Tom Little

Last updated at 13:59, Thursday, 31 January 2013

Cutting edge dairy technology is to be sampled by Cumbrian farmers in the first event at the new Wigton Auction Mart

‘Spy it, try it, buy it’ takes place on Monday February 15th and will feature experts in the latest herd management and dairy technology.

The day features host of seminars between 10am-3pm, which are given by experts from farming giants such as SAC Consulting, Pfizer, Semex, the NFU and others.

Topics covered include the importance of feed and nutrition; maximising nutrient management; improving the calf rearing environment; current market trends; genetics; the Dairy Code of Practice; monitoring fertility and infections to increase milk production; and renewable and efficient energy.

For Jimmy Goldie, SAC Senior Dairy Consultant, these are vital topics for farmers to consider in the coming months. He said: “While feeding is a vital element of profitability, herd management to take care of issues including fertility, lameness and mastitis is also key.

“Whether it’s summer or winter, farmers need to ensure their cows are fully fed, therefore giving the maximum yield they can.”

Demonstrations on the day will include an automatic calf feeder supplied by Lely and a mixer feeder wagon from Keenan. The event has also attracted over 40 trade stands.

It has been organised by local staff from SAC Consulting - a Division of Scotland’s Rural College - via Rural Skills Cumbria (RSC).

This event will see Hopes Auction Mart open the doors of its recently completed bespoke Auction facility to the public for the first time.

The new mart comprises a 6000 sq metre fully covered mart with penning for 1500 cattle or 6000 sheep at any one time.

Auction mart offices, associated office space together with a licensed restaurant and furniture saleroom are also part of the new mart.

Dairy farmers can collect Dairy Pro CPD points by attending the event – see www.dairypro.co.uk for more details. The next “Spy it, Try It, Buy It” day will be in May, focusing on grassland management.

For further details please contact the event manager Natalie Dennison on 07704 766190

First published at 11:00, Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com