This months linked article's:
WHY CHEAP ISN'T ALWAYS BEST - QUALITY IS THE KEY...
MYCOTOXINS - ARE THEY AFFECTING YOUR HERD?...
EVERY LITRE HELPS - USE FATS...
PROTECT YOUR MAIZE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM...
HAS NEW ZEALAND BEEN LISTENING TO GP FEEDS?...
CHALLENGE US
At GP Feeds we pride ourselves on our motto, 'QUALITY PAYS'. Ruminant feed, both compounds and blends (usually customised), is the focus of our business
Each month you receive our newsletter. We believe it is informative, up to date and tells you much about other products we are actively involved in. We receive a lot of interest on straights products and now are getting a similar response regarding our feeds from a cross section of farmers including individual buying group members.
Why we wonder? Feed is the single biggest cost consideration in milk production so, in a year when many farmers are struggling to really get cows going, are they prepared to possibly pay a bit more, to get the right advice and see output rise?
With feed costs escalating, and likely to continue to do so, 'short cuts' are being taken within the industry, to the detriment of you the milk producer.
GP Feeds will NOT follow this route, and with milk prices now where they need to be, producing as many litres as possible WILL pay, even if the inputs may cost a bit more. You know it makes sense. Challenge your herd and challenge GP Feeds.
We don't and won't compromise our diets, by using inferior products nor will we 'chop and change' our formulations.
MOLASSES
As usual, when we mention products in our newsletter, there is always an increase in demand. This has certainly been the case with molasses! Whether you are looking for a spot load or forward contract, we believe we have the product to suit your needs. We also believe we are the most competitive.
Molasses prices will undoubtedly rise in the not too distant future on the back of the energy market - one of our three suppliers of molasses has already done so.
So give the office a call to book your requirements on 01948 661602. 'Haven't got a tank? No problem - we have a tank scheme available - call 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth for further details.
WHY CHEAP ISN'T ALWAYS BEST - QUALITY IS THE KEY
We understand many of you are concerned with the ever increasing prices of feed, but we still believe in our motto 'QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION'.
All our feeds have been carefully formulated with only the best ingredients - we don't use fillers. Remember fillers are just that - cheaper products used by most compounders to cheapen feed and fill your animals, but they don't produce results or give your animal the necessary nutrients it requires to get the best from it!
We believe in getting the whole diet of your animals right, and therefore get the best results for YOU.
Here at GP Feeds we believe the best way to do this is by:
- Using only quality ingredients in our compounds and blends - no fillers here!
- Sticking to fixed formulations - we don't change our rations as the season progresses unless YOU ASK us to!
- Balancing the whole diet - a must for this year because of the relatively poor grass silage.
So if you are looking for something different call us today on 01948 661602.
GPF HIGH TBC MINERAL
Yet another of our products that has seen a rise in demand - our 'GPF HIGH TBC MINERAL' is specially formulated to tackle high cell counts.
Benefits / Features
- Contains high levels of Vitamin E and Selenium to maximize antioxidant activity and help the cow to combat bacterial infections in the udder.
- Contains copper from 3 different sources (including organic) to ensure that the animal has enough bio available Copper for its metabolic processes.
- Contain Zinc from 3 different sources (including organic) to ensure that the animal has enough bio available Zinc for its metabolic processes.
See dramatic results in a short space of time.
Place your order today on 01948 661602
SILAGES
Silaging this year has been difficult for many due to the variable weather this summer. Here at GP Feeds we have seen many analysed samples, and the overall trend seems to lean towards lower Dry Matter, ME and Intake Potential than last year. In summary a winter ration for 35 litres based on ad lib grass silage will require 11 kgs / day of concentrates compared to 10 kgs / day in 2006 / 07.
So it is more important than ever to your silages tested and then get your feed requirements built around the results. Contact us at the office on 01948 661602 for details on getting your silage analysed and what we would recommend feeding with it.
MYCOTOXINS - ARE THEY AFFECTING YOUR HERD?
Another thing we feel important to discuss this month is mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally produced mould, but invisible to the naked eye. they can cause many problems such as:
- scouring
- inconsistent milk yields
- acidosis-type symptoms
- poor rumen function
- lower leg / teat swelling
- where do mycotoxins occur?
They can often be found in silage, and with the inconsistent weather this summer many have become the ideal breeding ground for mycotoxins. They can also be found in many other feedstuffs on the farm.
If you think you may have a problem, here at GP Feeds we have just the product to combat mycotoxins 'MYCOSORB' - call the office and speak to Gareth on 01948 661602 to find out more.
