AHDB has confirmed the launch of three new strategic dairy farms and has urged farmers to get involved with the programme.
The new cohort contains a mix of different systems and focus areas, each farm acting as a focal point for regional and national discussions.
The Strategic Dairy Farm programme, funded by the AHDB, aims to improve dairy farmers' business resilience and performance.
The network provides a platform for farmer-to-farmer learning, accelerating the uptake of knowledge and showcasing best practice.
Lydney Park Farms, Dillington Farms and Moorhouse Hall Farm are the first three of ten farms in the new cohort.
Lydney Park Farms is part of the Lydney Park Estate in Gloucestershire, with the team milking 850 Jersey-cross cows twice a day, producing around 4,750 litres of milk and calving in a 10-week block that starts in the spring.
The farm grows around 12.5-15t dm/ha most years and as part of the strategic dairy farm programme, it is planning to implement changes to their system to adapt to the principles of their consumer conscious milk buyer.
Dillington Farms is a mixed farming business in Somerset with dairying at its heart. With tourism and an array of enterprises running on the estate, farming that both enhances the environment and drives profit is a priority.
This 870 hectare farm focuses on renewable energy, home-grown feeds and is involved in an extensive mid-tier scheme.
The herd currently comprises a dairy herd of around 350 cross-bred cows, yielding approximately 10,800 litres per cow per year and calving all year round.
Ollie Blackburn, farm manager at Dillington Farms, said the programme was a 'great opportunity' to work with different people from around the industry.
He said: "The estate and our farming policies have changed massively over the last few years and we are now very environmentally focused and trying to do things in a more sustainable way.
“Whilst we feel that we may be doing things slightly differently to others, it is always good to be challenged in a positive way and we can’t wait to share our experiences and learn from others.”
Lastly, Moorhouse Hall in Wigton is a family-run farm with 100 Holstein cows following an autumn calving cycle. The herd is genomically tested for superior genetics and the farm champions multi-cut silage practices.
Moorhouse produces an impressive 3,500-4,500 litres of milk from forage and are proud partners with First Milk.
The farms will be involved in various on-farm and virtual meetings over the next few years.
Doreen Anderson, AHDB senior knowledge exchange manager said: “I would strongly encourage any dairy farmers to get involved in this programme and consider attending the launch events.
“Ideas are constantly being shared both between the farmers individually, and between AHDB and the farmers, driving positive change for everyone involved.”
