News
OUR VERSION OF JINGLE BELLS TUNE!
Dashing through the snowOn a GP wagon today,Over fields we goDelivering all the way,Telephones, always ringMaking spirits brightOh what fun it is to singYour feed will be there tonight!. Oh, Jingle Bells, Our feed SellsLet GP Feeds, ease your day!,We'll supply your nutritional needsIn a GP wagon today!. Feeding all your stockworking with you all year,Bulk tipped or blown,We bring you Xmas cheer,Agents working hardKeeping diets right,Oh what fun it is to singOn the cow shed roof tonight. Oh, Jingle Bells, Our Feed Sells!You choose, have your say!Oh what fun it is to deliverYour GP Feeds today! All the cows will mooAnd give the sheep a fright,They'll be so upsetIf its not GP feed tonight,The milk tank won't be fullNot enough for Christmas morn,There will be such a fuss,If they don't get quality Corn. Oh, Jingle Bells, Our feed Sells!Ring us don't delayWe will be very happyTo speak to you today!.
OUR VERSION OF JINGLE BELLS TUNE!
Dashing through the snowOn a GP wagon today,Over fields we goDelivering all the way,Telephones, always ringMaking spirits brightOh what fun it is to singYour feed will be there tonight!. Oh,...
ADDING VALUE
As the year is drawing to a close, we can reflect on another difficult year for British farming. All sectors have experienced low returns and mass migration from the dairy industry has been apparent. Long term, one would hope that this will mean a shortage of milk supply (are we beginning to see this already?), which can hopefully lead to an increase in milk prices. Adding value to a product, often increases public interest and gives the producer a chance to benefit from better returns. Adding value to your own milk in the form of increased butterfat and milk protein levels may also help obtain a better price per litre. Obviously a number of factors such as breeding, management, health and nutrition affect these levels, but by feeding a nutritionally correct diet you can control most of the other aspects except breeding. Hopefully, some of the added value gained by the Cheese processors, will be passed down the line to the producer. We are always at hand to help you balance your cows' diet correctly. If you feel you would benefit from this, please do not hesitate to give us a call.(01948 661602)
ADDING VALUE
As the year is drawing to a close, we can reflect on another difficult year for British farming. All sectors have experienced low returns and mass migration from the dairy...
THE FUTURES OF FARMING?
As we look forward to 2005 thoughts of spring and fieldwork start infiltrating the thought process. What does the future hold for British farming? In a recent survey it has been suggested that the agricultural industry in the UK and perhaps the World could be in a big change situation by the end of the decade. The main reason behind this is the influence that China will have in the future. The Chinese population has increased by 9% in the last five years, which has resulted in a land mass reduction of 2% to accommodate extra housing, factories and the formulation of huge dams to create reservoirs by flooding prime agricultural land valleys. As population increases and landmass decreases, China will be more reliant on imports to fulfil its population explosion appetites. A better standard of education also means that eating habits in China are changing with more reliance on cereals, red meat and dairy products. When these factors are considered, it means that in the not too distant future China could be importing large volumes of cereals, meat and various dairy products, which can only lead to better prices for the producers. For those farmers in the UK, who remain in agriculture over the next few years, maybe the future looks brighter. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
THE FUTURES OF FARMING?
As we look forward to 2005 thoughts of spring and fieldwork start infiltrating the thought process. What does the future hold for British farming? In a recent survey it has...
PERFORMANCE UPDATE - DECEMBER 04
While some herds are performing extremely well, a common comment from many producers is that their cows are "doing ok", but not really producing as they might! So, what is going on? There appears to be two common denominations Herds that relied heavily on an abundance of lush, wet autumn grass, especially cows that calved at grass, are generally below par, but we can expect later calves, now on full winter diets to "step up a gear." It is generally accepted that this years 1st cut silages, which are variable to say the least, are not feeding as predicted. Part of this is protein related, and partly to energy. These shortfalls can largely be made up by "tweaking" the make up of the protein fraction of the diet, including DUP (Digestible Undegradable Protein). Regarding energy, selecting energy sources that offer a range of slow to rapid rumen fermentation rates and a degree of by-pass starch (eg Processed B Maize) should be considered. Also, ensure there is sufficient sugar available, as many grass silages, and of course maize and wholecrop, are inherently low in this nutrient. Sugarbeet / Fodderbeet and / or Molasses should be considered. A final "catalyst" which is working well on many farms is the inclusion of a live yeast to principally help raise rumen PH and promote, significantly, the numbers of fibre digesting bacteria. Typically responses of between 1 to 2.5 litres can be expected for just a 4 pence / cow outlay. Just check that milk ureas are around 0.035(+ / -), and if not adjust the diet accordingly to achieve this. Here at GP Feeds we have the technology, the products (Compounds, Blends and Straights) and the personnel with the expertise to help you, the farmer to get it right! With milk quota in the position that it is, there is an opportunity to increase production, with minimal risk!
PERFORMANCE UPDATE - DECEMBER 04
While some herds are performing extremely well, a common comment from many producers is that their cows are "doing ok", but not really producing as they might! So, what is...
RAW MATERIALS
Proteins are always the most expensive part of a diet and it is a pity that forages do not contain more of it. Ways of increasing silage protein are being looked at by mixing other crops with the maize seed such as sunflowers or lupins. There is also evidence to show that the benefit of using fertilisers with added sulphur increases overall protein in grass silage over the years. The use of feed grade urea, particularly in blends, when being fed with high inclusion maize silage diets, shows better utilisation with a lowering of feed costs. However when used in a diet of this nature great care must be taken in the mixing of the blend. GP Feeds ensure that our blends go through a fully computerised weighing process into the same mixer that produces our compounds. Blends produced through a Keenan feeder type operation will not have the same accuracy or safety aspects that are a necessity. So be careful and check what you are purchasing. Are you getting what you asked for? You will with us - guaranteed!
RAW MATERIALS
Proteins are always the most expensive part of a diet and it is a pity that forages do not contain more of it. Ways of increasing silage protein are being...
RISING FUEL COSTS
As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise. The manufacture of compound feeds and blends has to be competitive. All manufacturers have similar manufacturing costs, yet often it is the smaller company with lower overheads, who can be very competitive in the market at such a time. All manufacturers have transport costs due to bringing raw materials from the docks into store and again delivering the finished product onto farms. This is unavoidable.The actual processes involved in producing all products within a manufacturers portfolio, mean that a large amount of electricity is used, with the grinding, mixing, pelleting, cooling and rolling etc. Larger companies also have very large overheads, such as office costs, a vast fleet of Company cars to keep on the road, hundreds of staff to pay etc. We at GP Feeds Ltd, believe that in order to remain efficient, we will keep our overheads low and continue to supply our quality fixed Formulation products at the right price. We keep listening to our customers and strive to produce feeds that are of nutritional benefit to the animal and make business sense to you, the farmer.
RISING FUEL COSTS
As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise. The manufacture of compound feeds and blends has to be competitive. All manufacturers have similar manufacturing costs, yet often it is the...