ABOVE LEFT Sexed semen has been used for several years across the milking herd and heifers.


ABOVE RIGHT A Hereford bull is used to sweep up after AI with cross calves reared and sold store.


LEFT John’s daughter runs her flower business from one of the outbuildings on the farm.


BELOW Fifth calver Paahill Mary 23 VG85 is the third generation of VG or EX.


has resulted in only £97 profit a cow.


“Generally we have fewer health problems because cows aren’t being pushed hard, so there are no additional stress related problems. “Initially cows graze two 22 acre fields of fresh leys until after first cut, they alternate between each field morning and night. First cut silage comprises 155 acres cut for the pit and then 45 acres baled second cut for bulling heifers and 40 acres of haylage baled for youngstock.” In order to maintain high quality leys John aims to reseed one field a year with a Castle Hill mixture, with slurry spread two to three times a year to maximise grass growth. .


“Being able to grow good forage is key to any system, it isn’t the easiest in the West of Scotland, but I find this system works well for me. I’ve managed to build the business up from small beginnings and I have very few overheads and costs which helps keep things profitable.”


AVERAGE £163.92/COW PROFIT MARGIN IN LAST


12 MONTHS


THE JOURNAL JUNE 2015 27


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