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December 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: AMAFERM... CHRISTMAS ORDERING REMINDER... WINTER FORAGE STOCKS... FORAGE REPLACERS... We can't believe that as we write this newsletter, it is November already - where has this year gone, or are we just getting old! ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER? Early reports from this feeding season are that silages are not 'working' as well as they should! Reports from many farms are that cows are eating well and silages appear to have high intakes - usually a good sign - but somehow the benefits are not being seen in the bulk tank. Many nutritionists have commented that despite trying the usual nutritional tweaks, cows are still lacking that 'spark' to get milk really flowing. It is clear that cows are just not extracting as much energy from their forage as expected. Forages typically contain 45-55% fibre. Fibre is not as well digested and utilised as the other components of the diet (starch, oil, protein etc.). In fact, only 40-65% of fibre is digestible and available for milk production - indicating that a lot of potential still lies 'untapped' within forage! AMAFERM The feed additive Amaferm has been developed specifically to improve fibre digestion. In fact, Amaferm is the only feed additive registered in the EU as a digestion enhancer for dairy cows! Amaferm has been proven to increase fibre digestion by around 30% and milk production by an average of 4.8% across 18 peer reviewed scientific experiments. During the past two winters, many tens of thousands of cows within the UK and Ireland have been converting energy from forage into milk more efficiently thanks to the effects of Amaferm.... CHRISTMAS ORDERING REMINDER If you haven't already placed your Christmas and New Year orders with us, don't delay call the office today on 01948 661602. DELIVERY SCHEDULE Limited deliveries on: Thursday 22rd December Friday 23th December Wednesday 28th December Thursday 29th December Friday 31st December Tuesday 3rd January 2012 Wednesday 4th January 2012 No deliveries on: Saturday 24th December (Christmas Eve) Sunday 26th December (Christmas Day) Monday 27th December (Boxing Day) Tuesday 27th December (Bank Hols in lieu) Saturday 31st December (New Years Eve) Sunday 1st January 2012 (New Years Day) Monday 2nd January 2011 (Bank Holiday in lieu) Normal deliverys will resume on Thursday 5th January 2012 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS FALLING OVER A WEEKEND MEAN 4 CONSECUTIVE DAYS ARE NONE DELIVERY DAYS. WINTER FORAGE STOCKS Have you enough forage on hand to feed all your ruminant livestock for the rest of the winter? As we head towards the New Year now is the time to measure up your silage pits, big bales etc to determine whether you have enough feed to last till turn out time - whenever that may be. Certain parts of the UK are desperately short of silage due to the very dry spring and summer this year, whilst other areas have adequate supply on hand. Due to some areas (mainly in the Midlands and South) being short on forage, it is creating an unprecedented demand for replacement products, which is causing artificially high prices and acute shortages. You need to check immediately as to whether you have enough to last the season, If you don't and find out you are running out of stock in, say, March, you could find great difficulty in getting a replacement product , and if you could it would be very expensive. There are various figures published on how to work out the tonnage in a silage pit but below are tables which are not too far off the mark using average figures. Table a) Grass Silage Quality, kgs per cubic metre (lbs per cubic feet) Silage depth in metres (feet) Dry Matter % 2.5m (8') 3.0m (10') 3.5m (12') 20 865 (52) 881 (55) 920 (58) 25 735 (46) 772 (48) 803 (50) 30 658 (41) 689 (43) 715 (45) 35 597 (37) 624 (39) 646 (40) Multiply pit lengthy x pit width x pit height x kgs per cubic metre as per table (or lbs per cubic feet) ÷ 1000 (or 2240) = TONNES IN PIT approx. If you wish to know the total Dry matter available you should multiply the cubic metres available by the following factors dependant on the dry matter of the silage. Dry Matter % 20 multiply by 0.77 25 multiply by 0.68 30 multiply by 0.60 Please note: You need 1¾ tonnes of Dry Matter per milking cow for a 180 day winter. You need 1 tonne of Dry matter per dry cow for a 180 day winter. (Plus Youngstock and / or Beef