The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2015 - Issue 41 | Page 68

Lowfields Farm The Inside Story in Brompton Keeping cows inside all year has many benefits, as Chris Berry discovered when he met dairy farmer Geoff Spence at Lowfields Farm, Brompton. »»There was a time when the mere mention of keeping cows inside all year round would have brought frowns from traditionalist dairy farmers, but today the practice is becoming much more commonplace, especially among those with larger herds - and seemingly with very good reason. Geoff Spence and his son, Christopher, have housed their dairy herd for several years and they have seen great benefits for cow welfare as well as increased milk production. Their milking herd runs to 600 dairy cows and they have a further 600 heifers either ready to come on as replacements or to supplement the existing dairy cow numbers, or indeed to sell to other dairy herds. Geoff believes indoor dairy farming is the key to being able to manage fluctuations in the weather and also the present milk price. “Cows don’t like extremes of temperature when it may be cold and wet, or too hot; and with the ventilation and more comfortable accommodation we provide, they are much happier in their environment. “Their diet is more consistent than if they were out in the fields and subject to the vagaries of the weather. We milk them three times a day and they’re currently achieving a herd average just short of 12,000 litres and lasting for six lactations, double the lifespan of some herds. “We’ve always bred for depth and strength and we use Genus all the time which has proved invaluable. We keep away from breeding a big Holstein cow by maintaining the Friesian presence,” he explained. “Producing so many replacements also gives us the option of increasing production when the market is as volatile as it is at present.” Lowfields Farm has taken an active part in Open Farm Sunday for the past four years. Geoff is keen to show the public where milk comes from and is at pains to point out its dietary benefit, contrary to the poor press whole milk received some years ago. He is also delighted with the response he has received from those who visit. Suppliers of quality aggregates to the Farming and building industry in the North East since 1929 Huge selection of products for a wide range of projects Proud suppliers to Geoff Spence & wish him continued success Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd are pleased to be associated with Geoff and Jonathan Spence & wish them continuous success. [email protected] - www.chaslongaggregates.co.uk www.brmltd.co.uk 01325 378552 Birkby Lane, East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX T: 01748 811359 - F: 01748 818508 68 Aug/Sep 2015 www.farmers-mart.co.uk