead Iva. A fresh third calver that is classified Ex90 and out of a dam by Paradise-R Black Ink. As well as picking up the Premier Breeder Award.” Showing isn’t something that is focussed on back at Relough with their aim efficient milk production and an easily managed herd. That said the herd did secure the Holstein championship at Balmoral in 2009 with the Ex92 Relough Goldwyn


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