'Remember mycotoxins are invisible - don't lose money just because you can't see them'
THANK YOU
We would like to thank all of you who attended the Open Day at Mr & Mrs Richardson, Higher Green Farm, Byley on 6th September. From the various comments made to us on the day an enjoyable time was had by all.
Once again we thank Mr & Mrs Richardson for their kind hospitality on the day.
EVERY LITRE HELPS - USE FATS
As it has already been widely reported, the UK is unlikely to reach milk quota till at least 2011, even with the increases in milk price. With this in mind, we feel you should take advantage of this situation by making every litre count. Whether by increasing litres or quality, one way to improve these is by using fats. Here at GP Feeds we have several that can help, our most popular ones being:
Megalac - by boosting the overall energy of the diet it is proven to increase yield by over 2 litres per cow per day .
CS Plus - contains a high level of C16 to maximise butterfats, sustain milk yield and maintain the cow body condition, helping her to perform to the best of her abilities. This product is exclusive to GP Feeds
Both Megalac & CS Plus can easily added to blends if required
Megalac is already included as standard in our Supreme and Excel ranges of compounds, and both can be included if required in your custom blends.
If you need any further information on any of the above contact the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth.
GET IT RIGHT
We can't stress how important it is to feed your youngstock right, remember these animals will progress into your main herd and have an impact when they join. GP Feeds wants that to be a positive one.
We have many proven rations to assist you get the best from your next
generation. As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, many buying
group members feed our youngstock products. Our top youngstock rations
are:
COARSE CALF 16 MIX (Oil
3.5%, Protein 16%, Fibre 6.6%)
Extremely palatable mixture fed ad lib from 2 days to 10 / 12 weeks
of age. Contains: Barley, Linseed, Sugarbeet, Hipro Soya, Flaked Peas,
Flakes Maize, Sopralin, Molasses, Minerals and Vitamins.
CALF STARTER 18 PELLETS (4% Oil,
18% Protein, 8.2% Fibre)
Very palatable 3mm pellet fed ad lib from 2 days to 10 / 12 weeks.
Has everything needed for quick growth without fillers!
SUPERGRO HEIFER REARING
20 NUTS (Oil 4.2%, Protein 20%, Fibre 9.3%)
A specialist heifer replacement product to be fed from 10 / 12 weeks
of age to calving. Well balanced ration providing in excess of 1 - 1½
kilos LWG per day. Contains: Wheat, US Maize Distillers, Rapemeal, Sunflower,
Palm Kernal, Barley, Processed B Maize, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Citrus,
Molasses, Minerals and Vitamins and Fat Blend.
GPF HEIFER NUTS (Oil 4%, Protein 18%, Fibre 14.4%)
Popular and cost effective alternative to Supergro Heifer Rearing 20
Nuts, still providing excellent results and uniform growth. This product
is suitable for all types of youngstock.Contains: Soya Hulls, Rapemeal,
Wheat, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Sunflower, Sugarbeet, Molasses, Limestone,
Supagold Biscuitmeal, Minerals and Vitamins and Fat Blend.
As with all our feeds the ingredients have been carefully chosen for digestibility, with well balanced starch and sugars and quality protein sources, along with FIXED FORMULATIONS.
To discuss your youngstock requirements or for more
information on the above rations call the office today on 01948 661602.
PROTECT YOUR MAIZE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Although this year has seen some of the worst growing conditions for maize, the crop is still going to play a major part in the forage base in many rations this winter. It makes sense to ensure that as much of the feed value as possible gets in front of your cows.
The 'waste factor' with maize silage, due to aerobic instability and spoilage in the top few inches of the clamp, is something that most farmers have tried to overcome, with varying degrees of success, for many years. We at GP Feeds can help to reduce these problems with a two-pronged, scientifically proven approach.
Step 1
Treat the silage with 1-2 litres / tonne of Protect. Protect uses proven food preservative technology to kill the yeasts and moulds that are present on every crop and which are the principal spoilage organisms once 'made' silage is exposed to air. Protect has a dual action, infusing the sealed clamp with sulphur dioxide gas which is lethal to spoilage micro organisms, and forming a low level of benzoic acid which inhibits the growth of yeasts and moulds once the clamp is open. Since temperature plays a major part in the ability of these organisms to multiply, maize silage that is intended for use during the spring and summer should be treated at the higher rate of 2 litres / tonne. Remember, because Protect works by producing a gas, the clamp must be sealed for at least two weeks before use.
