Friesians, sainfoin and sharing knowledge

In our first Agricology video blog Richard Smith, the Steering Group Chairman, introduces us to the dairy herd he manages at Daylesford Organic Farm.

The 120 pedigree Friesians are the result of a 10 year breeding programme moving away from the original herd of Holsteins.

The objective was to achieve a more sustainable, low input, stress free herd fed on minimal bought-in protein with the majority of feed coming from home-grown forage.

Richard’s favourite forage crop for the organic system he farms is sainfoin. It is high yielding, producing 22% protein and ME of 13.5% which compares well with rye grass.

Future blogs will explore the establishment and cropping of sainfoin.

Last month Richard spoke at the SOLID conference, where ideas were shared on low input dairy systems.

Later this month we will be posting a blog from Alastair Leake of the Allerton Project, who looks at the management of rainwater runoff in farming practices to alleviate risks of flooding.

There is also a blog from Beth Cullen, who explains how to navigate the Agricology website.