Farm Feature: A fifth-generation dairy farmer driving sustainability
As part of the UK Dairy Carbon Network, we are profiling farms who are taking part in the project. This month, we visit a mixed dairy and arable farm in Staffordshire that combines tradition, innovation and a clear-eyed focus on sustainability.
A longstanding family enterprise
Rosie farms alongside her brother, Mike, just south of Stafford where the family have been farming for five generations and today manage over 1,000 acres, split roughly 50/50 between dairy and arable.
The dairy side of the business is home to 320 milking cows and around 600 head of stock in total. The cows are high-yielding pedigree Holsteins that have been managed as a closed herd for almost 20 years.
“We breed all our own replacements and genomically test all heifers now,” Rosie explains. “We’ve got a strong focus on genetics, and the herd has been pedigree for more than 50 years.”
The herd averages around 10,000 litres, with a strong emphasis on milk from forage, which currently sits at around 8,000 litres per hectare over a rolling 12-month period. Cows graze during the summer months between milking, with a total mixed ration (TMR) buffer fed at night. Late-lactation and dry cows are fully grazed between April and October.
On the forage side, Rosie says: “We aim for four cuts of clamped grass each year. We’re predominantly on ryegrass leys with some clover in the mix.” The rotation also includes forage maize, which fits well into their arable system and serves as a break crop.
In recent years, the family have added a bespoke calf-rearing shed, new youngstock housing and are currently replacing their silage clamps to improve the storage facilities and increase capacity.
“We’re always looking to invest and improve. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about future-proofing the farm,” says Rosie.
Why join the UK Dairy Carbon Network?
Rosie was encouraged to join the network through Harper Adams University, with whom the farm has a long-standing relationship.
“We’ve done a lot on genetics, herd health, and efficiency but emissions and methane are an area we’ve not yet tackled directly. This project gives us the chance to look at new areas and contribute to the bigger conversation.”
Rosie is clear that being proactive on emissions is vital for the future of dairy:
“Dairy is a nutritionally dense, valuable food, but there are legitimate pressures on the industry. We can’t ignore that. We want to show that we’re taking responsibility and continuously improving so that consumers can feel confident about the dairy products they buy.”
Focus areas: feed, fertiliser and foot health
As part of the project, Rosie and the team have worked with the Network’s Farm Liaison Officer, Kelly Seaton to identify three potential areas of focus for reducing the farm’s greenhouse gas emissions and improving efficiency.
One priority is improving forage quality and feed formulation. Working alongside the farm’s nutritionist, the team plans to explore adjustments that could boost overall efficiency and help lower emissions per litre of milk produced.
Another area of progress is lameness reduction, particularly in managing digital dermatitis. Rosie credits their involvement in AHDB’s Healthy Feet programme for helping to drive improvements. “We’ve trialled different chemicals in the footbath, replaced some of the automatic scrapers to improve hygiene, and ramped up preventative foot trimming and mobility scoring,” she explains. “We’re now consistently below 15% on lameness, and often below 10%.”
Finally, fertiliser efficiency presents a significant opportunity. Rosie acknowledges that fertiliser use has been highlighted as an area for improvement and is keen to make changes. “We’re looking to upgrade our spreader and explore more precise application with soil mapping,” she says, noting this could offer both environmental and economic benefits.
Looking Ahead
The next step is a joint on-farm meeting with Harper Adams, the farm’s nutritionist and Kelly to firm up the action plan for the year ahead.
So, what does Rosie hope to gain from the project?
“Learning. A better understanding of what works on this farm to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. And better tools to communicate with our local community and beyond to show what the industry is doing to reduce its environmental impact.”