the shed also has three way shedding on the exit, automatic foot bathing, which has improved lameness, and AI stalls. Both cows and staff have benefitted from the investment as it is much quicker and easier, morning milking starts at 5am and the afternoon milking finishes at 5pm. The collecting yard is washed by recycled water, with water collected on the hillside 80ft above the farm and first used in the cooling system to cool the milk. The water is then used to wash down the parlour before being used a third time to wash the collecting yard.
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Investment has also been made to extend the existing housing, build a new transition cow shed, as well as a pit for maize and whole-crop. There were many highlights for the team at Dyffryn in 2014 with Carl winning the Welsh Dairy Stockperson of the Year. This was the first time the award has been presented to a herdsman at the Welsh Dairy Event, recognition of his continued hard work and enthusiasm. Jonathan himself also made it to the final three of the Farmers Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year awards 2014, while in the Montgomery County Herd Competition the herd picked up highest points for inspection, best group of three from one dam, best progeny by a Genus sire, best cell count in a large herd, best animal and the winning progeny group on inspection. “We have taken part in the herd competition for years and this was the best result ever. I was delighted to do well, but also delighted for the team
Jonathan aims to get as much milk from grass as possible
that their efforts were being recognised by a wider audience. “Pendyffryn Shottle Ethel EX94 won best animal on inspection in her fifth lactation, while our winning progeny group were 10 Design daughters averaging 87.4 points. Our winning dam progeny group were the Charm family with the dam Pendyffryn Juror Charm 47 EX94 in her 10th lactation and her fifth calved EX93 Sam, VG86 second calver Sensation and a GP83 Design heifer. In the Genus sired progeny class our winning group included an EX94 Shottle fifth calver, a fifth lactation EX92 Bossman, an EX91 third calved Homestead and an EX91 Modesto also in her third lactation. “It isn’t just about winning prizes – it highlights the link between type, longevity and production. We are proud to have productive cows that are lasting well.”
As well as farming Jonathan is heavily involved in the local community which gives opportunities to explain the expansion and investment happening on the farm. “We also held a fundraiser at the farm when we moved in to the new parlour, as well as having visits from the local school, WI and Rotary Club,” he adds.
22 THE JOURNAL JUNE 2015
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