Farmer Focus: E Reader & Sons, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Abi Reader is a third-generation dairy farmer, farming in partnership with her parents and uncle near Cardiff. The 220-hectare mixed farm has 200 Holstein Friesian and Dairy Shorthorns, 150 sheep, 90 beef cattle and 120 acres of arable. The milking herd descends from the herds of both sets of Abi’s grandparents and is a closed herd.
The dairy herd is housed during the winter and out at grass during the summer, ideally from March to October on a rotational paddock system. With support from CIS Area Manager Emma Dewfield, the herd milk record on a four-weekly basis assisted by their local milk recorder and health test regularly. Abi uses the milk records to look at fertility stats and cell counts, she also finds the protein results useful to see if there are any issues.
“I closely monitor the health test results for Johnes, Liver Fluke and Neospora to see if there are any trends against each other and ages of cows or high cell counts. In addition, 92% of the herd are dried off on sealant only which has made a huge difference to cell counts and we are proud to have an antibiotic usage well below the national average”, comments Abi.
The MobileHerd App has been a real game changer for Abi and the family. Having all the herd data, including the last three cell count results, on their mobile phones means it has become an essential working tool on the farm. Abi also uses the app to apply for passports immediately. For breeding, Abi uses the ABS’s RMS service. They calve all year round with a 363-day calving interval.
Unfortunately, the farm has faced challenges with TB and the herd has been shut down now for four years. The farm is involved in several trials, including a self-funded TB pilot trial, where they are blood testing regularly and investigating if there is any correlation between TB and other diseases such as Johnes etc.
Despite the challenges of TB, Abi has ambitions for the unit, including reducing carbon footprint, improving management and reducing antibiotic usage. She has a great team of staff who support her ambitions, one who is full-time and one part-time, along with a relief milker and calf rearer. All staff have access to the MobileHerd App.
Abi, who is a former NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year, currently holds the position of NFU Cymru Deputy President. She is always looking for ways to inform and educate people and has mentored both veterinary and agricultural students; the farm hosts several school and student placements every year as well as being involved with LEAF Open Farm Sundays since 2014. Abi is a co-founder OF CowsOnTour, a team of farmers and rural people who go into schools to educate youngsters on the food and farming story. She always takes her phone to show the children the MobileHerd app and how every cow has a record on the farm.
Ends.