Farm Focus: Jon Barber, Friend Farms Ltd, Market Drayton
Oakley Park Farm near Market Drayton is contract farmed by Jon Barber and Rob Wain (Herdwise) who have recently transferred his milk recording and health testing services to CIS.
Moving the farm to CIS has enabled Jon and Rob to align with the other farms, receive a competitive package and have all results brought together on the YourHerd online platform.
Over the last 8 months, Jon has been utilising the health testing service on a quarterly basis, using milk samples collected as part of monthly milk recording. The milk received by the CIS ICAR and UKAS approved laboratory is tested for Johnes, Somatic Cell Count and results are provided for ketosis/Acidosis, the indicator for imbalance of butterfat/protein levels and milk urea analysis to assist feed management.
Commenting on CIS services, Jon Barber says “We are very pleased with CIS who really listen to the dairy farmers to understand their requirements. The forward thinking approach by CIS to the services offered is fantastic and having all data online reduces our paperwork. Our health testing results can be shared with our other farms which help us benchmark herd performance and our vet and nutritionist can access YourHerd remotely to provide advice and recommendation”.he
The emphasis for the herd of 430 Holstein Friesians is milk from forage supported with supplementary feeding of blends purchased from HJ Lea Oakes. Milked twice a day through a 25 point herringbone parlour the milk is supplied to Muller on a Tesco contract. Block calving takes place in the autumn and winter supported by the recent investment in calf infrastructure. This investment includes a new shed and the removal of calf hutches which were not suitable for their rearing system. Jon and Rob are also in the process of cross breeding to introduce Norwegian Red breed into the herd.
Investment has also been made with the farm team. Jon employs three local team members and has focussed on training and leading them through the farm’s vision. “It is important that we are all working to achieve the same vision and to achieve this I implemented training programme. This ensures the team have the right information and support to undertake their roles and have the freedom to share their thoughts and ideas to further improve the farm’s productivity”, comments Jon.
Further investment is also planned for the farm with new tracks being installed and the Newton Rig cubicles will be replaced. The last 18 months have been a challenge; Jon feels the toughest the industry has faced however he believes investment needs to continue and is optimistic about the future. He believes UK dairy farmers need to look at New Zealand who operate with no single payment, focus on the environmental benefits and sell ourselves better. Importantly there needs to be support for fairness across the board, a fair price offered and showcase that British milk is produced to high welfare standards.