animals) If this table and equations are as clear as mud, please ring one of our agents to assist you in working out you own individual stocks available. There are numerous products in the market place that can replace silages but not all of them are freely available at present. The wetter the product the more it will take to replace 1kg of silage / forage. The table overleaf indicates a number of these products with current prices and availability to help you decide which to buy on an economic basis, but also bear in mind the dryer the product the less space is taken in the rumen. Also take into account some of these products may also add extra protein and energy / starch to the diet, more than the silage it is replacing. Forage Replacers Product DM % Feeding Availability Approx. current pence per kg Wet Feeds Brewers Grains 23 Dairy - up to 10kgs max Beef - up to 20kg max Not available 4.5 Fodder beet 18 Dairy & Beef - 3kgs per 100kg L.W max Limited 4.5 Potatoes 20 Dairy & Beef - 3kgs per 100kg L.W max Very Limited 4.0 Grass silage 20 - 30 As required Limited 4.0 Maize Silage 25 - 35 As required Limited 4.5 Semi-wet Processed Bread 65 Dairy - 4kg max Beef - up to 50% of DM intake Very limited 15 Superplus 18 Dairy / Beef - 8kgs max Heifers - 6kgs max Available 14 Dry Feeds GP Feeds Forage Saver Blend 88 - 90 Dairy / Beef - 4kgs max Heifers - 3kgs max Available 19.5 Soya Hulls 88 Dairy / beef - 4kgs max Available 16 Citrus Pellets 90 Dairy / beef - 2kgs max Heifers - 1 -2kgs max Available 18 Sugarbeet Pellets / Nuts 90 Dairy - 4kgs max Heifers / Beef - up to 25% of DM intake Available 20 Wheatfeed Pellets 86 Dairy - 4kgs max Heifers / beef - up to 25% of DM intake Available 16.5 Maize Gluten 88 Dairy - 6kgs max Heifers - 3kgs max Beef - up to 40% of DM intake Available 19.5 Straw 87 Dairy - up...
December 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: AMAFERM... CHRISTMAS ORDERING REMINDER... WINTER FORAGE STOCKS... FORAGE REPLACERS... We can't believe that as we write this newsletter, it is November already - where has this...
November 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: NEW MEMBER OF THE TEAM... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS... MARKET NEWS... CHRISTMAS ORDERING... DRY COWS WHAT TO AIM FOR... EXCEL PRE-CALVER ROLLS... MAIZE SEED 2012... We can't believe that as we write this newsletter, it is November already - where has this year gone, or are we just getting old! NEW MEMBER OF THE TEAM We are pleased to announce and welcome Andrew Smith (formerly of Minsups Ltd) to the GP Feeds Sales team. Andrew brings a wealth of practical and expertise knowledge, which he has gained over his many years in the industry. Starting his career as a general farm worker, progressing to a farm manager before making the move into sales, spending several years in the animal health industry before becoming a sales manager within the field of animal health. He has spent the last four years working within the mineral sector of agriculture, where he has gained a vast knowledge and expertise of the mineral and supplement business. Feeding the right mineral, to the right animal, at the right time if his forte. Andrew has joined the GP Feeds team, because of the values we firmly believe in of Quality Products for Quality Production, Fixed Formulations and no substitutions. With the expertise Andrew brings with him, if you have any issues on farm please call the office on 01948 661602, and we will be only too happy to put you in contact with Andrew so that he can discuss your needs and provide you with a cost effective and practical solution to your query. ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS? Forage stocks are currently lower than most farmers would like, therefore most forage extender products are in high demand. We do have available some spot loads of Fodderbeet, Stock Feed Potatoes, Stock Feed Carrots and Brewers Grains. Please call the office on 01948 661602 for up to date prices and availability. We can also offer you our very own unique FORAGE SAVER BLEND formulated from a blend of raw materials especially to extend your silage stocks. It has high levels of rumen friendly fibre from Sugarbeet and Soya Hulls. Can be fed to all classes of Ruminant livestock Contains high levels of digestible fibre Feed at 2kgs per animal per day to replace 10kgs of average quality silage When fed at the above rate it will save over 60 tonnes of silage per month on a 100 cow herd plus followers Only top quality