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'Reduce feed costs and close cycles'
When guiding study groups and dairy farms, we see a considerable variation in the key figure 'measured milk from own feed'. While some farmers produce 15.000 kilos from their own feed with 8.000 kilos of milk per hectare, others produce 4.000 kilos. More measuring milk from our own roughage reduces feed purchases and thus the cost price.
Producing a lot from our own roughage starts with optimal roughage cultivation. Do not strive for maximum production, but for optimum feed production: so do not grow as much roughage as possible, but what fits best in your ration and is therefore optimally used. Getting a lot of protein from your own country, but then not using it all, causes extra losses.
Reasoning from the ration
That is a fundamentally different objective than growing a lot of feed. Look at exactly what you need in your ration and aim for it. If you approach your cultivation well and limit feed losses, your utilization and milk production from your own feed will increase. This not only provides a higher return, it also helps to close cycles.
This strategy fits in seamlessly with the direction in which livestock farming (under the influence of society, politics and the dairy industry) is moving. The Kringloopwijzer provides insight into closing cycles and this is increasingly being rewarded. It can also provide more development opportunities in the future.
Want to get more feed from your own country in 2019?
- View the recommended maize varieties for the coming season.
- Read more or consult with your roughage specialist on www.roughfeedforum.nl.
Source: Limagrain Netherlands and Delian Kool, advisor management and strategy at PPP-Agro Advies.
