Field lab - How do liquid minerals affect dairy cow health and productivity?
What?
This field lab is for farmers interested in improving cow health by the use of mineral supplements. Having demonstrated need from blood and urine sample results, a blend of liquid minerals has been produced for use on Park Farm. A study is being run to see if strategic dosing of water with minerals enhances cow health and ultimately productivity. Whilst this approach is commonplace in non-organic production it does not fit easily within the organic standards, so the aim is to understand how supplementation compares with other short and long term methods of overcoming deficiencies.
When?
The first meeting will be held on Thursday 2 May between 11.30am and 2.30pm. A light lunch will be provided.
Format of the meeting:
- Introduction to Park Farm dairy – Jeremy Dale, Park Farm
- Overview of Field Labs, how they work – Euan Brierley, Soil Association
- Farm walk – Jeremy Dale
- The use of liquid minerals to improve cow health and productivity - Nigel Kendall, Nottingham University
- Group discussion and study design
- Wrap up discussion and setting next meetings – Euan Brierley, Soil Association
Please tell us if you wish to attend this meeting by calling 0117 914 2400 or emailing producer.support@soilassociation.org to ensure we have enough space for discussion.
How to get there:
Park Farm, Minsterley, Shropshire SY5 0DH
By road: Take the A488 Bishops Castle road out of Shrewsbury and follow this to Minsterley. After the creamery at the roundabout turn right onto the B4499 (Leigh Road) after 200 yards turn left at the button roundabout and follow the road for about ¼ mile. Approximately 200 yards after the cemetery you will see a concrete drive signed Park Farm. Any problems please call 07968 328647.
Where?
Park Farm is owned and managed by Jeremy Dale and is home to around 300 cows producing in the region of 1.2m litres of organic milk from grass. All the milk is sold via OMSCo.