ingredients are included in the ration PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE ON 01948 661602 FOR PRICES MARKET NEWS In the 30 years or so, that we have been involved in the raw material market, this year is one of the most turbulent that any of us can remember for some time. Wheat topping out at over £200 per tonne, Soya reaching dizzy heights of £350 per tonne and Rape trading a magical £240 per tonne. Thank goodness that things are a little cheaper now and that there is a little stability on proteins at present! Supply of some raw materials still remains very tight, for example, Distillers, Supergrains and Pressed Pulp have all been withdrawn at present due to demand outstripping supply. The Bio-fuel market still remains a massive competitor to our industry. Taking what was supposed to be the slack out of our industry, to now taking and estimated 25 - 50% of products that used to head our way. But as in life, we still remain positive, because there is always something that GP Feeds will find to supply our industry at very competitive rates, whether it be our Quality Compounds, bespoke Blends (formulated to your needs) to maximise your profits, quality minerals or a whole host of straights feeds. Whatever your requirement, we are confident we can supply you with the most cost effective and practical products for your business. Call the office on 01948 661602 to discuss your needs. CHRISTMAS ORDERING To guarantee delivery, can we please ask you to make sure your Christmas and New Years requirements (through to Friday 6th January) are in the office by: TUESDAY 6th DECEMBER We will as usual be in touch with all our customers nearer the time. Please be aware there will be: Limited deliveries on: Thursday 22rd December Friday 23th December Wednesday 28th December Thursday 29th December Friday 31st December Tuesday 3rd January 2012 Wednesday 4th January 2012 No deliveries on: Saturday 24th December (Christmas Eve) Sunday 26th December (Christmas Day) Monday 27th December (Boxing Day) Tuesday 27th December (Bank Hols in lieu) Saturday 31st December (New Years Eve) Sunday 1st January 2012 (New Years Day) Monday 2nd January 2011 (Bank Holiday in lieu) Normal deliverys will resume on Thursday 5th January 2012 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS FALLING OVER A WEEKEND MEAN 4 CONSECUTIVE DAYS ARE NONE DELIVERY DAYS. MOLASSES With high dry matter silages this year, maximising intakes will be a challenge for most, this is where molasses fits into the diet very well. Highly palatable, high in energy and high in proteins and all available from a liquid. Caneflow Sweet black liquid that is high in Fermentable Energy and Sugars. This product is 5 times more flowable than standard molasses at low temperatures and improves intakes of all forage types. Very similar to Cane Molasses but has CMS (condensed molasses solubles) added which lowers the dry matter but increases the flowability of the product. Cane Flow is suitable for inclusion in the diets of all ruminant livestock and can offer a very effective way to increase the palatability of feeds whilst contributing high levels of energy from sugars. Typical Analysis Dry Matter 71.5 Crude Protein 5.4 ME 12.7 Starch & Sugars 65.0 Nutrimaize Range Sweet high Protein liquid feeds (available in 28, 46 or 66 protein levels) which are based on a blend of pure cane molasses and 100% bonded urea (making it fully available to the animal, unlike our competitors who are only 50% bonded). The High Nutrient Density of the Nutrimaize range is designed to make it perfect for high yielding dairy cows. The bonded urea element in the liquid gives a regulated release of energy and protein for Better Rumen Utilisation. Typical Analysis Dry Matter 66 Crude Protein 28 / 46 / 66 ME 12.0 Starch & Sugars 62.0 Special Offer This Winter This winter we are able to offer MOLASES TANKS, available in 12t right up to 32t tanks. We can offer interest free credit over a period of 12 , 24 or 36 months, depending on your individual needs if so required. We will as always still be highly competitive on any molasses products you may require. Please take a little time and have a look at our whole range of molasses available... For more information...
November 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: NEW MEMBER OF THE TEAM... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS... MARKET NEWS... CHRISTMAS ORDERING... DRY COWS WHAT TO AIM FOR... EXCEL PRE-CALVER ROLLS... MAIZE SEED...
