HOLSTEIN UK SERVICES HELP MEMBERS BUCK DAIRY DOWNTURN
Tighter margins as a result of falling milk prices are focusing British dairy producers’ minds on maximizing the value of their herds, according to recently appointed Holstein UK chief executive Richard Jones
S
peaking on the Holstein UK stand at last month’s Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland, Mr Jones said that
the year to April had seen Holstein UK and its subsidiary Cattle Information Services (CIS) achieve some of their best results to date, despite the adversity facing the dairy sector. “From a Holstein UK point of view we have seen pedigree registrations increase by 7% in the last 12 months, with farmers clearly appreciating the benefits of pedigree registration.” “Farmers are looking to invest in the future of their businesses despite lower milk prices. Pedigree registration is a simple and effective way of providing added value and allows farmers to use a wide range of breeding tools available from Holstein UK to drive improvement in their herds,” he explained. The 7% increase in pedigree registrations is ahead of industry growth, with DairyCo reporting just a 3% increase in dairy cow numbers in the same period. Meanwhile, CIS has also bucked industry trends, with milk testing increasing by 4.3% over the last 12 months and health testing jumping by more than 20%. “Both these increases demonstrate the willingness of dairy farmers to use services which deliver real value to their businesses. Understanding the production and health statuses of their cows is essential for modern dairy farmers looking to maximise production and hence profits,” said Mr Jones.
“The last 12 months have been encouraging for Holstein UK and its subsidiary companies and while the immediate situation in the dairy sector is tough, we believe the services offered by both Holstein UK and CIS can add significant value to dairy farm businesses going forward.“ In view of the continuing downward pressure on milk prices and an increasing level of feedback from members Holstein UK will continue the suspension on Late Registration Fines. It has been agreed that this suspension will remain in place until milk prices rise to 25p per litre, at which point the situation will be reviewed again.
8 THE JOURNAL JUNE 2015
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