When it comes to running a successful dairy farm, Michael Eavis of Worthy Farm in Pilton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, knows a thing or two. With over 500 Holstein dairy cows producing more than 6 million litres of milk annually, Eavis and his team have embraced new technologies and sustainable practices to ensure the farm operates at its best. From robotic milking parlours to renewable energy solutions, Worthy Farm is a shining example of innovation in the dairy industry.
Renewable and new technologies
One of the key pillars of Worthy Farm’s success is its commitment to sustainability. By investing in an aerobic digestor, the farm has been able to dry slurry to create an exportable fertiliser. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also generates valuable resources for other agricultural practices.
Moreover, Worthy Farm has explored new technology that can provide a renewable vehicle fuel, resulting in exhaust emissions that are environmentally friendly. By embracing renewable energy solutions like solar panels and rainwater harvesting, the farm has managed to reduce its carbon footprint and operate off the grid. Such initiatives not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the farm’s overall efficiency and productivity.
Breeding and milking
Breeding healthy and high-yielding cows is crucial to Worthy Farm’s sustainability goals. The farm uses artificial insemination to breed its cows, with all heifers being served by selected Aberdeen Angus bulls. By extending the voluntary waiting period before first service to 80 days, Worthy Farm has seen improvements in conception rates and reduced reliance on hormonal treatments.
The farm also utilises sexed semen to produce sufficient heifers for herd expansion, allowing for more breeding to beef. By incorporating the latest genomic dairy sires from Alta, Worthy Farm ensures that its herd maintains high-quality genetics and continues to perform at its best.
Herd health is a top priority at Worthy Farm, with regular screenings for diseases like Johne’s and a focus on reducing the use of antibiotics. By treating each cow individually and implementing targeted treatment strategies, the farm has managed to keep its somatic cell count low and reduce mastitis cases. The robotic milking parlour has played a significant role in improving udder health and overall cow well-being, with antibiotic usage remarkably low at 32.8mg/PCU.
Lameness
Preventative measures are essential to maintaining herd health, and Worthy Farm takes a proactive approach to managing lameness. All cows’ mobility is scored daily, and any cow with a mobility score above 0 is promptly treated, given pain relief, and allowed to rest in a comfortable environment. By contracting a foot trimmer every two weeks, the farm ensures that cows’ feet are well-maintained, reducing the risk of lameness and other foot-related issues.
As a testament to its commitment to sustainability and education, Worthy Farm has transformed its old milking parlour into the Alice Rooms, a purpose-built education facility. By welcoming visitors year-round and engaging with the community, the farm not only showcases modern farming practices but also highlights the importance of agriculture in today’s society.
In a friendly but fierce competition against three other dairy operations, including Graham Farms in Northern Ireland, Bisterne Farms, and Joe Ives in Hampshire, Worthy Farm continues to set the bar high for dairy farming excellence. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and animal welfare, Worthy Farm epitomises the future of dairy farming in Australia and beyond.
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