September 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... CLAMPFILM... WINTER FEEDS AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS... NEW FAT PRODUCT... WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?... DOES IT STILL PAY TO FEED CONCENTRATES? In this current market of high feed costs and a relatively low milk price the question is often asked whether it still pays to feed concentrates and if so how much? The answer to this question must be very complex because everyone has a different amount and quality of forage available and there are so many ways of producing those extra litres profitably. Forage accounts for approximately 50% of the total dry matter of any diet which means the amount of milk you produce per day relies on the quality of the forage given. Any additions in the form of blends, parlour nuts etc are additions to your own forage costs - but is it still profitable to feed these concentrates? The following 3 tables show the cost of producing milk at various yields per day, excluding forage costs and all your own individual other expenses. The following tables show comparisons between various milk yields and various concentrate prices with, in the main, a minimum margin per litre over the concentrate cost of around 20p per litre rising to over 26 pence. Hopefully these tables will give an indication to each of you of the costs so that you can put your own 'other costs' against them to work out your own margin per litre. Even with concentrate costs rising it still pays to feed for yield and the higher milk prices rise the better the margin will be. To help achieve maximum yields and profit you must make the most of your own produced forages as they account for 50% of the dry matter intake of the cow as we have already said, so it will pay to make the best silages you can. Together, good quality forage balanced with a quality concentrate will give the best results. To help you achieve the ultimate we will be only too pleased to assist in rationing your cows for the coming winter. Please call us for a no obligation discussion on 01948 661602. Table a. Economics with milk price of 27p per litre and concentrate @ £210/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.315 £0.525 £1.05 £2.03 £2.70 £3.38 Milk Income (£ per day) £4.05 £5.40 £6.75 £8.40 £9.80 £11.20 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.735 £4.875 £5.70 £6.37 £7.10 £7.82 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 24.9p 24.4p 22.8p 21.2p 20.3p 19.6p Table b. Economics with milk price of 27p per litre and concentrate @ £230/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.345 £0.575 £1.15 £1.725 £2.30 £2.875 Milk Income (£ per day) £4.05 £5.40 £6.75 £8.10 £9.45 £10.80 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.705 £4.825 £5.60 £6.375 £7.15 £7.925 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 24.5p 24.1p 22.4p 21.3p 20.4p 19.8p Table c. Economics with milk price of 29p per litre and concentrate @ £250/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.375 £0.625 £1.25 £1.875 £2.50 £3.125 Milk Income (£ per day) £4.35 £5.80 £7.25 £8.70 £10.15 £11.60 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.975 £5.175 £6.00 £6.825 £7.65 £8.475 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 26.5p 25.9p 24.0p 22.8p 21.9p 21.2p DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT Should you be investing in an additive for your maize silage? Are You Still Unsure Which Product To Choose? Start With A Very Simple Question You Need To Answer? Is significant reduction of heating, energy loss and waste, best achieved by treating maize with a bacterial additive or is a chemical preservative more likely to produce a reliable, consistent result??? The independent work including recent research from MGA and Kingshay shows that chemical preservative treatments, keep the silage cooler for longer and the effects are more consistent than bacterial treatments. Now make your choice!!! Ecocorn is based on the most commonly used chemical food preservative Potassium Sorbate. As you consider your options weather to us Ecocorn or not, there are 2 facts to take on board. 1. The Typical Dry Matter Loss from the maize silage process (from field to cow) is recognised as being at least 20%. These losses at 32% Dry Matter can be represented as follows 2. Recent figures put the value of maize in a ration at around £100/tonne of Dry Matter SO HOW CAN YOU SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THESE LOSSES? Fill clamp with long ramp in thin layers Roll continuously… no dual wheels Only lengthen chop under 30% DM With a late crop, chop under 1cm Fill in one day or sheet at night Apply Ecocorn with a focus on the top half Use double top and enveloped side sheet Use New Clamp Film under the black plastic Top weight must be consistant Ecocorn Treatment … The Facts and Figures from Independent Trials You can reduce typical Energy Losses from £90 down to £45/acre so saving £45 /acre You can increase Milk Yield By £90/acre (assuming: 8t/acre:25p/L:50/50maize,grass) Cost of treatment £26/acre so a 5:1 return after product cost can be achieved So give us a call on 01948 661602 for Ecocorn, Clampfilm or just for good advice. CLAMPFILM Provides a simple, efficient and cost effective way of sealing a clamp that effectively "vacuum packs" the feed thus eliminating spoilage, preserving quality and protecting your profits... WINTER FEEDS AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS Dairy Select 18 Nuts A highly cost effective range, which has sold very well through last winter. We now have two summer rations following on from last winters' successful launch. Contains: Wheat, Barley, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Vegetable Fat. Enhance 18 Nuts Very high in energy and quality proteins, with good digestible fibre sources readily available. Contains: Wheat, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Wheat Distillers, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Biscuitmeal, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Sopralin and Megalac. Supreme HDF 18 Nuts To be fed where a good fibre source is required. Excellent energy levels. Contains: Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Wheat, Rapemeal, Maize Distillers, Maize, Sunflower, Citrus, Palm Kernal, Molasses, Megalac, Mins & Vits and Vegetable Fat. Excel 18 Nuts Top quality ingredients blended together for cows with yields in excess of 7,000 litres. Contains: Wheat, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Biscuitmeal, Rapemeal, Maize Distillers, Maize, Palm Kernal, Molasses, Sopralin, Megalac, Mins & Vits and Vegetables Fat. All the above rations are also available in 20% & 22% Nuts or Blend form. Dairy 10,000 Litre Nuts The 'Rolls Royce' of our range....
September 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... CLAMPFILM... WINTER FEEDS AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS... NEW FAT PRODUCT... WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?... DOES IT STILL PAY...