Step 2
Cover with ClampFilm. The top few inches of any silage are always the least well consolidated, so some air is always present, which prevents a true anaerobic fermentation taking place. Respiration of the plant material continues and allows the degradation of the top layers, effectively creating compost. The only really easy way to stop this is to create an airtight seal as quickly as possible.
Normal black silage sheeting is not flexible enough to contact the silage in every dip and hollow, and is also oxygen permeable, so rarely forms a complete seal. New ClampFilm is a low cost, tough 40 micron sheet with very low oxygen permeability. When laid in direct contact with the silage it is sucked down onto it as the residual air is used up, forming a 'shrink-wrap' seal and virtually eliminating top and shoulder waste. Very quick and easy to unroll and spread, ClampFilm eliminates the time-consuming and laborious salt spreading that has been use by many to overcome the 'top-waste problem'. Once in place the side sheets are pulled over and a normal silage sheet weighted down on top.
FOR PRICES AND TO PLACE YOUR ORDER RING THE OFFICE ON
01948 661602
HAS NEW ZEALAND BEEN LISTENING TO GP FEEDS?
REVOLUTION IN ATTITUDE TO PROFITABLE DAIRY FARMING IN NEW ZEALAND
Improving nutrition rather than ramping up herd numbers is now being viewed by New Zealand dairy farmers as key to future profitability, according to Rev Crawford, business manager with NRM, New Zealand's largest stock feed company.
Speaking this week during a fact-finding visit to the UK, Mr Crawford said New Zealand milk prices are up by 50% to a record high and land values are soaring. Dairy farmers in New Zealand are, he said, undergoing a revolution in their attitude to feeding the country's four million cows which have traditionally had a grass diet with average herds yielding around 325kg (3800 litres) and top herds yielding 500kg (6000 litres).
Last season the majority of farmers were paid NZ$4.50 per kilo of milk solids. This season it is expected to be closer $NZ 7.00/kg, the highest payout New Zealand farmers have ever seen. The value of heifers has also risen dramatically. "Most of the milk from New Zealand is exported onto the world market and the price is being driven by global commodity prices which have risen significantly over the past year. The New Zealand dollar has been strong over the last 12 months but is forecast to weaken, further good news for farmers," said Mr Crawford.
He predicted New Zealand farmers will go down the route of trying to improve productivity per head rather than increasing herd size as has been the trend over the past 10-20 years.
According to David Sutton (International Rep for Volac International), the UK's top dairy farmers are already fully aware of the folly of cutting corners with feeding. As he pointed out, they are not striving for 1000 cow herds. "Our best dairy farmers are working with units of a manageable size which operate efficiently in terms of production and herd health. UK producers are good stockmen and they know cows are not machines - each animal is different," he said.
Dairy farmers in the UK, David Sutton added, were in a better position to adapt to global changes than many countries because, due to scale and climate, they have to be good, responsive managers.
Historically in New Zealand, said Mr Crawford, herd sizes have been increased by buying more land. However, land prices have increased from NZ$ 7000-10,000 (£2500 - £3500) per hectare for prime grassland a few years ago to NZ$ 45,000-50,000 (£16,000 - £17,700) per hectare now and availability has dried up. There have also been problems with labour supply.
"The culture of New Zealand dairy farmers five years ago was that if you had to use supplementary feeding you were a failure," said Mr Crawford.
"However, the trend among more progressive farmers since then has been to introduce additional feeding and these innovative farmers are feeling the benefits in milk response now," he said. Lactation has also been extended by 7-14 days as a result of better nutrition and producers are seeing cow longevity benefits too.
And according to David Sutton of Volac, recently returned from a trip to New Zealand, one of the huge problems now facing dairy farmers there is reproduction and longevity. "Cows are crying out for true nutrition and mega joules," said Mr Sutton, who is seeing soaring demand for supplementary products such as Volac's Megalac.
Palm kernel meal use in dairy rations has doubled each year in past four years to about 400,000 tonnes and NRM effectively sold out of feed this spring.
"In New Zealand at the moment if you want to put in a parlour feeding system on your farm you would be looking at an 18 month waits because of the huge demand," said Alun Faulkner, NRM nutritionist.
"There is a need to take a more scientific approach to feeding cows in New Zealand now and that is why we are in the UK. The myth is that your systems are very complex but the reality is we are seeing some excellent simple feeding systems," Mr Faulkner added.
FOR PRICES AND TO PLACE YOUR ORDER RING THE OFFICE ON 01948 661602
QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION
Contact
Gareth or Rachel (Office)
01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776