JULY 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DRY COWS - WHAT TO AIM FOR... GRASS SILAGE - A BULK COMMODITY?!... WHOLECROP 'KEEP IT IN YOUR CLAMP'... FAT SUPPLEMENTS FORAGE EXTENDERS EARLY GRASS SILAGE AVERAGES JUNE 2011 WE HAVE MOVED! Following on from last month's mailshot, many of you have already changed the phone number you have for the office, but just in case you haven't yet, our new address and phone number is: GP Feeds Ltd, Unit 2, Park View Business Park, Combermere, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4AL Tel 01948 661602 DRY COWS WHAT TO AIM FOR: Two groups of dry cows with the far off dry cows fed at least a minimum of a high specification mineral tub and some forage as well as ad-lib straw. All cows and heifers to have at least 21 days on a transition diet. Cows should have a body condition score of between 3.0 to 3.5. Thinner cows should be on a transition diet for longer. Diets should contain similar forages to those fed post calving and either blend or EXCEL PRE CALVER ROLLS. A high specification mineral should be fed. Our EXCEL DRY COW MINERALS / BUCKETS cover all your mineral and vitamin requirements. This transition diet should be formulated by a competent nutritionist to check it meets the modern cows requirement. If you need advice with dry cow management please ring the office on 01948 661602. Remember comfort is paramount. Pay attention to these cows and mastitis, lameness and infertility will be reduced. Ration faults: Trying to slim dry cows in the dry period Low quality forage Poor cow comfort 'Roughing' it approach Low vitamin and minerals Mouldy feeds One dry group Wrong diet formulation The use of milking cow minerals in a dry cow diet Excel Pre-Calver Rolls Contains: Wheat, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Rapemeal, Maize, Sunflower, Wheatfeed, Prairie Meal, Molasses and Minerals/Vitamins A variety of selected quality energy sources to meet the cows nutritional requirements in the dry period. High energy levels compared to other dry cow rolls. Specific proteins to enhance the wide range of amino acids that are essential during the dry period and early lactation. Includes a mineral specification designed for the modern dairy cow as health is of paramount importance. Enhanced levels of Vitamin A, D and E for the immune system to maintain the cows own resistance to disease. An easy to feed palatable roll with flexible feeding options. Fed at the correct levels this will give your freshly calved cow the best start to a healthy lactation. Contains specific yeast supplement to enhance intakes and rumen function. A QUALITY PRODUCT TO PRODUCE QUALITY RESULTS Phone the office today on 01948 661602 to discuss your needs. GRASS SILAGE - A BULK COMMODITY? With variable 1st cut yields of grass silage, 2nd cut gives us the opportunity to ensure we have enough bulk forage for the winter to feed all those hungry mouths. With the recent rainfall and the possible effect of under-utilised fertiliser, there is a good prospect that 2nd cut will fill the clamp. With maize crops generally looking like they may have turned a corner, the effects of the dry winter and spring look like being minimised. Should we be happy though, just ensuring that we have enough tonnes of forage? What about quality? Filling the cows' rumens and not letting them go hungry accepted, we then have to match nutritional quality of the ration to yield. This is where the £'s start mounting up but is also an area where you can impact your own business and improving production from silage is key. For example, take two silages with MEs that differ by 1 MJ - with the same intakes, milk output will differ by approximately 2 litres/cow/day. To make up that extra 1MJ using 1st cut silage, currently being valued at around £120 per tonne of dry matter (Kingshay costing June 2011), would cost us 12 pence. However, if we purchase concentrates to do the same, say at £225 per tonne as fed, the cost of producing those same 2 litres would be around 24 pence. Over a winter this could mean a cost saving of £26 per cow if you get those 2 litres from good quality forage rather than concentrates. Better quality silage may also increase dry matter intake, increasing production further. The benefits of getting more milk from forage are well documented, independent research showing a clear correlation between higher milk from forage and lower vet and replacement costs together with improved profitability from those farms exploiting their own natural resources alongside targeted use of purchased feeds. The main influence on silage quality is not an expensive input . . . it is attention to detail across a wide range of factors. This includes managing top quality leys, having a good re-seeding policy, correct fertiliser use, cutting grass at the optimum time, using a quality additive and good clamp management at ensiling and feedout. Ecosyl treated silage will improve the fermentation of your silage by dominating the naturally occurring bacteria with more efficient lactic acid producing ones, reducing the time the silage is fermenting and keeping more nutrients available for the cow. Typically, this has been shown to produce on average 1.2 litres per cow per day more milk than untreated silage. It can be applied at 2 litres/tonne, low volume or granular. For High Dry Matter silages with increased risk of aerobic spoilage, Double Action Ecosyl can be used to reduce mould and yeast activity and help prevent the clamp from heating. WHOLECROP . . . 'KEEP IT IN YOUR CLAMP' UK dry matter losses associated with silages range from 20 to 50% and are worth in excess of £150M per annum. On Wholecrop silage for example a 50% DM crop with a 20% DM loss is worth around £5000 for a 500t clamp! A 2009 Kingshay report said that a cost per tonne dry matter of wholecrop is worth £101/t. Typical Dry Matter Losses: Cause Typical DM loss (%) Ease of reduction Field 2-12 mainly avoidable Effluent 0-8 avoidable Primary lactic fermentation 2-5 can be reduced Secondary butyric fermentation 0-5 avoidable Aerobic spoilage 15-25 difficult to avoid The biggest single cause of DM loss is aerobic spoilage - it is also the most difficult to prevent. Aerobic spoilage leads to: DM losses (up to 50%) loss of lactic acid which can destabilise the fermentation reduced nutritional value - it is the most digestible nutrients that are lost (reduced ME - digestible energy loss can be 1.5 to 2 times the loss of DM). Severe heating, as indicated by a dark brown colour and burnt sugar/tobacco smell, can denature proteins making them unavailable reduced palatability potential production of toxic substances It is often difficult to appreciate just how much...
JULY 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DRY COWS - WHAT TO AIM FOR... GRASS SILAGE - A BULK COMMODITY?!... WHOLECROP 'KEEP IT IN YOUR CLAMP'... FAT SUPPLEMENTS FORAGE EXTENDERS EARLY GRASS SILAGE...
MAY 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SILAGE ADDITIVES... CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... HAVE WE MISSED SPRING AND JUMPED STRAIGHT INTO SUMMER?... THE IMPORTANCE OF MINERALS AND VITAMINS SILAGING Following an exceptionally dry winter in real terms, which has continued into Spring, it is certainly having an impact, in several ways, on farmers decisions as to when and how they approach 1st cut silage this year. It is also worth noting that April 2011 was officially the warmest since records began in 1659! There is no doubt that grass as a whole has come under increased stress in recent weeks, such that on some of the lighter, sandy based soils, the crop was visibly `going backwards` before the end of April. Another interesting fact is the difference in apparent yield between last Autumn`s reseeds and permanent grass, the former generally yielding the better at present. By the 5th May in Cheshire it looks like around 20% of the crop has or is in the process of been harvested, and not surprisingly yields generally are modest, but of exceptionally high quality. It does however make sense to remove the crop earlier given present conditions, as rain will surely come, (?), to produce a larger 2nd cut in due course. If silage is delayed now, yes there will be a bit more bulk, but with the crop being under stress is likely to head slightly earlier than usual reducing its feed value, and 2nd cut yield is likely to be reduced. Another point to note, is that with rainfall having been so low of late, there is still a quantity of residual nitrogen in the ground, (it certainly has not been leached!), so this with an additional `top up` of N will boost regrowths. On a practical note, many farmers and contractors have experienced an unusual `problem`, let's call it `sticky grass`! Basically where silage has been cut, and wilted for any degree of time, and sugars been high to start with, this has further concentrated the sugars. The resultant material when chopped has been blocking many foragers due to its dryness and stickiness, causing undue delays to harvesting, with some farmers resorting to picking up either very early morning, or through the night when there is some atmospheric moisture. What to do you ask? Logic suggests that if conditions remain similar, and with standing crops between 22 to 25% DM, harvest within hours of cutting, don`t field spread, just get it in as quickly as possible. You should still finish up with a DM approaching the high 20`s to 30%. Too high a DM may lead to compaction difficulties within the clamp, which may later result in a Mycotoxin challenge. One accepts that within a few days conditions may change, so an accurate assessment needs to be made regarding wilting periods required, or not, and as always to get the best from your silage use ECOSYL 100 additive. Such use isn't about `insurance` in poor conditions, it`s about retaining maximum nutrients and hence maximising performance from what for many is the mainstay of next winters feed. If you have any doubts or questions why not ask GP Feeds for an up to date assessment. SILAGE ADDITIVES If you haven't already booked your silage additive yet - give the office a call to discuss ECOSYL... Our sales of Ecosyl have increased tenfold over the last 2 years - surely those customers who choose to use it can't be wrong. We would like you to join our increasing list of very happy and satisfied customers. WE CHOOSE TO SELL ONLY THE BEST PRODUCTS If your silage is looking wet or may be contaminated you may want to consider: ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE One of the best known and respected of all acid silage preservatives, Add-F, is now available in a non-corrosive formula from us, called Add-F NC (for non-corrosive). Originally developed by BP forty years ago, Kemira Chemicals have now taken over production and have made it far safer by using their proven gaseous ammoniation buffering process to remove the adverse effects that the old Add-F had on machinery and skin. Add - F NC is ideal for: All silages that are low in sugar and/or have a high nitrate level and/or wet and contaminated grass. Add-F NC is 80% formic acid, known for many years as the most effective and rapid silage preservative. Formic acid treatment is often used as the benchmark when research scientists test the effectiveness of silage additives because of its known reliability and predictability. Unfortunately handling and corrosion problems have made it increasingly unpopular for farm use. Kemira has a good name for developing effective farmer and environmentally friendly products so we expect the new formulation to regain its former popularity. Now available in 205 and 1000 litre containers. We can usually deliver within 48 hours. CLAMPFILM They said it would never work, but Clampfilm IS now the accepted way to STOP top and shoulder waste... HAVE WE MISSED SPRING AND JUMPED STRAIGHT INTO SUMMER? The weather in recent weeks has been considerably warm for this time of year and with very little rain fall for the past month or so, many of you are taking full advantage of the weather out in the field, all we need now is some rain to get help out the crops! Whilst you are waiting for that much needed rain why not have a look through our summer range of compounds - we have a product to suit all need. All our products have our fixed formulation, no substitution and either flexible monthly or fixed pricing guarantee - who else can offer you this! Rich Dairy Range An excellent cost effective range starting with Rich Dairy 16% nuts. Excellent source of digestible fibre, good rumen protein supply. Ingredients: Wheatfeed, Wheat, Palm Kernal, Sunflower, Molasses, Soya Hulls, Rapemeal, Sugarbeet, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Select Range A highly cost effective range, which has sold very well through last winter. Ingredients: Wheat, Rapemeal, Barley, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Citrus, Molasses, Sunflower, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Enhance HDF Range Well balanced range with good protein, energy and quality fibre characteristics. Ingredients: Rapemeal, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Wheat, Barley, Molasses, Biscuitmeal, Hipro Soya, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Supreme HDF Range HE Supreme HDF 16 nuts is our most popular spring / summer ration, it accounts for over 40% of our spring / summer sales year on year. This is a high quality nut, made of high quality raw materials. This ration will help to maximise your milk production whilst maintaining butterfat levels at a time when the grass will naturally decrease them. Ingredients: Wheat, Maize, US Maize Distillers, Hipro Soya, Palm Kernal, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Sugarbeet,...
MAY 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SILAGE ADDITIVES... CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... HAVE WE MISSED SPRING AND JUMPED STRAIGHT INTO SUMMER?... THE IMPORTANCE OF MINERALS AND VITAMINS...
April 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SILAGE ADDITIVES... FRIENDLY BACTERIA WINS QUEEN'S AWARD... CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... HOW TO MAKE 10 PENCE PER LITRE EXTRA... AMINO PRO-TEK EASTER AND MAYDAY BANK HOLIDAY DELIVERIES The month ahead it set to be a busy one for all of us but we ask that you add one more thing to that list of things to do - TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR EASTER ORDERS BOOKED IN WITH US BY THURSDAY 14TH APRIL FOR ORDERS RIGHT THROUGH UNTIL FRIDAY 6TH MAY 2011. Obviously we will be in touch with each of you to discuss your requirements before that date. Limited deliveries on: Thursday 21st April Tuesday 26th April - Very Limited Wednesday 27th April Thursday 28th April Tuesday 3rd May - Very Limited Normal deliverys will resume on Wednesday 3rd May 2011. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE 2 WEEKENDS WHERE 4 CONSECUTIVE DAYS ARE NONE DELIVERY DAYS. No deliveries on: Friday 22nd April Saturday 23rd April Sunday 24th April Monday 25th April Friday 29th April Saturday 30th April Sunday 1st May Monday 2nd May SILAGE ADDITIVES If you haven't already booked your silage additive yet - give the office a call to discuss ECOSYL... Our sales of Ecosyl have increased tenfold over the last 2 years - surely those customers who choose to use it can't be wrong. We would like you to join our increasing list of very happy and satisfied customers. FRIENDLY BACTERIA WINS QUEEN'S AWARD Ecosyl Products is to receive Royal honours for development of friendly bacteria that increase food production, save water, improve harvest efficiency and may reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. In recognition of this outstanding achievement in innovation, Her Majesty The Queen is to confer upon Ecosyl Her Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2011. Ecosyl managing director, Dr Andy Beardsmore, speaking from the company’s international headquarters at Stokesley, said: “This award is a welcome boost for the whole bio-science sector in the North as well as a great honour for Ecosyl. We have a strong scientific base in the region, capable of delivering important innovations that benefit food security, our environment and our economy and it needs to be nurtured and supported by government.” Ecosyl’s Queen’s Award winning innovative products include ECOSYL ULV and ECOSYL 100 ultra-low volume biological inoculants for treatment and enhancement of forage for cows and sheep. “In the same way that you can preserve milk by adding bacteria to make yoghurt, adding our MTD/1 bacteria to grass and maize helps it ferment quickly and safely, saving proteins and nutrients for a tasty and highly productive feed that will store for long periods,” explained Dr Beardsmore. “Ecosyl’s ultra-low volume technology allows naturally sourced, friendly bacteria to be kept alive at very high concentrations, making them much easier to use in the preservation of winter feed for dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. The new products lead to a considerable reduction in the amount of water required during treatment. This enables contractors, having loaded with water at the beginning of a day, to complete a day’s work without refills. With the increase in distances between farm and field and in the size of harvesting equipment, this is a major benefit, increasing efficiency, as well as reducing costs.” Ecosyl’s biological technology was specifically developed to replace chemicals and acids that had various environmental and safety concerns including carcinogenic, corrosive and pollutant effects. Treating forage with Ecosyl inoculant also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide given off during the fermentation process and it appears that improvements in forage digestibility may also reduce the level of methane produced by cows fed Ecosyl treated crops. Both carbon dioxide and methane are important greenhouse gasses associated with global warming. Ecosyl is a world leader in new technologies that help farmers increase milk and meat production from home grown forages and this is the second time the company has received honours from The Queen, winning a 2007 award in the international trade category. Ecosyl’s ultra-low volume products have already found a ready market in both the UK and North America. Dr Beardsmore said: “This award is testament to the creativity and commitment of our research, manufacturing, sales and marketing and customer service teams and the tremendous support of distributors worldwide. We also owe much to the scientists, universities and research institutions who have always played an essential role in independently verifying the quality, efficacy and performance boosting activity of Ecosyl. “Getting more milk and meat from forage has long been a proven route to greater farm profits. But the significant rise in animal feed prices, from increasing global demand and weather effects on grain crops, puts silage quality firmly at the top of the agenda for everyone chasing efficient, cost effective livestock production and we are helping to achieve that goal in the friendliest way possible.” WE CHOOSE TO SELL ONLY THE BEST PRODUCTS If your silage is looking wet or may be contaminated you may want to consider: ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE One of the best known and respected of all acid silage preservatives, Add-F, is now available in a non-corrosive formula from us, called Add-F NC (for non-corrosive). Originally developed by BP forty years ago, Kemira Chemicals have now taken over production and have made it far safer by using their proven gaseous ammoniation buffering process to remove the adverse effects that the old Add-F had on machinery and skin. Add - F NC is ideal for: All silages that are low in sugar and/or have a high nitrate level and/or wet and contaminated grass. Add-F NC is 80% formic acid, known for many years as the most effective and rapid silage preservative. Formic acid treatment is often used as the benchmark when research scientists test the effectiveness of silage additives because of its known reliability and predictability. Unfortunately handling and corrosion problems have made it increasingly unpopular for farm use. Kemira has a good name for developing effective farmer and environmentally friendly products so we expect the new formulation to regain its former popularity. Now available in 205 and 1000 litre containers. We can usually deliver within 48 hours. CLAMPFILM They said it would never work, but Clampfilm IS now the accepted way to STOP top and shoulder waste... HOW TO MAKE 10 PENCE PER LITRE EXTRA As the price of milk appears to be on the increase to you at last (and may it continue to rise), we feel that perhaps those of you who are currently using whole milk for calf rearing should consider using milk powders as an alternative. With the average whole milk price around 26p - 28p per litre, dependent on your buyer, the price of milk powders are on average 15p - 17p...
April 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SILAGE ADDITIVES... FRIENDLY BACTERIA WINS QUEEN'S AWARD... CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... HOW TO MAKE 10 PENCE PER LITRE EXTRA... AMINO PRO-TEK...